New part-time Agricultural Chaplain for Greater Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire Rural & Agricultural Chaplaincy have announced the appointment of Revd Catherine Wylie from June 1.

She joins Revd Canon Alan Robson as an agricultural chaplain covering Greater Lincolnshire.

Catherine is from a farming family in Wensleydale where her wider family continue to farm.

Growing up, she spent much time on her grandparents’ farm experiencing all aspects of farming life which developed her life-long passion for rural living.

She has lived and worked in Lincolnshire for over 30 years, retiring from a career in the NHS as Chief Nurse for the North Lincs Clinical Commissioning Group to undertake ordination training in 2017. She has since spent seven years serving as an Associate Priest in the Caistor Group of Parishes, participating in all aspects of parish life in Caistor and the surrounding rural communities.

Catherine comments: “I look forward to working again with Revd Canon Alan Robson, integrating with partner organisations that importantly, advocate, respond to and raise the profile of challenges to farming, and I am delighted to be serving and sharing with those experiencing difficult times and also cherishing times of celebration and success that ensure farming in Lincolnshire flourishes for the future.”

Revd Canon Alan Robson has been Lincolnshire’s Rural & Agricultural Chaplain for over 25 years. He says: “For me Revd Catherine brings to this role fresh perspectives, heaps of passion and practical skills (her nursing roles at senior levels adds that rich mix of pastoral and structural understanding).

"Catherine will be pastoral, purposeful and approach situations with pragmatic common sense! All of these ‘p’s alongside a reassuring smile and a spiritual heart for all the people she has and will encounter.”

Funding for this role has been provided from the farming community through an ongoing appeal held over the last four years. It is also supported by the Anchor Foundation and the Lincolnshire Rural Support Network.

Meryl Ward, Chair of LRAC said: “LRAC are incredibly grateful for the generosity of so many people that have enabled this post to be funded. Catherine’s background and experiences mean that she brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to the new role."

Matt Phillips, LRSN Chair added: “This appointment reflects both the growing need for dedicated pastoral support within our farming communities and our ongoing commitment to being there for people during some of life’s most challenging moments. Farming can be an isolating and high-pressure profession, and having trusted, compassionate support available on the ground is more important than ever.

"We are confident that this strengthened chaplaincy provision will make a meaningful difference to the wellbeing of those we serve.”