There was a real surprise in store for Tredegar’s MD Ian Porthouse in the heart of Cardiff last weekend, when members of the band engineered a secret rendezvous to help him celebrate his forthcoming 50th birthday.

The plan had been organised by Ian’s wife Leanne and their son Harry, who managed to persuade him to enjoy a night away from banding to go to Cardiff - with a meal at TGI Friday to start the evening off.

Moustache

Unbeknown to Ian though, members of the band were already there to welcome him with a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’, as well as beer mats featuring pictures of him in his younger banding days – complete with wonderful moustache.

With the help of a cake, 50th birthday balloons and specially made Ian Porthouse face masks everyone had a great time – with some of younger element going on to enjoy a late night of revelry!

Unbeknown to Ian though, members of the band were already there to welcome him with a chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’, as well as beer mats featuring pictures of him in his younger banding days – complete with wonderful moustache.

Revenge

Ian said: “I thought it was going to be a quiet night – but when we got there it was like being back at practice. My thanks go to everyone, especially Leanne and Harry for making it such a special occasion, even though my birthday is a few days away yet!

I will take my revenge out on the rest of the band in rehearsals though...!”