Sherborne Abbey was filled with voices, laughter and a strong sense of solidarity as 500 people gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Farming Community Network (FCN) with a traditional harvest evensong on Sunday 28th September. Farmers, landowners, rural families and dignitaries joined FCN volunteers for an evening that brought Dorset’s deep agricultural roots to the fore.
All images © Nigel Gidney
The Abbey choir, led by James Henderson, filled the space with their voices, while the bells rang out a quarter peel in FCN’s honour.
The event was organised by Bec Hill, the joint co-ordinator for Dorset FCN, who farms at Winterborne Kingston. She, along with her fellow co-ordinator Barrie Cooper, have a network of trained volunteers who support farming families through times of difficulty and change.
‘It was a joyful, inclusive event,’ she says. ’The Abbey choir performed, and the hymns were ones that everyone knows! It was a proper celebration of what Dorset does best.
‘It’s not only about looking back at 30 years of FCN’s work, but also about bringing our community together to give thanks and look forward. We’re proud to have hosted this event in Dorset – we’re a county with deep agricultural roots, and a strong spirit of support.’
FCN’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jude McCann, attended the abbey service: ‘Thank you to our generous and caring volunteers, trustees and colleagues for a truly uplifting and inspiring service,’ he says. ‘It is thanks to the hard work of our local volunteers and their close connections to farming that we are able to build relationships and help people to find a positive way forward. This was a beautiful service and a true testament to the hard work and resilience of UK farmers.’
The Abbey was dressed with wonderful floral arrangements courtesy of the Sherborne Flower Ladies and the Dorset Young Farmers decorated the Abbey porch. They also attended as ushers in their traditional white coats, helping guests to their seats. Sherborne YFC’s Silas Horsington delivered a reading during the service.
Afterwards, the crowd headed to the Memorial Hall for tea, coffee, cake and conversation, with catering by Dorset Delights. Produce was collected for local food banks, and a raffle was held of 29 generously-donated local hampers.
More than £5,000 was raised by 45 local sponsors in support of FCN’s work.
From the vintage tractors parked outside to the warmth inside, the evening was a celebration not only of FCN’s 30 years, but of Dorset’s resilient and caring farming community that continues to show up for one another.
