On Thursday 16th November, the Stourport Carers Group had an Early Christmas Celebration at their usual monthly meeting, which takes place at the Methodist Coffee Lounge on High Street, Stourport-upon-Severn. This is the third year that a similar event has taken place in November as the group does not meet up in December. It seems to be a nice way to end the year.

This year, Sylvia, who is the facilitator of the group, and her good friend (and music teacher) Caroline decided to entertain the group with popular music and Christmas Carols. The proceedings started with Sylvia on clarinet and Caroline on piano playing music from West Side Story. This included "Maria", "Tonight", "Somewhere" and "One Hand, One Heart". This was followed by three solo pieces on the piano by Caroline- "Somewhere over the Rainbow", "A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square" and "People Who Need People". Sylvia and Caroline then played "Memory" from the musical "Cats". Finally, a selection of well-known Christmas Carols brought the event to a close. 

We were allowed to play our music in the church itself, which is a very beautiful building, and then we retired to the adjoining Coffee Lounge where we all enjoyed minced pies, jaffa cakes, teas and coffee. 

Special thanks must be given to Caroline who insisted on waiving her normal performance fee as she is aware of the excellent work done by Worcestershire Association of Carers.

All of the members of the group are now eagerly looking forward to the next musical extravaganza.