IN 1947, members of St Luke's Church choir got together to bring some musical cheer to Headless Cross on the two days leading up to Christmas, writes Helen Clarke.

The 19-strong group visited Smallwood Hospital, the White Hart Hotel and the Seven Stars and collected the princely sum of twenty-two pounds and ten shillings, given to the Church of England Waifs and Strays.

From this humble beginning, St Luke's Carol Party was formed - and is still going strong more than half a century later.

After the initial performance in 1947, up until 1982, all the money raised went towards providing an Old Folks Treat, which was a tea and concert for the elderly residents of Headless Cross.

This was held in the Methodist schoolroom when about 70 elderly people were given a festive tea, followed by entertainment from local artists such as Beszants Band, the Hughes Brothers and Cliff Field to name just a few.

But in 1982, this treat for the old folk had to stop because of costs and more and more people reaching the age of 70 in the parish.

The Carol Party then started to focus its fund-raising skills on needy youngsters as it began to raise money for the Save the Children Christmas Light up a Life appeal, something which has continued to this day.

Carol Party chairman David Chatterley said: After all this time, the Choir Party is still going strong and I hope to keep it going for as long as possible.

It's a real mixed group of people, from 15 year olds to pensioners.

In 1997 we had our 50th anniversary celebration and two members of the original 1947 party came to meet the current members.

There's only a few original singers alive now - one lives in Webheath and the others live around the country - and it was wonderful to speak with some of the 1947 members.

In February, the group received a letter from Beryl Class from Save the Children.

Mrs Class wrote: It is without doubt that St Luke's carol singers hold the record for the longest-standing carol singer supporters of Save the Children.

It's only with the help of supporters such as yourselves that we can continue to work towards a world where each child is guaranteed a safe and happy childhood.

Once again this year, singers will be out and about during the week leading up to Christmas Day, continuing the group's tradition of singing in homes and houses in the Headless Cross area.

Anybody who wants to know more can call Mr Chatterley on 542389.