As part of the Swepstone, Newton Burgoland and Heather "Country Harvest" celebrations, John Kirkpatrick is performing his God Speed the Plough: The Victorian Farmer's Year in Song show at Swepstone Church on Saturday 10 September at 7:30pm. Tickets are just £5 and include a supper made from local, seasonal produce. There will also be some local and traditional songs from the Community Singers.

10am - 4pm that day, there will be a Harvest Craft Fair in the church grounds. Seasonal flowers and produce will be on display. Victorian re-enactors will create a feel of times past, with displays of needlecraft (including samplers), cookery demonstrations, traditional local songs, and even a talk explaining the Victorian "language of flowers". A Punch & Judy stall, marionettes and juggling will add a festive feeling for families, and children can have a go at making their own puppets. All daytime activities are free.

On Sunday 11 September the Harvest Service at 10:30 am in St Peter's Church features the service which would have been used in the church 100 years ago. The pretty church is open until 4pm, and refreshments are available. The church remains open for visits throughout the week from 2 – 4pm.

On Saturday 17th September, the Harvest festival is rounded off with a Barn Dance at Cattows Farm, Heather, from 6:30 – 11pm (caller Bob Morgan). The first hour of the dance is especially aimed at families. Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £6 per child under 12, to include a supper of traditional local food. There is also a licensed bar.

For further details and tickets please contact Tricia Newbold (01530 270126), Brenda Sumner (01530 270367) or Claire Menday (01530 273647)

A Country Harvest is supported by Memory Lanes, a community arts and heritage project managed by Mantle Arts and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.