Early in December, my cat Smudge, who had been my constant companion for at least twelve years, died in a road accident. He had acquired several co-owners in neighbouring flats and houses, was a regular fixture in Chino's Cafe in Hampton and an intermittent pub-goer, and had the habit of colonising the instrument cases of any musicians who came round to rehearse with me.

In the greater scheme of things, this does not seem an especially notable event, but Smudge is much missed by myself and others, and I thought it would be appropriate at Christmas to raise a few memories and some money for a very worthwhile local charity whose work I have seen and appreciated. Please take a look at the information below, consider making a donation, and think of your friends, neighbours and pets at Christmas and throughout the year.

Here is more information about the Otakar Kraus Music Trust:

Our mission is to ensure that every child and adult has access to affordable music therapy in the community, helping to improve their well-being and quality of life through creative and participatory music making. We are dedicated to making a difference to some of society’s most vulnerable people, by helping them to communicate, concentrate, gain confidence, make friends, and take part with pride in community activities. “OKMT offers a wonderful, supportive space for my child to develop music skills. It has brought light into our lives.”