My dad played autoharp as a youngster, but his parents did not appear to be musical - though his mother was brought up strict Methodist, and seemed to disapprove of most things.

My mother's family mostly sing, and one sister married a professional musician.

I have not reserched back into my family history - one of my uncles has tried to get information with little luck, even with professional assistance, so we are a bit of a mystery.

At a recent birthday party for one of my aunts, who was 80 years old, I was surprised by the rendition of 'happy birthday' - everyone was in the same key.

Anne Croucher