Members of the Church in Abingdon were singing carols in the Market Place today. They set up banners, including one of the stable scene in the Nativity Story. There was a craft table and face painting.

The Town Crier announced each of the carols. A keyboard player and violinist accompanied the singing.

Singing was led by Sally Mears.

There were even several dogs who joined in with the occasional bark.

Afterwards the Street Pastors offered hot pasties and mulled juice.

Above is a recording of just one of the many carols: Oh Little Town of Bethlehem with Sally Mears adding a Descant on the last verse.

I’ve come across the Abingdon Bell Ringers three times already this festive season. The first occasion was at the St Michael’s Christmas Fair, where the bells provided background music.

Next, I saw them at Abingdon Phab, where they not only performed but also led Phab members in singing a selection of traditional carols and allowed members to have a go. The bell ringers also set a Christmas quiz for Phab members.

Most recently, they played at Trinity Church’s Winter Warmer, as church members gathered for a shared meal and raised over £200 for Christmas charities.

The group needs at least six ringers to give a full performance, and they seem to have a pool of players to call on. A few familiar faces appeared at all three events, while others joined for one or two, keeping each performance slightly different. Handbell ringing has a long association with Christmas. It is a visual performance too as audiences can watch the movement of the bells.

Back in Abingdon after a couple of days away, I took an evening walk around the town centre to see this year’s festive lights.

Ma Cherie was lit inside and out, and people were enjoying the warm atmosphere.

From the Waitrose car park, Bridge House is surrounded with lights, including a walk-in bauble at the Riverly Club entrance and other installations round the side.

As to the town council lights, I was reminded that you can create the illusion of an angel from the artificial illuminated tree on Roysse Court with the garland of lights across Bridge Street.

Just line them up and fine-tune your position to create the illusion.