THE last time we spoke, midway between Christmas and New Year, I didn't have the space to tell you about the Colin Worth Memorial Concert, which has been arranged for March 28 at Derby Ward Labour Club in Deane Road, Bolton.

Those of you who follow this column, and my practical involvement with swing music, will know that I am the drummer with Jeriatric Jazz, the mainstream and bebop band formed almost seven years ago by Colin.

He was one of the most talented and influential figures on the local music scene throughout the second half of the 20th century.

His distinct vocal interpretations of songs from the library of great standards earned him a loyal fan base who followed him through the Golden Years at The Toby Inn In Edgworth, The Top Story Club and the Empress Club in Bolton, to name but three. In the autumn of his life, singing as well as ever, Colin launched Jeriatric Jazz with a bunch of pals, all former or current professional musicians. His enthusiasm and popularity made Jeriatric Jazz a potent force and a number of people who follow the band say that its very existence has given them a reason to 'get out' and revive their social life.

It is to honour Colin's memory, and the huge contribution he made to entertainment in his home town, that the concert to benefit Bolton Hospice will be staged in March.

It will coincide with the first anniversary of his death in the hospice and be a repeat of the jazz spectacular staged at the same venue to benefit his widow, around the same time last year.

That means the five bands who shared the billing will be back. They are: The Chas Hooper Swing Six; the Guy Porteous Trio with Joanna James; Blue Delight with John Hargreaves; the Northern Jazz All Stars; Jeriatric Jazz, and special guest appearances by vocalistes Rachel Ashley and Jo Lester and trumpeter Mick Burns from the Shades Orchestra and Mark Gilbanks Big Band.

The bar will be open until midnight and the show will run from 8pm. Tickets, priced £5, are available from the club (01204 531114), any Jeriatric Jazz gig or yours truly (01204 307329).