Organised by the Church’s Dromore Presbytery - one of the Church’s 19 local regional bodies, which takes in the show grounds at Maze - the organisers are set to extend a warm welcome people from all denominations and keen to demonstrate their support for farming families and those involved in the rural economy, especially at this particular time.
One of the stand’s organisers, Rev. Kenny Hanna of Second Dromara Presbyterian Church in County Down, said, “The Balmoral Show is has been a fixed part of farming life for 150 years now and we would like to offer our congratulations to the RUAS as they celebrate this special 150th anniversary.
“As a rural presbytery we wanted to continue to show our support for farming communities and bring an opportunity to demonstrate God’s love to those who visit the show and those who work on and live off the land, which is why we are back again.
“While the Balmoral Show is an opportunity for many to meet up and renew old friendships, a time to relax and enjoy the judging and attractions or a time for business, we are also very aware that the past 12 months have been extremely difficult for our farmers.”
Rev. Hanna explained that the wet weather from early August had led to numerous problems, from crops not being able to be harvested and many farmers unable to take a final cut of silage. With a wet spring and the late turnout of livestock as a result, farmers had also endured a severe fodder shortage.
“The saturated ground conditions have also left it difficult to get slurry spread. All these factors heaped pressure upon farming families right across the country.
“As a result our Moderator, Dr. Noble McNeely, wrote to ministers in April across Ireland asking them to remember farming communities in prayer at church services and we would like to offer our prayerful support to all who are struggling just now. We would also like to extend a warm welcome onto the stand, as we would love to meet and encourage people in any way we can, as good ambassadors for Jesus,” Rev. Hanna said.
With face painting, tea, coffee and light refreshments, along with space to rest and just chat, Rev. Hanna said that there would also be literature available to signpost farming families and the wider rural community to help if it is needed. “A warm welcome awaits everyone, and it is not only for Presbyterians, all are very welcome,” he said.
The stand, EK28, is located in the Eikon Exhibition Centre, which is situated between the cattle tents and the big wheel.
Photos: (1) Face-painting at the PCI stand, Balmoral Show 2017; (2) Judging at the Balmoral Show; and (3) Visitors enjoying the PCI stand at Balmoral Show 2017
The Presbytery of Dromore also extend a warm welcome to a special service of thanksgiving to celebrate 150 years of the Balmoral Show. It will take place at Maze Presbyterian Church on Sunday 27th May at 6.30pm.
You can read a series of blogs by people from a farming background, or who have a heart for the countryside, here as they offer a personal reflection on faith and rural life.