A Visit to the Urban Farm

Right in the middle of Wolverton there are 2½ acres of land bursting with life – sweet corn, courgettes, potatoes, raspberries, runner beans and tomatoes and more. There are giant sunflowers in colours I had never dreamt of and a beautiful range of flowers only my mother would have known the name of. Add to that chickens, four bee hives and a pond with naturally introduced fish and you’ve got a place to inspire. 

 The farm is run by M.K. Christian Foundation, and is one of a family of social enterprise projects that enable young people and communities to enjoy life in a positive and healthy way. As it says on their egg boxes they are “Growing People.” There are 2½ full time workers, and at the moment a team of around 6 under 25 yr olds and 4 under 16 yr olds who do the work as well as local people who rent out some of the land as allotments. 

 The farm is a going concern selling produce in three local pubs, at Farmer’s Market’s, supplying food for the Community Café in the Christian Foundation and for the food outlet at Acorn House. People can also order produce by e mail ready to pick up on a Friday afternoon. 

One day they hope to prepare and serve food – the pizza oven is ready and in working order! 

 I came away from my visit with eggs, one of those mysterious flowers and real nuggets of knowledge – such as that fish are introduced naturally to a place on the feet of ducks and if the mood of a hive of bees is aggressive it is entirely the influence of the Queen – remove her and the mood changes! 

If you want to know more about the fantastic work of the Christian Foundation google MK Christian Foundation.

Well I have decided to do it at last – no not have a glass of wine or go on a diet. I’ve decided to put my sermons up on the web. It hasn’t really taken much to resist this in the past – in fact I dread doing it as I know that I often fail to say what I have written down and the jokes don’t quite transcribe on paper. However, I have decided to go ahead – I will probably revise then after delivery! Added to which at my speed of blogging etc they will no doubt be irregular.
So why am I doing this?
It’s really because for one reason or another a lot of people just don’t come to church regularly and maybe, just maybe, reading the sermon will help to keep their minds actively engaged with the issues of faith. I know….. who needs my sermons to help them do that? True, but that is my motive. If anyone can think of a better idea let me know!