Who needs Britain’s Got Talent when there’s plenty locally – as shown by The Orchard Players in their most recent show, “Musical of Dreams.” It was a cleverly written piece which tells how a young teenage boy finds the courage to stand up to school bullies and then the confidence to audition in a musical show at his school. The plot leads conveniently from musical to musical, picking out the appropriate songs on the way. Many of the cast were youngsters from around the Capel area, and they showed just what talented performers they are, singing, dancing and acting out the storyline.  It was a really heart-warming tale full of well-known songs, and presented with skill and poise, and our group of Capel Ladies who saw it went home singing some of the tunes in their heads! A real tonic for a dark, January evening!

Our AGM this year was held online and the accounts, Chairlady’s report and voting in of the new committee were emailed out to members who had the chance to reply or comment in the same way. Mary Butters asked at our ‘In’ Meeting whether there were any queries about any aspect to do with these items, and there were none.

Our first regular meeting of the year was a social get-together with a chance to catch up with other members and then join in the Backwards Raffle. Thanks to Di Barker who organised the prizes for this, although unfortunately she could not be there herself. This was a fun activity which caused much laughter and regular swapping of prizes!

We finished the evening with cake and coffee, and now look forward to an afternoon tea meet-up at the Bluebell Café on Thursday 17^th February.  “Staying Fit and Healthy” is the subject of our next meeting on Thursday 3^rd March. Local Physio Tom Leith and Pilates instructor Jill Sharp will be there, and we hope to launch our charity fund-raiser for this year – The Blossom Appeal – with a speaker who will update us on the progress of the new cancer treatment centre at Ipswich Hospital. We will also be having a stall selling Pink Items to raise money for this during the evening. Promises to be a busy night! On 17th March we are off to The Outlook Restaurant, at Fox’s Marina, for lunch or possibly afternoon tea, to be confirmed! Our first April meeting (on 7th April) will be a theatre trip to the Wolsey to see “The Birds and the Bees!” Plenty of variety in the new programme then! Hopefully, some of you non-members reading this will maybe think about joining our ranks! You’re all very welcome!