Hello everyone
      As usual at this time of year, this edition of your magazine has been a little late in production while we waited for the outcome of the AGM to confirm our new committee. I have been thankful for the extra time as I recently had to take an unplanned trip to the UK for several weeks to help look after my elderly mother while one of my sisters was in hospital. Fortunately Chris has now recovered well but mum, sadly, is not so great.
   My two older sisters, as well as running their own households, provide 24-hour supervision and care for mum in her own home who, at 98, has lately developed dementia, as well as suffering a general deterioration in many normal functions. Taking on this task for only a short time opened my eyes to the wonderful work that permanent carers do for those who cannot look after themselves, be they young or old, with mental or physical disabilities. If you know of someone in this situation please do try to help—just sitting in for an hour or two can give a carer a much-needed break and, believe me, they really deserve it.
   While one of mum’s problems is a serious loss of memory, with a little prompting she was still able to recite the cautionary tale of the mouse and the cake, often told to me during my childhood. This poem is on page 47
   This time last year CAP’s bellringers gave their first public performance to members. Now we are regularly invited to play at Cortijo Park, and will soon be giving a short concert for ASPANDEM in San Pedro. As many of our ringers are not here permanently, we could do with one or two more members. It is not necessary to be able to read music, although this does help. If you would like to give it a try please contact Marianne on 952 819115, or at weekly Wednesday meetings.

 All contributions for the magazine to me please, by fax, e-mail, or at our weekly Wednesday meetings. Deadline for next issue: Friday 13 June 2008.

Celia
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