At 4pm on a damp Sunday 3rd September, Gospel Bell played an hour-long afternoon tea concert and fund-raiser at Holy Trinity Sibford, one of six churches in the Wykeham benefice (Broughton, Epwell, Shutford, Sibford, Swalcliffe, Tadmarton) led by team Rector Ronald Hawkes. The advert in the Sibford news said: GB is an Oxfordshire-based folk club with a difference, they will provide lovely music but also something a ‘bit spiritual’ and thought-provoking. We felt warmly welcomed by an audience of around 60 people, most of whom sang along with the words in our newly produced chorus sheet. Afterwards, over copious supplies of tea and cake, several of the audience said that we hadn’t sung their favourite song, so we’ll introduce a request slot for our next concert-style event. We are delighted that the event raised a generous sum for charity: Revd Ronald Hawkes writes: ‘I have just donated £125 online to Christian Aid who are working with local partners to help alleviate the impact of the South East Asia floods in India and Bangladesh. With gift aid, this is worth just over £156. Hurrah! Thank you Gospel Bell for such a splendid afternoon.’
Above let to right: David, Sean, Susie, David, John, Troy, Richard, Toni, Donald, Rachel and Jay