Rogationtide
Blessing of Crops & Stock - 5th century custom
| On
May 9th - Rogation Sunday, once again the parishes of Lambourn,
Eastbury and East Garston, combined to hold services at stables
and a farm, celebrating the ancient custom of asking for God’s
blessing on crops and stock. We were fortunate in having The Revd
Linda Hillier, who is a member of the Rural Affairs team in the
Oxford Diocese, to lead our services, which take the simple form
of prayers, a hymn, readings and a blessing. |
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| This
occasion is a chance for us to learn about the rural economy enterprises
on our doorsteps, as each host takes us on a tour of their premises
and talks about their operation. Clive Cox at Beechdown Farm Stables
at Sheepdrove, showed us his impressive yard and introduced us to
his magnificent horses, before we moved to the gallops with spectacular
views across the Wiltshire and South Oxfordshire countryside, to
complete our service. |
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| At
Eastbury we were again welcomed by Alistair Lidderdale to his delightful
“picture postcard” cottage stables, and his highly entertaining
Jack Russell, who delighted in all the attention he got. |
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| At
East Garston, Neil Walker gave a most interesting talk on Westfield
Farm, which is an example of modern progressive farming. Apart from
the very extensive arable operation, the farm has diversified by
creating business premises which are let to various companies. Our
service here was conducted in a showroom displaying children’s
bedroom furniture and toys. Neil has also taken part in a scheme
to provide green fuel to local power stations: the first harvesting
of his willow plantation has just taken place. A point of interest
to those from Lambourn, was that Neil leases his land from the Isbury
Trust which supports the Alms Houses at Lambourn. |
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is four years since The Revd Tony Cumberlidge introduced this form
of Rogation celebration and we have been able to build on its success.
This is a time for remembering that church and countryside have
always enjoyed and perhaps needed, interdependence. Our grateful
thanks go to Clive and Tina Cox, Alistair and Alison Lidderdale,
Neil and Alice Walker and The Revd Linda Hillier. |
photos
: Martyn Wright
text : Sally Wright
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