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12
Nov 2021
Ripon hosts first farming memorial service
Ripon Cathedral has hosted the first national memorial service for people in rural communities who have lost their lives in farming accidents or to suicide or other causes during the pandemic.
The ecumenical service led by the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt. Revd. Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, was organised by the Farming Community Network, a charity that supports farmers.
It was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Jo Ropner and officials from the network and the National Farmers' Union.
Dr Hartley, who is an FCN trustee, said:
Hope, unity and the need for people across agriculture to come together in support of one another, as part of a community, were highlighted during the service, which recognised the experience of loss felt by all those who have been bereaved.
More than 100 attended last Sunday, either in person or thorough live-streaming, to join in hymns and hear readings and personal accounts of those being remembered.
Following the service, NFU deputy president, Stuart Roberts, said:
Mark Suthern, chair of FCN’s board of trustees, also spoke of the need for the community to support one another through the changes ahead for British agriculture.
Farm tragedies
The FCN helps about 6,000 farmers and farming families each year with a wide range of issues, including mental health, family disputes, animal disease and financial concerns.
The network's chief executive, Jude McCann, said:
Anybody who is struggling, or knows somebody who is and would like to speak with someone who understands the pressures of farming life, can contact the FCN on 03000 111 999 (7am-11pm every day of the year) or at help@fcn.org.uk.
Calls are confidential and non-judgemental.
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