An exhibition celebrating farming in Yorkshire and a service for all those engaged in agriculture were at the centre of ‘Plough Sunday’ events on January 11th at Ripon Cathedral.
Hot pork sandwiches were an added attraction for those who come to the Plough Sunday service.
During the service a plough was presented by members of the Lawkland Young Farmers Club (left) with Canon Ian Greenhalgh, Vicar of Clapham with Keasden and Austwick, and was blessed by Bishop James Bell, the Bishop for Ripon, who led the service.
Bishop James commented, "It's a tough time for our farmers. Yet they are the producers of our food and the managers of our landscapes. We want to take every opportunity to celebrate their work and encourage their endeavour."
The speaker at the ecumenical service, jointly organised by the York and Hull Methodist District and the Anglican Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales, was Lord Curry of Kirkharle CBE, a lifelong farmer and champion of farmers.
In the run up to the service there was an exhibition by farming organisations including the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the Country Land and Business Association, and the Tenant Farmers’ Association.