This last six months or so has brought a time of trials and tribulations, not only to us as an Association, but to the farming community also. However, with resilience and fortitude we will carry on.

With the arrival of the Omicron strain, and the way that it spreads is horrendous, at least the way that it affects people is not as vicious as the previous Delta variant.  This has meant that we, as an Association have, taking the necessary precautions, been able to visit livestock markets and farms.  That is providing that the farmers are agreeable to us visiting.

However, Covid has meant that for the time being, we had to curtail our plans to increase the number of health checks being undertaken at markets throughout the UK.  This will resume again shortly, in conjunction with our partners.

On New Year’s Day, I had the privilege of being interviewed by Martha Kearney on Radio 4 Today programme. The interview was to highlight the different types of chaplaincies and the different settings in which we all work.  There were three of us being interviewed - a chaplain from HM Prison, Manchester, the chaplain from Great Ormond Street Hospital and myself, an agricultural chaplain.  Three very different settings, but all of us doing a very similar role.

Whether or not, as some scientists believe, that we are now coming out of the pandemic, or not, the Association will continue to represent and support its members in the difficult but very rewarding work that we do.  As I keep saying, our ministry in the rural world to farmers and rural people is absolutely unique!

If anyone you know would benefit from a confidential talk with a local chaplain, please contact us as per the details below.

Revd Richard Kirlew
Chairman
Tel:  01963 23570
Mobile:  07966 754110
E Mail:  rural.chaplaincy@btinternet.com
"Being with, listening to and supporting farming and rural people in their daily lives"