by Alan Quick

TWO hundred people attended the charity Farming Community Network (FCN) Plough Service at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Chulmleigh, on Sunday, January 14.

The speaker was local farmer, Ian Pinhey and the service was led by Rev Tony Rockey, Rector of the Little Dart Team.

During the first service the plough was taken into the church by sisters Zara (12) and Bracken James (9) and Chulmleigh YFC members, brothers Mark (10) and Charlie Phillips (13).

There was the singing of the adapted hymn “We plough the fields with tractors, to renew the soil” and soil was presented by Adam Westaway, chairman, South Molton NFU, assisted by his daughter, Isabelle (6).

The seed was presented by Monty James and the plough, soil and seed were blessed by Rev Rockey.

Prayers were led by Witheridge YFC members Jess Powell, Lauren Brady and Megan Perryman and Rev Verity Philips, Methodist Minister for the Chulmleigh, South Molton and Rings Ash Circuit.

An emotional and informative insight into the work of FCN was presented by charity representative, Jackie Skinner.

Before the service, local FCN representative, Joanne Jones, said: "The service is an opportunity for members of the local community to join together to look forward to the coming year’s planting and growing season."

FCN is a Christian organisation and registered charity working in the farming community across the UK. It has hundreds of volunteers drawn from rural churches and farming backgrounds who provide a national telephone helpline (03000 111 999, 7am to 11pm) and a visiting service to farmers and families facing difficulties.

The representatives provide both pastoral and practical support to those dealing with such issues as financial difficulties, animal disease, mental health and family disputes.

Honoured guests included Mark Parkhouse, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Devon, Richard Edgell, the vice-chairman of Devon County Council and Councillor Peter Heal, the chairman of Mid Devon District Council.

Refreshments were enjoyed after the service at The Chulmleigh Golf Course.