The earliest parts of the Church of England parish church of All Saints, Mollington, date from the 14th century, but the font is 13th century and so it is thought that there may have been an earlier church building on the site. The tower was built in the 16th century and the building was restored in 1856. All Saints’ parish is now part of the Benefice of Shires’ Edge along with the parishes of Claydon, Cropredy, Great Bourton and Wardington.

We love playing in old churches (centuries of worship make them special places in which to play and sing Gospel music) and on Friday evening 14^th December, Gospel Bell facilitated a fund-raising concert at All Saints. The small church had a near capacity audience tapping their feet or singing along with us. After a break for mince pies and a glass of wine, we sang the 2014 Christmas truce carols as featured in Donald’s ‘Story of the dancer’ prior to our second set.

We should like to thank the Revd Hilary Campbell, Vicar, Shires’ Edge Benefice for inviting us to play and all who attended last night’s fund-raiser – a lovely evening in a beautiful setting. Hilary’s comment was: ‘Thank you all for a fab time of uplifting music!’ Concert attendee Mike Duffin later emailed to say: ‘It was a very joyful and uplifting evening which I think everybody enjoyed.  It had the added advantage of raising some much needed funds for our church. My thanks again to all of you, I look forward to seeing you again in the future.’

Thank you Mike – we are already looking forward to a return visit!

Gospel Bell at All Saints, Mollington with Hilary Campbell (front row, left)

Gospel Bell were delighted to perform again at the annual Christmas tree Festival at St Mary’s Adderbury. As ever, the church looked really beautiful and it was a pleasure to engage Festival-goers with our brand of Gospel music. Over to our left, I noticed that a young mum (Emma) and her toddler danced during most of our set while her baby – too young to dance – but transfixed from the comfort of a pram – watched us intently. Our goal is to encourage all who attend the events we play at to participate – sing – dance and connect with the spiritual truths that our songs contain. Thank you Emma and your children for your joyful reaction to our music (others were shuffling their feet too!) and afterwards, for taking the lovely photo below. I especially like the fact that Donald’s head is suffused by Angels!