Lancaster Farmers’ Christmas Concert

I was pleased to attend the Farmers’ Christmas Concert at Lancaster Auction Mart last weekend. Arranged and led by our friends the Ayrtons, there were carols, sketches, songs and a talk by Mr Dunn, a Yorkshire-based auctioneer who was generous with his words. I particularly enjoyed the Ayrton and Longton Families teaming up to sing God Sent His Son.

We parked in a large carpark, but were still the only car by 7.20pm. Going in by some strange, back route, we arrived into the main auction ring to see several hundred folk already gathered. I recognised many from the various chapels and churches of North Lancs. Money was raised for the Farmers’ Community Network and Wyresdale Children’s Homes. After nearly two hours of carolling and fun, we did not tarry, forsaking the mince pies to arrive the sooner at our beds.

It was good to gather with farming folk, many of whom feel particularly pressured at this time of year, the cold and rain making outdoor work difficult, and proposed government policies many considering detrimental to their livelihoods. If farmers fail, we all go hungry, or pay higher prices for questionably grown, imported food. But to the shepherds of the sketch I repair, who were reflecting on long past occupants of their stable, including One whom they understood to be going to a cross that week. Not all was gravity, however:

“Did you hear about Old Bert who moved his donkey into the house with him?”

“But what about the terrible smell?”

“Oh, it just had to get used to it.”

*ba-dum ch*

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus

He came to love, heal, and forgive.

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Saviour lives.

-1971 William J. Gaither, Inc. Arr Ubp Of Gaither Copyright Management