The Extended Choir sings at our monthly Choral Evensong at 5pm on the second Sunday of the month at St Matthias and at special services such as the Advent Carol Service and Nine Lessons and Carols.  At Choral Evensong, we sing choral music from the cathedral tradition.

The Extended Choir invites other experienced singers, contracted per event.  If you would like an invitation, please contact Peter Johnson, Director of Music, who will ask for a brief CV of your choral experience.

We have a long tradition of bell ringing at St Matthias’ Church, dating back to 1899 when the first bell was installed in the newly-built tower. For more information, scroll down to discover fun facts about our bells, or if you’re a serious campanologist, read Chris Pickford’s full history and technical specifications.

Visitors to the bell tower are always welcome at Sunday services and at practices:

• Sunday Mornings – 9:00-9:45 (when the service is at St Matthias)
• Practice Night – Monday 19:30-21:00 (including Bank Holidays)

Please check the service dates beforehand, as the Sunday Mass alternates between St Matthias’ Church and The Church of the Ascension.

Access to the Bell Tower

When the church is open, you can access the bell tower via the main (North) entrance and through the back of the church (Link Room) to the tower on the South side, where you’ll find a spiral staircase to the ringing room in the SW corner of the tower. If the church is closed, i.e. on practice nights, access is via the external tower door on the South side of the church.  Turning the handle on the small door will ring a bell in the ringing room and someone will come down to let you in.  Please wait for a pause in ringing.