Eleanor Reddington

Eleanor came to her role just as the Foot and Mouth outbreak was drawing to a close (2001).

Eleanor's tasks include:

Maintaining a weekly presence at Livestock Markets, talking to farmers and others.
During the summer months, attending Agricultural Shows, walking around talking to farmers and stallholders with whom she has built up a rapport.
Visiting the farms and offering support to the farmers and their families.
Being available as a "listening ear" - Some days Eleanor doesn't get any further than the canteen - where she can spend all morning sitting in the same place, but those who are with her change.

Outcomes of Eleanor's work include:

Farmers will come quietly up to Eleanor and ask her to pray for family members in difficulties, or ask if she can find an excuse to visit someone because they are worried about him/her.
She has built up a rapport with Stallholders, Auctioneers, Solicitors, Vets & Accountants, making many useful contacts. Sometimes a vet or accountant will ring her up expressing concern about a client, and asking if she can find an excuse to visit.
People have come to trust and accept her and welcome her in their homes, she been privileged to fulfil the vital work of sharing these ups and the downs with them - and, yes, she has been invited to share the joyous occasions as well as the problems.