From Ms Sally Codman
Sir, — Although the choice of the “Blessing of the fleece” photo of the Bishop of Wakefield, the Rt Revd Stephen Platten, shearing a sheep for your recent caption competition got a great response (3 August), I should point out that there was a great deal more to the service than just a funny photo.

Following the Bishop’s recent visit to Australia, where these services are held on the sheep-stations, he suggested holding a service of prayer and thanksgiving at All Saints’, Cawthorne, in this diocese, to show the Church’s support for our farming community. Yorkshire has always been famous for its woollen mills and flocks of sheep.

Even before news of the latest outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, the Bishop wanted to show its appreciation and support for the work of rural and farming communities within the diocese.

SALLY CODMAN
Diocesan Communications Officer
Church House
1 South Parade
Wakefield WF1 1LP