Birmingham, October 2nd 2004.

Autumn: season of mellow fruitfulness

Ten of us gathered with instruments and voices on a fine Saturday morning.
We were a mixed bunch that included a professional singer, a delivery van
driver, a pregnant pagan, an ex-rock chick (her phrase), a psychotherapist
and a metal worker.

We began with some movement to wake us all up, and tune us in: Chakra Ti
Chi, in which we cheerfully aimed the slow energetic movements from our
hearts at each other in mutual regard.  Then, sitting in a circle, we
developed vocal sound out of our breathing.  After that we freed up with
instruments as well as voices, and the music began to flow.

After a shared lunch, we listened to some original and some already written
poems, brought and read by participants.  Rhythms and melodies arose
spontaneously out of these, marvellously. The bringers were often deeply
moved to hear their precious words enhanced musically.  All too soon the day
was ended, and all went home refreshed, and perhaps something more, too.

We all thanked Karen, who had put her house at our disposal, and kept us
snacked and watered.

Comments from participants came later:

"I'd just like to thank you very much for today, it was wonderful.  Very,
very exciting." Elaine.

"Thanks for arranging a super day on Saturday, I really enjoyed myself,
surprised myself too!  I was a little shy, as I've never done that sort of
thing before ...  I really had a great time, with a super bunch of people."
Sue.

"Enjoyed the day on Saturday  ... it certainly aired a few emotions!! ...
pleased with the poem improvisation in the afternoon - haven't done that
before.  I thoroughly enjoyed the 'open-ness' of everyone involved in the
day ... all very positive, interesting and giving.  I did find the day very
'healing' ........ and I certainly was in need of that."  Stella.

"This was an excellent day that I thoroughly enjoyed. Clement was in fine
form, producing a variety of ideas and well-springs that we drew from to
make music. The group was a good mix, ages gender etc. and it is clear that
Clement is held in high regard up there, quite rightly too. There was plenty
of space to explore and express and I personally made full use of that and
felt very comfortable in doing so, thanks Clement.
There was a moment of real contact between myself and one of the other group
members through the improvisation that moved us directly into the
Transpersonal, and which has stayed with me ever since."  Russell.

[Clement & Russell were the only M&P Members there.]