My Ministry: Life of an Agricultural Show Chaplain

Bishop Mark preached at the Opening Service and blessed the showground on Tuesday evening.  On Wednesday, Bishop Mark and Bishop Sam both joined the 10,000 visitors.  Bishop Mark was passenger in a Jeep and Bishop Sam drove a vintage tractor during the Parade of Vintage Vehicles (there are rumours no-one told them it was a parade, not a race). 

As Chaplain to the Show, I joined the 235 volunteers who work hard to make sure every aspect of the Show is set up, runs smoothly, and is cleared away.  On Tuesday, I walked the showground lining litter bins and talking to people along the way.  On Wednesday, as well as talking too and helping exhibitors and visitors to the Show, it was my privilege to accompany the Vice-Lord Lieutenant, Susan Sellers DL and her husband, John during part of their visit to the Show on Wednesday afternoon (photograph of the Vice-LL on duty in the showring attached).  On Thursday I joined the great clear-up bagging litter, and had further conversations along the way.

When I’m asked what I do as Chaplain to Royal Cheshire Show, Nantwich Show and the Cheshire Ploughing Match, it can be hard to give an answer.  This week’s Chaplaincy at the Nantwich Show gives an idea of the variety of what I do.  If I summed it up in one sentence, I would say that: I go where Jesus would go, and by his grace, try to do what He would do.

Revd S Anne Lawson

Vicar of the Cross Country Parishes of

Acton with Worleston, Church Minshull and

Wettenhall and Chaplain to the Cheshire Agricultural Society