THE Ludgershall community has banded together to release a Christmas song to help repair ageing church bells.
The new festive song, Let’s Fill Our Hearts With Love was launched at St James Church to bring attention to an appeal that is raising money to repair the bells at St James Church.
The bells are described as needing “urgent restoration work” so they can continue to ring for years to come.
The overall cost of repair is estimated to reach up to £25,000.
The song was written by songwriter Alan Garmonsway, who appeared in your Salisbury and Avon Gazette in September after he received an international award for his latest album.
The song can be downloaded for just £1, with money going to the church bell fund.
“After writing the song earlier this year, Alan asked some musicians and singers involved with the church to help, and Let’s Fill Our Hearts With Love was created,” a spokesperson for the group said.
“Piano, guitar, organ, bass, percussion and vocal solo tracks were laid down and the song was now ready for its final recording session – a choral ensemble.”
This prompted church wardens to ask those in the community who were interested in recording the song to meet in the church hall in November, with 25 people attending.
Mr Garmonsway said: “I didn’t know what to expect recording such a large group for the first time.
“I’d circulated the basic track in advance, and on the day we did a couple of rehearsals and then two recordings. Everything went well and really added to the final mix.
“A really big thank you to all those who were involved and contributed.”
Churchwarden Julie Walker said: “It’s been a great Ludgershall community effort for Christmas and is creating a lot of interest!
“The official launch of the song was at the Advent carol service on December 1 and it will be promoted right through the Christmas period.”
Let’s Fill Our Hearts With Love is available online on Mr Garmonsway’s Bandcamp page.
Fisherton Mill