The former special needs teacher started the Bracknell and Wokingham Muscular Dystrophy UK branch in 1981, after she saw at first-hand how much support was needed by the families she had met while teaching.
About 50 people usually attend the popular event, which over the years has raised a total of £4767.
Clare, a respected children’s poet, reads many of her own creations. But she and others also recite traditional Dickens and popular Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer ditties.
It is held in their local village hall in Crowthorne and Christmas tea with chocolate roll and mince pies, is part of the story-telling afternoon.
Top Tips from Clare
• Why not build a regular festive event like this - which is popular with families?
• Everyone looks forward to dressing up in Christmas outfits
• People really enjoy taking turns to recite the poems
Last year they went virtual for some Christmas cheer during the pandemic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH6ykeUbxcU – Christmas poems for adults https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfBNwfH0reE – Poems for Children