General News
4 May, 2025
Blessing the bounty
Great Western’s Anglican Christ Church held its annual 'Thanksgiving of the Vintage' ceremony over the weekend, continuing a much-loved tradition celebrating the local farming and winemaking community.
Great Western’s Anglican Christ Church held its annual 'Thanksgiving of the Vintage' ceremony over the weekend, continuing a much-loved tradition celebrating the local farming and winemaking community.
Led by Father Martin Nadarajan, members of the local church community gathered at Best’s Winery for a short service, giving thanks for the dedication of those working the land and blessing the vineyard for another year’s harvest.
The event also had aa bit of fun with children enjoying the harvest picnic and not missing the opportunity to squash a few grapes the old-fashioned way.
Viv Thomson, Best's Wines patriarch, said the blessing offered a sense of hope, with the years dismal rainfall affecting many in the agricultural sector.
“We can wish and pray and do what we like, but if we had a bit of divine intervention, you need every bit of a blessing you can get,” he said.
With the tradition spanning well over 20 years, Viv recalled how it has changed over the years.
“We used to have the bishop come up, it's a special thing and it has continued on. It's a tradition we've carried through with our local church,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of acknowledging nature’s role in rural life.
“Nature has always been a part of our lives; unfortunately a lot of people don't recognise it, but nature is so important,” he said.
Father Martin Nadarajan highlighted the service’s meaning for the community.
“It's thanking God for the many blessings brought upon all of us and also a time for prayer for all our farmers. Saying thank you for the hard work that the farmers are doing. They do a lot of work for us. And sometimes you forget to thank them,” he said.