IT's the end of an era for the Harry Goulden Big Band.

Harry and his fellow jazz musicians have left St Mary's Club in Dial Street which has been their home for the past 13 years and moved to an alternative venue. The club and the land it stands on have been sold and is due to close at Christmas so the band has moved to Westy.

Harry, the group's founder said: "I am very disappointed, not just for the band, but for everyone who uses the club.

"Some people have been going there for more than 60 years and many of them would stand and listen to us play.

"We've had some really good times there and we will be sad to leave."

Westy will now echo to the sound of the 17-piece jazz band every Monday as they rehearse at Westy's Club, off Grange Avenue. Harry says visitors are still welcome to go along and listen to them.

Many regulars are devastated that the club will close, but it is need of repair and cannot afford to pay for them. The money will be used to renovate St Mary's Church.

One of the club's regulars, who did not wish to be named, said: "There are a lot of elderly people who come here who will have nowhere else to go after the club closes.

"We are all totally gutted. It really is a terrible shame."

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