Cause for concern

The concerned expression on Bishop John's face comes from listening to Margaret and Tony explain abut their farm.
They'd long since given up milking and the cattle in the background of the picture are the last that will be on the farm, at least in Margaret and Tony's time. The relentless scourge of TB has ground them down so there's no point in carrying on. It's not just them. Neighbouring farms are giving up cattle. The infection in wildlife is such as it can't be controlled.

Bishop John's visit was part of a day getting first hand experience of agricultural and rural issues in the diocese. He saw something of the "Go West Teme Valley" project (follow the link on the right), visiting Broadwas church and listening to their Listening Post.
After Tony and Margaret's he visited Worcester Livestock market.
Lunch was at the Young Farmers Centre at Hawford where he met "movers and shakers" from Worcestershire's rural and agricultural community. It was an excellent networking opportunity for all, never mind the bishop being there!

In the afternoon Julia Page Warwickshire College Vice Principal and Dean of the Landbased faculty gave us a whistle stop tour round the Pershore campus. The bishop's schedule was tight!

The day finished with a chance to met members of the chaplaincy committee over a cup of tea at Chris Bennett's farm. Thanks to him and Alice for their hospitality