Communities up and down the Dales have been holding services and giving thanks for this year’s lambing season with special Lambing services.
Ribblesdale
The end of lambing time was celebrated at the annual Lambing Service at Newhouses Farm, Horton in Ribblesdale, just below Penyghent, one of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks, in Bowland & Ewecross Deanery. The farm was opened to local people to explore at the same time, with more than 40 people taking part, feeding the pet lambs who welcomed the attention.
Teenagers brother and sister, Joanna and Ted Wilson of Selside were interviewed about life and work on a hill farm and their hopes for the future. Local farmer, John Dawson of Clapham, spoke about what happens after this busy season.
Horton's priest-in-charge, the Revd Stephen Dawson (pictured), said, "Part of this event is to connect with the animals and experience the farm, but we also come to show our support for farming families who give such stability and continuity to life in rural parishes. Busy farmers always have time to help others and we are grateful for the way they enrich the wider community."
Picture: in the barn at Newhouses Farm.
Swaledale
Meanwhile Premier Radio recorded the Thanksgiving for the Lambs service held by St Andrew’s Grinton in a local Swaledale farm.
The Parish of Swaledale with Arkengarthdale, one of the most remote in the country, is home to the world famous Swaledale Sheep. The Revd. Caroline Hewlett, Vicar of Swaledale with Arkengarthdale told Premier “We used to have an autumn Harvest Festival in each church, and the one at Grinton was the least well attended, and never really got established. So we decided to have a Lambing Service instead, to reflect that we don't 'plough the fields and scatter' in Swaledale, but that the lambs are the 'crop' in this area.”
The Lambing Service was held in a barn at Cogden Hall Farm, Grinton, and the music was provided by Reeth Brass Band.
You can hear the Premier broadcast with Premiers Northern Correspondent Ian Britton here