Rural Life
Barbara Clutton
In addition to being NSM Rural Life Officer for the Diocese I am also a farmer, and until recently ran my beef and sheep farm with over 250 suckler cows and 500 breeding sheep. I have now reduced my farming activities to our herds of pedigree Longhorn and Highland cattle, in order to give more time for my ministry. In my role as Rural Life Officer I aim to raise the rural profile within the diocese, and to be available to share my knowledge of the problems and joys of rural ministry, farming and rural life generally.
Barbara Clutton
Farm Crisis Network in Warwickshire
Farm Crisis Network (FCN), a Christian voluntary organisation, is a network of groups of
Cows on the Farm
volunteers drawn from the farming community and rural churches. The volunteers are
trained to “walk with” farming people and their families as they seek to resolve their
problems. Current problems include debt (often caused by delayed government subsidies),
depression, bereavement, illness, loneliness etc. Farming has one of the highest suicide
rates in the country.
The newly established Warwickshire group currently has volunteers with experience in
farming, bereavement, mental health issues, debt counselling and many other skills.
The national helpline 0845 367 9990 is open daily from 7am until 11pm. calls from
the Warwickshire area are then passed on to our co-ordinator who will then immediately
provide the necessary support.
Churches can provide support by donating to FCN, providing volunteers, or by inviting a speaker to preach at services or church meetings.
Rural Resources for Rogation Days
Barbara Clutton, Diocesan Rural Life Officer, has resources for rogation days which she has written/put together and will send them to anybody who would like them. She is also available to help plan services, for Rogation/Pet/Animal/Harvest/ Lammas etc. Contact Barbara on barbaraclutton@gilberthouse.co.uk or tel: 01788 810372.
Buying Food Locally
The following link gives information on local farmers markets and farm shops throughout Warwickshire. www.coventrydiocese.org/upload/file/Rural Life/Localfood.doc
A Week in the Life of A Rural Life Officer!
If you would like to know what I do in an average week please see the attached document: www.coventrydiocese.org/upload/file/Rural Life/Work of RLO.doc
