As a change from the usual style of evening, a musical session developed from a talk given by music therapist Helen Barley at the October meeting.

She began her career as a music tutor, then her interest in its beneficial effect led her to take a post graduate degree in music therapy at the Guildhall School of Music.

There are only 275 qualified therapists in the country.

Helen told how the use of music can build skills of awareness, self confidence, social skills and self expression for people who cannot speak or communicate, or for those with depression, dementia etc, and including autism.

Members were encouraged to improvise on the theme of "water", using various instruments, such as harps and percussion.