Vicar highlights plight of farmers in JCB drive

A vicar spent last week driving across Wales in a 7.5 tonne JCB to highlight the plight of farmers.

The Rev Richard Kirlew, the Church in Wales' rural affairs adviser, drove to every cathedral in Wales during his 700-mile steeplechase.

On Saturday, he visited Llandaff Cathedral where he was greeted by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, who had a turn in the JCB.

Dr Morgan said, “This is an excellent way to raise awareness of the problems in rural areas and the invaluable work of the charities. Our clergy serving in rural parishes see at first hand, and on a daily basis, the hardship and suffering of those communities and as a church we want to help and support them as much as we can.”

Rev Kirlew then set off for Brecon Cathedral, the final leg of the trip, where he arrived late on Saturday afternoon. The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John Davies, was there to congratulate him at the finishing line.

The money raised by the trip will go towards the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI), Farm Crisis Network and the Colwyn Benefice.

Rev Kirlew was accompanied on the trip by his wife Liz. They slept each night in a caravan that was towed at the back of the JCB.

Although the maximum speed was 40mph, Rev Kirlew said fellow drivers were extremely patient on the roads.

He said, “We have been overwhelmed by all the support and encouragement we’ve had along the way and want to thank everyone for their patience.

"We’ve pulled in regularly to let faster drivers pass and lorries have flashed their lights in a supportive way.

"The main aim has been to raise awareness of the problems facing rural communities in Wales – there’s a perception everyone living in the countryside is rich but poverty, declining village life and isolation are real issues which are getting worse.”

Erys Hughes, regional officer of the RABI, who followed Rev Kirlew for much of the trip, said, “For the RABI, it’s not about raising money as much as raising awareness that we are here to help.

"Farmers are a very proud lot and don’t want to admit they are struggling – many are not even aware of the help we can give them.

"But the past 11 years have been very difficult for them, what with foot-and-mouth disease, floods, swine flu, the collapse of the dairy industry and bovine TB and we have seen a huge increase in demand for help.”