11/12/2024
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York joined a carol service at Leyburn Auction Mart on Tuesday evening.
Organised annually by RABI (the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution), the short service included poetry, readings from the Bible and a host of traditional Christmas carols performed by the Leyburn Band.
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York said:
"Joyful to be at Leyburn Auction Mart as we raised our voices alongside the angels to welcome the Christ-child. What better place could there have been for this than one that so tangibly reminded us of the shepherds who gathered at the manger?"
RABI is the farmers charity providing financial, practical and emotional support to farmers and their families, touching the lives of thousands each year.
At the core of RABI’s mission is the commitment to address the individual needs of farming people through one-to-one, expert support, advice and guidance, tailored to each unique circumstance.
RABI’s established volunteer network brings the farming community together and helps raise awareness of the charity across England and Wales. Alongside their team of regionally based volunteer managers, the network delivers a varied range of community-led activities and events like the Leyburn Carol Service to help tackle isolation, improve wellbeing and empower the local agricultural community to participate.
Sally Conner, North East Regional Manager at RABI said:
“Bringing the farming community together is at the heart of the work of RABI’s volunteers, and carol services like this are the highlight of the season. We are honoured to have Archbishop Stephen in attendance this year, joining the local farming community in celebrating Christmas.”
The Church of England’s Christmas campaign for 2024 is ‘Follow the Star: Calm and Bright’. To find a carol service or church event near you this December, head to achurchnearyou.com.