Archbishop of Liverpool Malcolm McMahon and Bishop of Liverpool Paul Bayes have each released a video pledge outlining how they will support the Good Food Plan, ahead of a pledge evening in the Metropolitan Cathedral this week.<The event, which was open to everyone from across the life of the city including businesses, community and charity leaders, residents of all ages, employers, workers, volunteers, and anyone interested in learning how to join the #goodfoodliverpool movement.It is hoped the Bishop and Archbishop’s words will pave the way for others to follow suit, with opportunities to make individual, workplace, community or organisational pledges both on the night and afterwards. They aim to create a city where “everyone can eat good food”.Pledge examples include promising to signpost people to where they can access good food, commit to paying all employees a real living wage, start up a new sustainable food business or project, take part in food insecurity screening, volunteer, share resources, or simply start conversations in your community.In his video Bishop Paul (see photo), already a vocal champion of the Real Living Wage and the Right to Food campaign, said: “As Christians, we believe food is a gift given from God to all human beings, not just to some.“That one in every three adults in Liverpool are food insecure – worrying about where they will get enough food to feed their families, skipping meals and at times going hungry – is a burning injustice. We cannot stand by and let this happen.“As a diocese – with a church on the door step of every community – and as an employer, we have a part to play. We will continue to speak out against the root causes of poverty which prevent everyone being able to access good food.”Urging people to join the #goodfoodliverpool movement, he adds: “Friends, when we stand alone this task of tackling injustice may seem too large, but each of us have gifts and talents to bring; when we work together we can bring about real change.”Liverpool is home to three of England’s 10 most economically deprived food districts. Around 32% of adults in in the city are food insecure and just 12% of children aged 11 to 18 eat their five-a-day fruit and veg.
A permanent memorial to unsung pandemic workers and those who have died with Covid-19 will be unveiled in Barnsley later this month.The £210,000 bronze sculpture will be revealed in the town's new Glass Works square on 22 November.Sculptor Graham Ibbeson's artwork, titled Reverence, was paid for by the council and partners.Key workers and bereaved families will be at the ceremony, led by the former Archbishop of York Lord Sentamu.The Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Prof Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, will also be at the unveiling.Mr Ibbeson's sculpture depicts ordinary workers, representing those affected by the pandemic.The line "Barnsley's fierce love will hold you forever in its heart" by town poet Ian McMillan will be etched on a plinth on the work.By the end of October, more than 900 people in Barnsley had died with covid. Council leader Sir Steve Houghton said the pandemic continued to affect everyone and urged people in the town to attend the opening ceremony and "reflect on those we've lost and those who work so tirelessly in our communities".
November 14 is Remembrance Sunday when we remember those who have given their lives, and those who have made sacrifices, in service of our country to ensure our freedom.There will be the traditional Remembrance Sunday service at St Mary and All Saints’ Church, Dunsfold. Our service will start at 9.30am.Our worship will be led by Reverend Canon Nigel Nicholson. After the church service Canon Nicholson will head to the Dunsfold War Memorial, alongside the cricket ground, where he will lead the public Act of Remembrance which will start at 10.45am.