“Joy to the World” is the exultant first line of the old Advent carol. There’s a lot of joy and high spirits among the Oliver Handbell Ringers as they rehearse an exciting mixture of carols and songs for the coming Christmas events. Appropriately called “Bells Ringing, Angels Singing”, this year’s programme offers a time of candles and audience participation, music and fun with bells and singers, for all the family.

For the Ringers and Singers this is serious work –indeed at least one of the team comes to rehearsals in shorts because otherwise she gets too warm! Swinging handbells is a physical, as well as musical, workout! Practice began in September; but now it’s time to put a final polish on each musical item – as well as polishing the instruments themselves, so the glinting bronze sheen complements their ethereal sounds.

So be sure to place this concert on your list of family events for the Christmas season. Performances are at Christ the King Catholic Church on Friday December 9, at 7:30 pm, and Sunday  December 11, at 3:00 pm. . Entry is free and a free-will offering will be taken to offset costs.

Photo credit: Cliff Gay