The 55 PLUS team of St Charles parish, Tunapuna decided to close off operations until October to facilitate the many members who are travelling during this vacation period. Being the vibrant group that they are, they did it in style.

On the evening of July 25, 55 people (by coincidence the number the restaurant could facilitate) including parish priest Fr Reginald Hezekiah, gathered at the Imperial Gardens restaurant at Grand Bazaar.

There they enjoyed a sumptuous Chinese buffet dinner, followed by superb entertainment provided by various members of the parish. It was truly an exercise in collaborative ministry and solidarity.

Fr Reggie (standing, right) listens attentively to Mary Salina and friends

Norman Salandy, lector, outdid himself as Master of Ceremonies. Marvin Bethelmy, choir member, led us on a pleasant journey in song down memory lane.

Krisson Joseph, choir member, roused dormant memories with his calypso countdown.

Mary Salina, 55 PLUS member, and friends 9involved in various parish ministries) did a stirring rendition of There’s a New World Somewhere. Patsy Jack (55 PLUS) performed a monologue supported by Maria Alexander in song, inviting membership to the team.

Maria Alexander, secretary of the 55 PLUS group, was the scintillating star of the evening with her melodious offerings of back-in-times romantic songs. To top it all off, Farida Chapman held the audience enthralled by her impromptu narrative “Old Age is A Monster”.

The piece was amazingly appropriate and thoroughly appreciated. Through it all Pamela Theroulde of the choir provided back up music on the keyboard, supported by Marvin Bethelmy on guitar.

Even the youth did their bit, Jean-Pierre Wafe lent his photographic skills to record the occasion for posterity.

During the proceedings, Krisson Joseph, who is home on vacation, was presented with a fruit basket n behalf of the parish, as a token of appreciation for the number of years he has been singing for us.

The entire package created a splendid evening of entertainment, camaraderie and relaxation. Congratulations to Maria Alexander and the 55 PLUS team!