There are few traditions that capture the spirit of rural life quite so beautifully as the Blessing of the Lambs. Set against the beauty of the Marsh, the service at St Mary’s Church East Guldeford is one of those gently moving rural traditions enjoyed by everyone who attends. The service was held this year on 3 May, the spring bank holiday, just as new life fills the fields. It brings together farmers, families and the wider community to give thanks for the season’s lambs and to ask for their well-being in the months ahead.
There was something quietly powerful about the sight of the small, unsteady lambs gathered in the churchyard with their mothers. Their soft bleats echoed across the churchyard while prayers were offered for protection, growth and the stewardship of the land.
This delightful communion service, held in a packed church, was organised by church wardens and local farmers Annie and Richard Baker. It was led by Reverend Jacques Desrosiers with Rye’s Rector, Reverend Paul White, and Reverend Michael Georgiou. The building looked enchanting flooded by the afternoon sun, bedecked with Annie’s lovely flower arrangements and resounding with lusty hymn singing and organ accompaniments from Martin Bruce.
As the lambs were blessed, Reverend Paul White held Tabitha, an orphan who has been hand-reared by Annie and Richard. Prayers were also offered for those who tend the sheep and for good weather for harvests. The Knitting Group from Rye St Mary’s were also blessed by Reverend Jacques.
Reverend Jacques wrote after the service, “The sun shone throughout the afternoon. Delicious refreshments were served after the service. This year we were graced by the presence of Councillor Andy Stuart in his last official function as the Mayor of Rye. Mr Paul Goring, the Rye Town Crier, was also there to lend his wonderfully strong voice and bell to the proceedings. In the middle of the service, we went out and blessed Tabitha as a representative of the many lambs born during the past few weeks. We also said a blessing upon Richard and Annie, shepherds as well as the church’s wardens. At the end of the service, we also dedicated the new path, two long years in the planning and making. I’m eternally grateful to those who contributed so much to the service, the planning, the music, the wonderful flowers, and the leading of the worship; Martin and Kt Bruce, Richard and Annie Baker and my colleagues, the Reverends Paul White and Michael Giorgiou. It was, I hope above all, an act of worship that expressed hope, gratitude, wonder, and despite our struggles and frailties, our vocation as stewards of creation.”
Image Credits: Simon Owen , Kt bruce .
Blessing Lambs that most will be slaughtered within months of being born, nothing to celebrate there, I am afraid.
Before we get negative over the ‘slaughter’ of lambs, appreciate the significant benefit that sheep have made to this area.
From the 12th – 17th century, wool was Englands most valuable export and greatest asset. The wealth generated from the wool trade built the numerous churches around Rye and Romney Marsh.
Centuries of sheep grazing the area, has made Romney Marsh one of the most fertile pieces of land in the UK, hence arable farmers have enjoyed the benefit by growing some superb crops.
Wool is unfortunately now insignificant, but the sheep still pay an important role in the biodiversity of the marches. The grazing pastures are crucial feeding grounds for the breeding and wintering birds that flock to the area, hence why so much grass land is designated an SSSI and RAMSER site.
They also taste fantastic !
Pity about the 100 acres (with another 100 under consideration) being approved for a solar ‘farm’.