The Madding Crowd’s performance of A Georgian Christmas raised a total of £700 for the restoration of the bells in Ropley Church.

It was held earlier this month, and an audience of more than 80 people watched the 30-strong group sing hymns and carols, which were interspersed with readings from the Georgian period.

A Mummers’ Play made great use of the space available inside the new church, as did the dancing which took place near the end of the concert, when unsuspecting members of the audience were prevailed upon to join in.

The evening was a great success and a return visit to Ropley by The Madding Crowd is already being planned.

Anyone who would like more information about The Madding Crowd should visit its website at http://www.maddingcrowd.com