Our new Silvernose (3/4 Blackness Valais/1/4 Grey Face Dartmoor) sheep have arrived in St Margaret's, Stratton Strawless, churchyard. They're still very young, and are learning to interact with visitors. It's their temporary grazing home as their owners, ChurchWarden Charles and Meg, begin a pioneering project to develop a Church Smallholding which will eventually include goats and ducks, to complement the chickens which roam freely in the churchyard and next door garden. It's a great joint venture between St Margarets and Garden Church, where Meg and Charles are Pastors. It's more than just 'animals in the churchyard; but an intrinsic part of our Gospel outreach - after all Jesus frequently used animals in his parables! We hope to be able to take the sheep into care homes and also have involvement with groups in the home education environment as well as with adults with learning disabilities. There will also be events at St Margaret’s. So watch this space!
