Each year, from the end of November and throughout December until the Christmas Eve ‘pub run’ St James’ Harvington Handbell Ringers play carols at supermarkets and other locations in Evesham, Alcester and Stratford upon Avon, collecting money for the Air Ambulance, their chosen charity. Following the Annual General Meeting in April, arrangements were made to hand over a cheque for £1,340 to the Midlands Air Ambulance.

The photograph shows a very happy Jenny Ashman, representative of the Midlands Air Ambulance, receiving the cheque from Keith Hemming (Team Leader) with a number of team members in attendance.

The team play carols at sheltered housing and nursing homes, to bring Christmas cheer to the residents, and continue playing throughout the year for musical enjoyment, and are often asked to play at fêtes, weddings and other occasions. Also, as members of the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain and the Heart of England Handbell Society, the team play in rallys with other ringing teams.

The team are always pleased to welcome new members into our friendly group, interested in learning the art, and enjoying music making. There is no need to be able to read music, as the team plays from a number format. If you know your left hand from your right, and can count up to eight, you can play!

To find out more, the website is www.harvingtonhandbells.org and if that ignites your interest, and you are considering joining the team, to obtain further information send an e-mail to:- harvingtonhandbells@yahoo.co.uk leaving your name and telephone number so we can get back to you.

JOHN LANGLEY