Many people also stopped by the tent on avenue 8 to say hello, pop in for refreshments and make use of the prayer space and resources available.
On both days, the Bishop’s chaplain Sally Theakston, led the team and chaplains in a short service of prayer before the day began and finished with a reflection on how it went. The chaplains came together as an ecumenical team with representatives from different denominations.
On Wednesday the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher delivered a homily for the outdoor service giving thanks for those working in agriculture and farming. You can read it here.The blessing was given by Bishop Graham and Bishop Jane, along with Bishop Peter, the Roman Catholic Bishop of East Anglia.
Also on Wednesday, the Bishop of Lynn, Revd Dr Jane Steen attended the showground. Bishop Jane spoke to lots of people who visited the chaplaincy tent including members of the Farming Community Network to discuss ways of working together on rural chaplaincy.
On Thursday, the Prince of Wales visited the showground and presented a certificate for the Bishop of Norwich Sustainability Environment Young Employee of the Year Award to Robert Jackets. Robert is an apprentice at Salle Farms and is studying the Crop Technician Level 3 course at Easton College.
Robert said:
“Growing up I’ve always had a passion for farming, agriculture and big machinery. I don’t come from a farming community family, but I grew up surrounded by countryside. Getting the apprenticeship was great, and now getting a full time job is a dream come true. In the future I’d like to help mentor other apprentices and do more with cultivation and drilling. I’m really happy and grateful to receive this award.”
Bishop Graham said:
“Robert is a worthy winner in the second year of this award. It was encouraging to see his interest in soil types, minimal tillage and cover crops and I wish him well as he seeks to pursue a career specialising in crop cultivation. It gives me hope in the future of environmentally conscious farming that seeks to enhance biodiversity. I am passionate about the care of God’s creation, and I’m delighted that Robert appreciates the natural world as much as I have in my life.”