On 28th February 2001 the first case of Foot and Mouth Disease was reported in England. Since then the disease has devastated several rural areas, including parts of Yorkshire and Bradford Diocese. But I wonder if you would agree with me on this?: It has been hard for us in Eccleshill to get the measure of what has been going on. Our own working lives in this city are not directly affected. We watch TV and we read the newspapers, but our experience is second-hand. And along with this goes a feeling of helplessness. How can we be any practical help to those affected? How can we stop being mere distant spectators?

I don’t know the answers. The first anniversary of the outbreak has been designated a day for national prayer, and a series of services have been organised across the nation for the areas concerned. Our “regional service” is in Ripon. A bit far to go on a working day?

So here in Eccleshill we are responding in two ways. We are taking a party to Ripon, where we can hear personal accounts from those affected. And we are also organising a service for the Bradford Area, with a visiting preacher (and probably several other visitors from the rural parts of our diocese), so that we can hear for ourselves what has been going on, its personal impact on the people, and what we can do to help.

You’re welcome at both services. Ask and we’ll send further details. Let’s express our concern for those affected.

John Hartley