IT was like a homecoming for musical brothers John and Derrick Spurgeon as their band played two gigs at Newbourne in a week – both of them sell-outs.It made the events special occasions for the pair, who were brought up in the village, and even better nights when the takings were totalled as the concerts had raised nearly £2,000 for charity.

IT was like a homecoming for musical brothers John and Derrick Spurgeon as their band played two gigs at Newbourne in a week – both of them sell-outs.

It made the events special occasions for the pair, who were brought up in the village, and even better nights when the takings were totalled as the concerts had raised nearly £2,000 for charity.

The brothers and fellow members of the Golden Era Tribute Band – new singer Alec Robinson, and musicians Mick Chennell and Barry Durrant – played for the third year running at a garden party in aid of Newbourne Church.

The event, held in the seven-acre garden of Judy Riggs, of Fenn House, who has opened her home for the party annually for the last 20 years, was a fantastic evening and raised around £750 for St Mary's.

The church, which stands on high ground in the centre of the village, dates back to Norman times and its chancel and other features are early English. Money is constantly needed for its upkeep.

A week later and the band was back in the village – this time playing at the village hall to round off the community's fun day, helping to raise more than £1,000 for Cancer Research and the St Elizabeth Hospice.

John and Derrick, base player and drummer, were thrilled to play at the village hall as they lived in Newbourne as youngsters.

"We lived there for 18 years and it was the first time we had played in the hall so it was like a real homecoming, playing front of all those familiar faces – like going back in time," said John.

"It was a great night and we are just so pleased that it was a sell-out and went so well for the village and the charities.

"We just love to play for a good cause – if there are people willing to listen we will play, anytime, anywhere."

When John and Derrick lived in Newbourne, they lived at the Giants' House, which in the 1860s was home to two other brothers, giants George and Meadows Page, both more than 7ft 5in tall, who joined a travelling fair.

The band plays rock 'n' roll and music from the 1960s, including songs by The Beatles, Searchers and Roy Orbison.

n People wishing to book the band for a charity event should contact Derrick Spurgeon on 01473 736433.