Rural Ministry Takes Centre Stage at Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show

The church took its place at the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show this year, as thriving rural churches across the region came together in a joyful celebration of community, creativity, and faith.

Every year, the Diocese attends the various agricultural and county shows around Glamorganshire, quietly making connections and knitting communities together. Especially for farming families and the rural villages, the shows are a place to relax, catch up and renew friendships — and the Church’s presence is always appreciated.

This year, thanks to a Mission Grant from the Diocese, the Cowbridge, Bridgend, and East Vale Ministry Areas worked together to make even more of a splash! A large marquee, new printed materials, and a whole host of activities designed especially for show visitors helped the Church to engage with even more people. On the stand there were areas where visitors could find out more about weddings, baptisms, and other life events, light a candle, say a prayer, take a moment to connect with God, discover the difference the Church is making in local communities, and even learn circus skills -because vicars know all about juggling plates!

This vibrant and welcoming presence reflected the Church’s deep commitment to mission and ministry in rural areas, encouraging people to explore faith in ways that are engaging, rooted in local life, and open to all.

Clergy and lay leaders from several Ministry Areas collaborated with members of the Diocesan Staff to create a united and visible Christian presence at the show. Together, they modelled the Church’s calling to serve beyond the walls of church buildings — in fields, on farms, and at the heart of the rural economy.

Paul Booth, Diocesan Director of Mission said, “Being present in our communities is more important than ever before. The Vale Show offers an ideal opportunity for both Clergy and church members from across three Rural Ministry Areas to connect.

Using the strap-line 'Thriving Rural Churches' they are taking the opportunity to both share faith with people and signpost the different activities available in each of the churches beyond normal services.

Rev’d Duncan Ballard, Cowbridge Ministry Area Leader said, “Agricultural shows are a fabulous opportunity to show people that we are interested in the whole of life, not just Sunday mornings.

We’re not trying to ‘sell' church, but the feedback from visitors is overwhelmingly positive”.

Through laughter, learning new circus skills, or simply sharing a cup of tea, the Church offered glimpses of the abundant life referenced in the Gospels (John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”)

With the agricultural sector facing ongoing challenges, from economic pressures to rural isolation, the Church’s presence is more vital than ever. Rural churches are often among the last remaining community hubs, offering continuity, compassion, and hope in changing times.

Rev’d Canon Tim Jones, Diocesan Director of Ministry and Discipleship, said, “County shows are important: they are one of the ways that local communities mark the value of their social, economic and cultural life, and the way in which those three elements weave a community together.

It’s really good for church communities to participate in events like the Vale Show. Many of our churches have been there for generations, for centuries. The congregations and their buildings are tangible links with all those who have gone before us, living their lives in this place, working this land, walking these lanes.

Rural churches are at the heart of rural communities, witnessing to faith, encouraging mutual support, and encouraging everyone to lift their horizons, seeing the preciousness, the holiness, of who we are.”

If any Ministry Areas are interested in using the materials produced for the Vale Show, please contact Rev’d Duncan (duncanballard@churchinwales.org.uk)