ORGANISERS of a monthly Wyre Forest country music night will bid a fond farewell to their much-loved chairman who has sadly died.

Tony Hinton was one of the driving forces behind Wyre Valley Country Music Club which hosts regular shows at the St Ambrose Parish Centre in Leswell Street.

But he died on Monday, January 15, aged 81 following a short battle with illness. His funeral will take place at Wyre Forest Crematorium on Friday, February 9 at 3pm.

Wyre Valley’s latest show on Friday, February 2, will be dedicated to the former district council chairman’s memory.

Recently formed band Badlands will be performing on the night and, although each member has been involved in the country music scene for many years.

Singer and lead guitarist Russ Kitchen has performed at a previous show held by Wyre Valley Country Music Club.

Club secretary Maggie Griffiths said: “This month’s show is tinged with more than a little sadness as we have lost Tony.

“We are of course dedicating this show to Tony's memory, so we really would like to see as many people turn up as possible.

“Whilst we know and understand that not everyone will be able to make it, we hope country music fans will join us in thinking about and honouring him.

“It was one of Tony's wishes that we make every effort to keep the club going, so with myself and our committee we will try to honour that wish.

“Badlands are a fairly new group but each member individually has clocked up many years of country music experience in one form or another. We know Russ will be warmly welcomed here again and he is backed by guitar, harmony vocals, bass and drums so we can be assured of a good night.”

Mr Hinton served on Wyre Forest District Council in the Greenhill ward from 2000 to 2004 and was authority chairman in 2002. Originally elected to Health Concern, he switched to the Conservatives in 2003.

Friday’s show starts at 8pm and entry costs £7 on the door. For more information, contact Maggie Griffiths on 01562 630856.