My PA Sue picks me up at a quarter to ten; I'm ready for the Stroke Group Christmas party, including the bag with my costume in it for my part in the show.
People are already arriving when we reach the GPCA building on Abercrombie Way, and soon we're busy. Sue shows an unexpected dab hand at applying make-up to male senior citizens, and I'm asked to take everyone's names - but they're arriving so thick and fast it's impossible.
There are glitter wigs, crepe paper hula skirts, party hats and antlers, pantomime dames with balloons stuffed down their fronts; in short, it's a total riot. When people are settled with tea and coffee, the show starts. I've been asked to read out a poem written specially for the occasion by one of the club members - and then there's a series of acts, including youngsters Curtis on guitar and Paige singing, who really impress everyone.
The grand finale of the show is a sing-along to Slade's Merry Christmas Everybody, with - of all things - me at the front dressed like Noddy Holder from Slade, in a blonde mullet wig, glittery top hat and tartan trousers.
Then it's time for lunch. The spread is much appreciated by everyone, and it's also an opportunity for Sue to sell any last-minute raffle tickets for the Chairman's Christmas Raffle in support of the stroke group.
The raffle is drawn after lunch, and - ably assisted by 'Christmas fairy' George in purple tinsel wig - we pick out and announce the winning tickets. Thanks to the generosity of the Harvey Centre Management, Barratt Homes, Kier Harlow, and other local firms, we've got some excellent prizes on offer, and some delighted winners.
After I've gone home, Sue emails me to tell me that the Christmas Draw has raised over £1,400 for the Stroke Support Group, which is fantastic news.
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