Rogation Sunday 2010

Our Rogationtide worship on the morning of 9th May this year followed the now traditional pattern of three services at interesting locations down the valley. Leading our worship we were fortunate to have The Rev’d Linda Hillier, Agricultural Chaplain for East Berkshire, and our first stop was Beechdown Farm Stables above Lambourn where we were welcomed by Clive and Tina Cox.

Clive explained the working of the yard and introduced us to some of the horses. The Rev’d Linda then led a short service of rogationtide blessing, including a hymn and reading.

Our service at Beechdown concluded on the gallops, confronted by an unseasonably cold north wind. We then set forth to our second service in Eastbury to be greeted by Alastair and Alison Lidderdale at Eastbury Cottage Stables with a welcome mug of hot coffee.

Alastair spoke about the training of the horses and the Rev’d Linda led us once again in the rogationtide blessing.

.. and so on to East Garston to be welcomed by Neil and Alice Walker at Westfield Farm. Neil gave us a fascinating explanation of how he has diversified his activities on the farm. His crops now include willow which has just been harvested to provide fuel for power stations. Several of his farm buildings have now been put to alternative commercial use, including one used by a company that manufactures children’s furniture. It was in their outlet centre that we held our rogationtide service.

 … followed by some very welcome refreshments.