Suffolk’s farmers and agricultural heritage will be honoured with a special ceremony to mark the beginning of the farming year.
St Edmundsbury Cathedral will mark Plough Sunday this weekend with the blessing of a tractor and plough during its Choral Evensong service at 3.30pm on Sunday.
Prayers will be led by the Agricultural Chaplain Graham Miles before the clergy and congregation will make their way to the Norman Tower where the plough will be located.
Ben Jenkins (verger), Graham Miles (Agricultural Chaplain), Dean Joe Hawes, Canon Matthew Vernon and Sally Fogden (retired Agricultural Chaplain) at last year’s Plough Sunday. Picture: Mecha MortonPrayers will be led by Agricultural Chaplain, Graham Miles. Picture: Mecha Morton
The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury Cathedral, said: “Farmers play an essential role in our food supply, food security and are dealing with the effects of climate change.
“The blessing of a plough is something that feels intrinsic in Suffolk, with our agricultural heritage and acres of farmland.
“During the blessing, we pray for those whose lives are connected to God’s bountiful earth and all it produces for us.”
The tractor and plough will be blessed on Sunday at 3.30pm outside the Norman Tower in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: Mecha MortonThe blessing will be during the Choral Evensong service. Picture: Mecha Morton
The plough has been provided by the Elveden Estate this year, continuing the tradition which dates back to the 1800s.
Plough Sunday is rooted in an even older observance associated with the first working day after the 12 days of Christmas.
Historically, fieldwork would not resume until after this significant day.