I’m writing this in the middle of August, when we have yet another yellow warning for unseasonably hot weather: a risk to health.  Some of you may remember 1975 and particularly 1976 (when I moved down from the north east).  The 1976 heatwave played a major part in the most significant period of drought since Met Office records began; it lasted from May 1975 to August 1976.  It was reported at the time that London had just 90 days of water supply left!

This year although the temperatures have surpassed those of ’76, there fortunately hasn’t been such a protracted period of drought – but our farmers have been badly affected and yields are down.  The consequence for you and me is that we probably will have to pay a little more for our food.  For farmers a difficult season like this can mean the difference between financial survival and catastrophe.

We are in our main harvest season now and we will celebrate Harvest Festival at Sutton at 3pm on 21st September and on 5th October at 11am at St George’s.  We hope you can join us to give thanks to God, not only for the work of our farmers, but for the richness and variety of food we are able to share.  Harvest Supper will be on Saturday 11th October – see details elsewhere in the Feldon News.

Alongside our celebration we should also remember those in our villages who are struggling to feed themselves and their families.  They rely on the Foodbank in Shipston so please share whatever you can with them, not only at harvest-time but all year round.

God Bless

George

Revd  George Heighton
Email re********@*****ok.com
Telephone 01295 680 201