Morcott Harvest Festival 2017
An enthusiastic congregation aged from two months old to 80-something sang the traditional harvest hymns in St Mary’s church on Sunday 1 October 2017.
The Lessons were read by Henry Traylen and David Joyce, and seven-year old Clara Morgan read the first prayer, before churchwarden Eric Hazelwood led the rest of the intercessions.
Instead of a sermon, The Very Reverend Christopher Armstrong interviewed Jamie Wild, one of Rutland’s top shepherds, about living and working close to the land, and about his livestock ‘harvest’. The miracles of lambing time and the hard work throughout the year were discussed, and the congregation really appreciated Jamie’s contribution to what was a very unusual Sermon slot! After the service, underlining the message that farming is a seven-day a week life, Jamie changed out of his Sunday best, put his overalls on and went to work, putting the tups to the ewes to start the cycle all over again.
Instead of garden and allotment produce, this year parishioners were asked to bring imperishable harvest gifts, which the churchwardens will deliver to the local Foodbank. After the service, a Bring and Share harvest lunch was held in the Village Hall, with delicious casseroles, quiches and crumbles enjoyed by all.
