Suffolk’s new Bishop celebrates her birthday at the county show meeting young people, families, and up to 2,000 people in the Church of England marquee.
Bishop Joanne marks a double celebration with her first visit to the Suffolk Show since she took up office, and her birthday on the first day.
The previous bishop, the Rt Revd Martin Seeley, was President of the Suffolk Show last year and that coincided with his 70th birthday.
Bishop Joanne, who will be at the county show at Trinity Park in Ipswich on both days May 27th and 28th, said: "The county’s iconic agricultural show is an event that I have been looking forward to ever since I arrived in Suffolk last year. It gives me an opportunity to meet so many people from all walks of life and learn more about the rich farming heritage enjoyed in the county. I have great admiration for the farmers who work so hard, often in challenging weather conditions, to bring food to our plate and I want to hear how they adapt to our changing climate and what pressures they face in their industry."
The Church of England will be at stand 531 in Flower Show Avenue, where Bishop Joanne will be joined by other members of the clergy where families are having fun with their children.
Games, puppets and other children’s entertainment, free refreshments and a purple sofa for Bishop Joanne will be on the agenda.
"I want to listen and learn from visitors about their lives in Suffolk, how they juggle work, family and social responsibilities, and to gain an insight into how the Church can remain relevant and adapt in today’s modern world. We want to reach out to communities, listening and benefiting from their own experiences and offering support. Our Agricultural Chaplaincy Team will be at the show discussing their valuable role in building relationships and supporting the farming community. It is increasingly common that farmers can suffer from depression and anxiety, and our team is available on the phone or for pastoral visits too as part of their role," she added.
The Diocese has had links with in north west Tanzania in Africa for more than 20 years and there will be details about farming in that region, where many people are subsistence farmers living on less than £1.50 a day.