Celebrating the land at our Warwickshire Barn Service

On Sunday 5 July, we were delighted to be involved with a Barn Service, kindly hosted by Robert and Pauline Hadley on their farm near Chesterton.

This special service had been an annual event until Covid. Organised by Professor John Movereley OBE, Rev Richard Wilde (Warwickshire Butty Van), Rev Matthew Arnold, more  than 100 people joined us to celebrate producers of our food , and the rural communities we live in.

The afternoon brought together supporters from Warwickshire and further afield, with members of the congregation ranging in age from just three months to 101 years old. It was a wonderful occasion of singing, reflection and thanksgiving, as well as an opportunity to learn more about farming and the ways that Addington Fund offers support to those in need .

It was planned to present Revd Canon Barbara Clutton with Warwickshire Agricultural Society’s ‘Trusted Loyal Service to the Rural Community Award’ but a broken femur prevented her from attending, so after the service. Robert, John and Matthew whizzed over to Barbara’s home to surprise her with this much deserved award.

The Bishop of Coventry, Sophie Jelley also attended and judged the children’s art competition

The barn was beautifully decorated with flowers, and the congregation enjoyed refreshments kindly provided by Moreton Morrell Church. The children especially enjoyed the Lego, meeting some of the farm animals and seeing the tractors.

Our thanks go to Moreton Morrell School Choir, led by Hannah James, for their beautiful singing, and to all the children from Kineton Primary School and Moreton Morrell Primary School who took part in the art competition.