A short business meeting with lots of information:

• Our turn to send a delegate to the national AGM in 2016,

• Dates for the drop in sessions to view the new Breast Cancer Unit in Worcester 14 January between 6pm and 8pm

• Trip to National Space Centre 12 April 2016

• A Joseph sing-along at Hanley Swan 5 March

• Children of Eden at Swan Theatre, Worcester 19-23 April

• A donation of £100 has been sent to Sight Concern

• Denman Bursaries will be drawn at the meal in January

• Cropthorne’s 100 bulbs will be planted next year

Then we really got into the swing with music from Betsy Harmony. A very talented young lady who has been singing professionally for many years and has toured in musicals, panto and with singing groups. You would have thought being princess was every girls dream but she is a self confessed tom boy, though did embrace the make up and beehive hair do when performing. Our singing began with White Christmas then moved on through music hall numbers; the golden age of dance bands in the 20’s and 30’s, (Yes we all joined in when we knew the words). Betsy intersperses her singing with anecdotes about herself and her career, information about the music and a brief insight into how the music has been influenced by cultural changes. We moved onto the Christmas songs and others from the 40’s including a jive version of Jingle Bells, and the most covered Christmas song (I’m not revealing that in case you book her too). After a break for refreshments and a chance to browse the book and gift stalls we were into the 50’s with one of her favourites, mine too, ‘All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth’. Then an adaptation of Mr Sandman called of course Mr Santa. We ended with a selection of Christmas numbers. Finally the one always played in her home on Christmas Day; “Slade” called out one of out members, but no - “Bring me Sunshine”. Betsy prepares all her own backing tracks and has been singing solo for 4 years as a full time career. A great night.

If you are interested in joining or just want to come along to one or two meetings contact 01386 861966.

DIANE BARLOW