Ringers and Singers
A Community of Carols
The annual carol service of the Winchester District Bell Ringers took place on Saturday 9th December at the beautiful Church of St Michael and All Angels in the quintessentially Hampshire village of Cheriton.
It was an uplifting seasonal joy to be there. Of course there was singing, ringing and bringing of a generous delight of festive foods. I came home refreshed in body and spirit, having shared the traditional joy of Christmas and the company of our community of ringers.
A wonderfully kind staircase led to a chamber with a nicely going ring of six. Ringing started an hour before the service and many members joined in to send a seamless festive invitation into the blue winter sky above the downland village.
The Rev’d Christopher Durrant led the service with true warmth and vitality, not forgetting an early mention of mulled wine. Ringer Gary Davies from Lockerley acted as organist to accompany the committed and joyful singing of the carols. Mid-service, a group of handbell ringers drawn from the teams that attended the District’s ‘Ring for Christmas’ workshop at Ropley on 30th September, stepped up to give the event a virtuoso flourish. They performed three carols with a delicate musicality, leading the congregation in spontaneous voice. Now – that’s what I call Christmas.
There’s no Yule without drool. A party platter of home-baked treats was there to soothe the throats and feed the hearts of the singers and ringers. Mince pies, sausage rolls, super light chocolate cookies, sandwiches, cake and wine – oh yes hot mulled wine. A fine Christmas tree specially topped with bells presided over the sociable hum of community in the beautiful church. I took the lovely mood with me out into the darkening evening, hoping it will last until next year. See you there!
Jill Fuller
