Unearthing the Past

One of the young men who attends the Agriculture Project here at Crag House Farm got quite a surprise a couple of months ago, when helping to shift rubble to clear a small area of land. Something which he spotted in with mounds of earth and stones, turned out to be something really special; an almost entire clay pipe. Pipe bowls or stems have sometimes been discovered on the Farm, particularly when ploughing land or repairing drystone walls, but never one in as good a condition as this.

Old clay pipe found by our Agriculture Team.

Having sought advice on cleaning the pipe, (being grateful to have a trustee who was formerly a museum curator), the pipe was carefully handed over to our very own “Repair Shop”, otherwise known as the Art Shop Project here at Caring For Life. They did a wonderful, delicate job of restoring it and the clay pipe now looks magnificent, showing something of the markings of use around the bowl, and clearly showing the spur underneath.

Although we cannot be clear as to the exact age of the clay pipe, it is thrilling to be able to see something which was once used by someone working here at Crag House Farm. It appears to have been a good quality pipe, and someone must have been sorry to realise they had lost it! 

With all the history attached to Crag House Farm, it is unsurprising that we find objects such as this beautiful pipe, occasionally coins, old field drains and even a quern-stone. 

Farming activities have taken place here for centuries, and it is rather wonderful to see how a little piece of history was unearthed by a young man now working on the Agriculture Project here at Caring For Life. Crag House Farm is providing a safe haven and a sense of belonging for so many people, and we thank God for this.

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Food and Much More

As recent web articles show, this time of the year, traditionally “harvest time”, is wonderfully busy for us. Churches, support groups, organisations and schools send harvest gifts to us, with a stream of cars sometimes arriving all at once, to deliver the harvest to us. After sorting the food by category and date, a task undertaken by our Time For Jesus volunteers, staff and volunteers, including corporate volunteer groups, our food stores are replenished, ready for food parcels to be given out to those in need at any time during the year ahead. Members of our Being There (housing support) team make up food parcels for individuals  or families who are experiencing difficult times, due to a whole myriad of factors. Food parcels are made up and then delivered.

But this aspect of Caring For Life’s work is about so much more than giving a food parcel. This is a tremendously practical way of meeting an immediate need. If someone has no income, or drastically reduced income for whatever reason, there is an immediate need for food to sustain life. At Caring For Life we come across situations where people are choosing between heating their home or eating food, and this becomes a dangerous choice when winter sets in. Or we see families in which the parent may be ensuring the child eats, but not eating properly themselves. Not infrequently, we find people with empty cupboards in their kitchen. Some people may have a chronic health problem or be reliant on important medication, and poor nutrition has a very negative impact on their overall physical and mental health. 

At Caring For Life we come across situations where people are choosing between heating their home or eating food.

Thus, meeting the need for food is a wonderful way to provide quick, straightforward help. But delivering a food parcel also provides an opportunity for a gentle chat, some human contact, and the chance to see what other help is needed; what can be done to unravel the causes of “food poverty”.  Regular food parcels may be needed for some time, whilst a person’s financial situation stabilises and issues are sorted out.  Caring For Life is so thankful to be able to provide that regular help when it is needed, and so grateful for the harvest gifts which make this possible, enabling us to provide food.. and so much more .. for those in need. We thank God for the harvest and for the opportunity to share His love in this way.  

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Open Day Madness

It’s that time of year again, when we at Caring For Life are busy getting ready for our annual Open Day.

The large food demo and vendor marquee is set up.

With that comes a great deal of hectic activity that we tend to call, “Open Day Madness”!

A great deal is involved in ensuring that the whole site is ready for a mini invasion by the general public, and much thought goes into planning what will take place where! 

We are tremendously grateful to volunteers who help us in the run up to Open Day, as well as on the day itself, and we could not take on such a large event without their help. 

New to our Open Day this year will be the Tailwaggers Dog Club, and also a Food Fayre, showcasing local food producers. Everybody needs to be catered for, with the site carefully planned and marked off. 

Cutting grass and putting up tents and gazebos can be tricky in heavy rain or windy weather, so inclement weather conditions can really add to Open Day madness! But our prayer is that everyone who comes along will really enjoy the day, and that many people who previously knew little of our charity's work, will go away inspired and encouraged by the ministry of Caring For Life.

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