The Music To Your Ears Group will begin work on its annual Christmas show on Tuesday, October 13. The first meeting takes place at 12.30pm at the Strabane Health Improvement Project (SHIP) in Ballycolman, the group's new home.

Music To Your Ears is a self-help mental health project for men over 55 that has been running for a number of years. Its shows have showcased Strabane through the years.

The group is inviting anyone with a musical ear or a good story to tell to come along and add their voices. SHIP co-ordinator Jarlath McNulty will facilitate the inaugural meeting.

Long-standing member John McGinley said as the group gears up for another Christmas show, he welcomes everyone who wants to contribute to come along and join in. He noted there is always great camaraderie and the group is always looking for new members. He said it will be lovely to see familiar faces again and hopefully a few new ones to add to the Christmas show, which is a great way to end the year.

McGinley said the group has been beset by a number of absences, namely the passing of Pat McGuigan, Aiden Cookie Dunne and most recently Trevor McClay. He said these men were part of the group's fabric and are sorely missed, with each man getting their own tributes in the show, ensuring they are honoured in a fitting manner.