Medievalist Frances Eustace will be talking to the Blackmore Vale U3a on the subject: Medieval Carols weren’t just for Christmas on Tuesday, November 2.

Doors open 2.15pm, speaker 3pm.

Dance or a song of praise is the meaning of the word carol. But did you know that these were sung during all four seasons of the year? Only the tradition of singing them at Christmas has survived. We have a post-Victorian, romantic, view of medieval Christmas celebrations and carolling. This talk aims to dispel this idea and give a more realistic impression of medieval carolling, some of which was very irreligious! Dr Frances will take you on a journey of early carol origins as she plays on copies of historical instruments such as the bassoon, viola da gamba, bagpipes and other related wind and string instruments while jigging about and making fun.

Members £1.50, visitors £2.50. Includes tea and cakes. For more call 01963 371544 or go to u3a.org.uk.