For the real meaning of Christmas in this commercial age, you should have joined us at the Southend Mencap Music School Christmas Concert last Friday.

David Stanley and Val Wilcox had their usual team of helpers putting on a splendid show involving students of all ages, plus a team of young volunteers from the Eastwood School.

These young folk were tired from working on their own school production of Les Miserables, but they insisted on turning out to help the Mencap students fill the Highlands Church with people and Christmas spirit.

When everyone joined in the full version of The 12 Days of Christmas it was plain to see the season of goodwill had begun.

Ric Morgan Hobleythick Lane
Westcliff