On the 15th May 2009 Bishop Nigel took part in a walk of witness up Wattisfield Street, led by Shaun the sheep (our thanks to Sam and Martin

Johnston for the loan of a very clean, woolly Shaun). After a short visit to the URC with Adrian Black, the Bishop went on to lead the United Barn

Service at Grundle Farm, Honeypot Lane (our thanks to Ann Topham for a wonderful venue). His sermon was much at one with local farmers as

he talked of his early experiences in rural ministry. As the rain teemed down outside the barn, the Bishop leant on his crook in a very relaxed

fashion and empathised with the economic problems of a rural community. His talk was very real and very relevant - it was pleasure to sit and

hear him speak. Fiona Gibbs and Ann Topham led Junior Church in the lambing barn where the children heard the story of the Good Shepherd

and then sat and held some of the lambs before joining in with the last 15 minutes of the service. There was a slight let-up in the rain as the

majority of the 65 visitors were led out with the Bishop by Churchwarden Peter Gibbs and the Rector John Fulton, to bless the bounds of the Parish.

They returned to find the barn converted into a ‘cafe’ style venue with checked tablecloths and posies of wild flowers on each table. Hot bacon

rolls, cups of tea and home-made cakes soon cheered everyone up and even the sun began to shine on a very happy event. Our thanks (among

others) to Muriel & Mike Coy, Rosie Price, Lynda & David Dyer, Pam Smith and chef: Ann Telford. A lovely day was enjoyed by all