The Arlenes and Ted Hudson

Jack Hudson gives a virtuoso performance

The highly-rated Arlenes

80 service users celebrated Christmas a week early when Southwark Mind hosted a party at the Lorrimore on Saturday December 18th .

The main focus of the evening was the live entertainment which took place. Poet Fatma Durmush had been booked to perform but was otherwise engaged on the evening itself. She sent along a "fake Fatma" who recited a selection of Fatma's poems. Frank Bangay also gave a spirited performance of live poetry, which included extracts from his book "Naked Songs and Rhythms of Hope." As well as this, 'Smiley' performed a floor spot, singing along to his own idiosyncratic guitar accompaniment.

Veteran folk singer/songwriter Jack Hudson was next. Although he is from Derby, his sister lives in Lorrimore Square and quite a few of his family members seemed to be in the audience. He was a nice surprise, treating us to a virtuoso display of singing and guitar- playing, proving that he's a great songwriter, and earning a very enthusiastic audience response.

Headlining were country-rock outfit The Arlenes, whose singer, Big Steve, compered the evening. His dad, the Rev. John Pulford, was vicar at St. Paul's Church until 3D years ago and this was the first time Steve had set foot in the place for decades. Steve and Stephanie made a great husband-wife harmonic duo as the three-piece performed all of the songs from their recently released self- titled debut CD, as well as other material including a cover of 'Suspicious Minds' by the king of rock 'n' roll Elvis Presley.

The music throughout the evening was gentle, professional, tuneful and entertaining. A good time was had by all, helped along by the drink and cakes provided by Southwark Mind. Hopefully we shall find seasonal excuses to organise local shows like this again in the near future.