The ancient church festival of Rogationtide was celebrated on the 29th April in three parishes in the Lambourn Valley for the second year running. This custom dating back to the 5th century was when country folk asked for God’s blessing on crops and stock in the hope of a fruitful harvest and rural prosperity in their parishes.

Windsor House Stables

The Revd Martin Partridge conducted each service: firstly at Windsor House Stables, Lambourn, where Trainer Harry Dunlop hosted the occasion and gave an introduction to his Yard. Despite the hostile weather, in the shelter of a barn the crowd gathered and sang lustily under the leadership of Stephen Holmes, Organist and Choir Master of Lambourn Church. The format of each service included a reading and a poem: read at Lambourn by Wendy Holmes and Andrew Snowdon.

 

 

 

Coldborough Farm

It was then on to Coldborough Farm Eastbury, the home of Ivor and Glenys Denton, where John Brittain, cousin of Glenys, gave some background to the farm. the service was held in the barn amongst the ewes and lambs,with readings by Tesse Partridge and Eastbury churchwarden, Sylvia Ricketts.

 

 

Maidencourt Farm

 

The last port of call, when the weather brightened considerably, was the beautiful setting of Maidencourt Farm at East Garston, on the banks of the river Lambourn, where David and June Rabbitts have farmed for close on 65 years, now with their sons Jeffrey and Jonathon. David recounted many interesting tales of his time in farming here in the Lambourn Valley. The readings were by 12 year old George Rabbitts and 13 year old Shannon Rodbourn.

In keeping with the ancient tradition, the crowd then gathered at the local hostelry – "The Plough" at Eastbury, for very welcome refreshments. Thank you Harry, Ivor, Glenys, June and David for making it such a successful evening.

Text : Sally Wright
Photos : Martyn Wright