KARATE black belts kicked their way into a meeting in Quedgeley thinking they were going to show off their skills to wannabe martial arts learners.
But Peter Langley, who runs the GKR Karate Club, was surprised when they walked in, wearing full costume, to a sparsely attended, sit down annual meeting of Quedgeley Parish Council on Thursday night.
"I was quite excited about going along as we thought it would be a good opportunity to recruit new members," he said.
"But we didn't really fit in with the whole event. It wasn't really our target audience."
The meeting might have been a let down for the karate gang but Quedgeley parish councillors have hailed it a success.
Community groups and organisations were able to set up stalls to show off the work they do.
And the county's police and crime commissioner Martin Surl did a talk.
Councillor Chris Pearce, parish council chairman, said: "No one wants to sit there all night listening to me so making it more informal was a good idea.
"It's about the community rather than the parish council. I'd like to do it again next year."
