Annual Seedtime and Ploughmen's Service at Ballyblack Presbyterian

This service was held recently and the congregation were delighted that the church was filled to capacity.

The service was conducted by the Reverend Bobbie Stevenson, the Vacancy Convener.

The praise was led by Ballyclare Voice Choir who sang several pieces during the service and then entertained the congregation in the church hall after a delicious supper was served by the ladies of the congregation.

The special guest speaker was Barclay Bell, president of the Ulster Farmer’s Union, who in his “Farming Focus” encouraged the congregation to buy local produce and do all they can to sustain the farming economy through these days of uncertainty.

The first lesson was read by Billy Robson OBE, former president of the RUAS.

Billy said that he was delighted to be returning to the congregation of his ancestors.

The second lesson was read by Joy Dalzell on behalf of Newtownards Young Farmers’ Club.

Other members of the local farming community took part in the service.

A very generous offering of £1,090.00 was received by Andrew Gill on behalf of the Friends of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital.