0:00:02 > 0:00:04Today Songs Of Praise is in the Yorkshire Dales
0:00:04 > 0:00:08on the beautiful Haw Pike Farm at lambing time.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11I've come to muck in as farmers here help to deliver
0:00:11 > 0:00:15up to 1,000 lambs this season, including this one.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19The farm overlooks the Bolton Abbey estate,
0:00:19 > 0:00:20and later in the programme
0:00:20 > 0:00:24we'll see the lambs as they're blessed in a special ceremony.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27BLEATING
0:00:27 > 0:00:28Josie is also in Yorkshire,
0:00:28 > 0:00:32going back to school as the children find new ways to mark Lent.
0:00:34 > 0:00:36And in the last of his series,
0:00:36 > 0:00:38the Archbishop of York meets the remarkable mother
0:00:38 > 0:00:42who found herself in the media spotlight after she forgave
0:00:42 > 0:00:45those responsible for the death of her son.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48I forgive them because they don't know what they do.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51I've got to forgive them. I still forgive them.
0:01:04 > 0:01:06As always, our music today
0:01:06 > 0:01:08comes from right across the UK.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11But we stay here in Yorkshire for our first hymn.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14It's often sung during Holy Week by Christians as they reflect
0:01:14 > 0:01:17on the life and passion of Jesus.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59Haw Pike Farm in Wharfedale nestles in the stunning Yorkshire Dales.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03This area has been used for sheep farming for more than 1,000 years,
0:04:03 > 0:04:06preserving this iconic landscape.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13The farm is looked after by the Carr family, and like farmers
0:04:13 > 0:04:16right across the country, lambing season is always
0:04:16 > 0:04:18their busiest time of year.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22Lambing is a 24/7 operation,
0:04:22 > 0:04:25and here at the farm everyone is getting stuck in.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29This is a first for me, but I'm more than willing to lend a hand.
0:04:30 > 0:04:33There are over 600 sheep on the farm,
0:04:33 > 0:04:36and if all goes well over 1,000 lambs are expected.
0:04:36 > 0:04:40They can be born any time of the day or night, and I'm joining
0:04:40 > 0:04:44Andy Carr as he does an early-morning check of his flock.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49It's absolutely beautiful here, isn't it?
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Yeah, it's a very special place, I must admit.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55- Especially on a day like today. - Yeah.- We've got the weather.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- It's an amazing place for lambs to be born, as well, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:04:58 > 0:05:01It must be hard work though. It's not an easy life, is it?
0:05:01 > 0:05:04No, it's not an easy life.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08You know, you need a lot of physical strength and mental strength to get
0:05:08 > 0:05:11through. Some of the days, especially this time of year,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- are very long.- And it strikes me that it's more than a job.
0:05:14 > 0:05:18- It's actually a vocation. - Yes. Yeah, you're right.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20I think it has to be in your blood.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24And I think, as well, faith is important.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27A good wife, definitely, behind you, is important.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30I'll tell her you said that when I see her.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33But faith, I would say, when you do have bad times,
0:05:33 > 0:05:37- I think it does help you get through the day.- Yeah.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43Most of the lambs are born in the great outdoors. But for those ewes
0:05:43 > 0:05:47who need a little extra help, the barn doubles up as a delivery suite.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49We've been called to a breech birth,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52and Andy's dad is there to ensure a safe delivery.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55It's coming, it's coming, it's coming!
0:05:57 > 0:05:59Well done, Mummy!
0:06:00 > 0:06:03I've never watched any babies being delivered in a pile of hay,
0:06:03 > 0:06:08so that was my first lambing experience. It's so quick.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- It was so quick.- Yeah, yeah.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13And if you hadn't intervened then, with it being a breech lamb,
0:06:13 > 0:06:15she wouldn't have got that baby out.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17No, there's no way she could have pushed it out,
0:06:17 > 0:06:20so we have to be on standby.
0:06:20 > 0:06:21That's why we have them in this pen,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24you know, so we can keep an eye on them.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- You've seen this hundreds of times. - Yeah.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- Do you still feel the awe and wonder of the moment?- Absolutely, yeah.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32It's a miracle, in a way.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36I think it reinforces my faith a lot, as well.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41You'd think there's something greater and more amazing
0:06:41 > 0:06:44than this just happening by chance.
0:06:44 > 0:06:49You're just so happy to see them bonding, as well, you know?
0:06:49 > 0:06:51The Carr family farm is a stone's throw from the ruins
0:06:51 > 0:06:55of Bolton Priory, and later in the programme we'll be attending
0:06:55 > 0:06:57a special blessing service at the Priory Church
0:06:57 > 0:07:01with some of Andy's lambs as the star guests.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07- So Andy, we need to choose a lamb for the service.- We do, yes.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09We've got four lambs in mind.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12They're fairly quiet. They're barely 24 hours old.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14Right, do you want to take one?
0:07:14 > 0:07:18- I'd love to! This is so exciting. OK.- There you go.
0:07:18 > 0:07:23Hello, you! Hello, you! Oh, hello! That's a nice kiss!
0:07:23 > 0:07:26So why are you taking these into church?
0:07:26 > 0:07:29It's a celebration of the harvest for this area,
0:07:29 > 0:07:32cos obviously we're not arable farming round here.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36And it's sort of a recognition and appreciation
0:07:36 > 0:07:38of the farming community round here.
0:07:38 > 0:07:40You're going to church!
0:07:40 > 0:07:42Are you going to put your Sunday best on?
0:07:42 > 0:07:43ANDY CARR LAUGHS
0:10:26 > 0:10:29Later on we'll witness some of those cute little lambs being blessed
0:10:29 > 0:10:31at the local priory church.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34But next, it's the last of our series of interviews
0:10:34 > 0:10:36by the Archbishop of York.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39He's met three women with amazing stories of faith.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42In his final interview, he speaks to an inspiring mother.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Gee Walker's role as a mother
0:10:47 > 0:10:50propelled her onto the national stage
0:10:50 > 0:10:53in a way nobody would wish for.
0:10:54 > 0:10:5811 years ago, her 18-year-old son Anthony
0:10:58 > 0:11:02was attacked and killed near the family home on Merseyside.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07Their story covered the news headlines.
0:11:07 > 0:11:11Gee stood in the spotlight and spoke of forgiving her son's killers,
0:11:11 > 0:11:13who were convicted of murder.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18At the point of death, Jesus said, "I forgive them because they
0:11:18 > 0:11:20"don't know what they do."
0:11:20 > 0:11:22I've got to forgive them. I still forgive them.
0:11:24 > 0:11:29In the memory of her son, she set up the Anthony Walker Foundation,
0:11:29 > 0:11:33a charity promoting racial harmony through education,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35sport and the arts.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42At the time of this recording we're very close, actually,
0:11:42 > 0:11:47to Anthony's birthday. And in fact, you're holding... This is Anthony.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Yeah. He would have been 30.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53How do you feel at this time of year?
0:11:54 > 0:11:57It's the worst sort of pain.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59It's emotional, it's mental, its physical.
0:11:59 > 0:12:05And I feel sad for those who haven't got the God I know, who when,
0:12:05 > 0:12:07in the darkest...
0:12:10 > 0:12:15..in the darkest, deepest, depths of pain, beyond pain...
0:12:16 > 0:12:22..that when you call out "God help me," he's there to help.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23It's hard,
0:12:23 > 0:12:26and without God I wouldn't have been able to do it.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31So you find God actually does descend to your pain, your darkness?
0:12:31 > 0:12:33Without a doubt.
0:12:34 > 0:12:39There is this peace that does rise up in you, and carries you.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43In the midst of pain you can still say, "God, I honour you,
0:12:43 > 0:12:47"God, I praise you, God, I trust you. And I'm resting in you,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50"I'm confident that you are able to carry me."
0:12:50 > 0:12:53And that's what he does for me.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57Try to be loving, to be kind.
0:12:57 > 0:13:02And when I look at you I see hope of a better future for all of us.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05You are special and you're different.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Show kindness, show love, and live in peace with each other.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11God bless you, and thank you so much.
0:13:11 > 0:13:15So how do you feel when people come to that place of understanding,
0:13:15 > 0:13:18that forgiveness is better than hate?
0:13:18 > 0:13:21Oh, I rejoice with them, because it is the better way.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24It's not letting them off the hook.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27I say it's a gift I'm entitled to.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30It's a present from God to me.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36You, by nature, really don't like this public attention.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- So how do you cope?- I don't!
0:13:40 > 0:13:44It's just by God's grace I do what I have got to do,
0:13:44 > 0:13:48because I do believe my son was born to be great
0:13:48 > 0:13:50and someone's got to carry on.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53I've picked up the mantle, Archbishop,
0:13:53 > 0:13:59and I'll carry it to the best of my ability.
0:13:59 > 0:14:03But as long as I've got life in me, and God's strength,
0:14:03 > 0:14:06I'll keep going.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09It's been amazing talking to you,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12and I'm going to hand you back Anthony's pendant.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Thank you, Archbishop.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- And happy birthday to him, as well. - Thank you.- OK.- Thank you.
0:14:19 > 0:14:20Thank you.
0:17:26 > 0:17:28Today is Palm Sunday, and coming up,
0:17:28 > 0:17:32Josie d'Arby is some 20 miles away over in Halifax,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35going back to school and finding out what the pupils are up to
0:17:35 > 0:17:37in the last week of Lent.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41But first, a worship song. The Lion And The Lamb.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37For many Christians, Lent is traditionally a time
0:20:37 > 0:20:41to challenge yourself to perhaps give up a certain luxury.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44Well, what if, instead of targeting one or two things,
0:20:44 > 0:20:47you did 40 challenges for the 40 days of Lent?
0:20:47 > 0:20:51Well, that's what this incredible bunch is doing.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- ALL:- Yeah!
0:20:57 > 0:21:01The pupils here at St Malachy's Catholic primary school in Halifax
0:21:01 > 0:21:04are dressing up, baking cakes and being creative
0:21:04 > 0:21:09in order to raise money for, and involve, their wider community.
0:21:12 > 0:21:14In charge of all these creative budding artists
0:21:14 > 0:21:18is deputy headteacher Andrea Sharrock.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21We're looking at what Lent means.
0:21:21 > 0:21:23It's not just giving up things.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27We want to inspire the children that faith is a joyous celebration.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30And we try and do activities that are fun,
0:21:30 > 0:21:35and many that link with either schoolwork or fundraising
0:21:35 > 0:21:39or as many different activities as we can fit in.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42Involving the wider community is a huge part of why the school
0:21:42 > 0:21:44is doing these challenges.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46Will you help your mummy during Lent?
0:21:46 > 0:21:48What could you do to help your mummy?
0:21:48 > 0:21:52They are going round each of their classes with their skills to share,
0:21:52 > 0:21:55so we've got classes who are embroidering,
0:21:55 > 0:21:58those who like painting are just there to support.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00And it's that sharing of skills.
0:22:00 > 0:22:03And what do you hope the children get out of it?
0:22:03 > 0:22:07We want them to understand the religious teachings behind it,
0:22:07 > 0:22:10so that links with the religious curriculum they've got,
0:22:10 > 0:22:14but then we want to fill them with experiences and things
0:22:14 > 0:22:16that they'll never, ever forget.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22The 40 challenges,
0:22:22 > 0:22:26I think it's actually good, because it's time for fun in Lent.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30Oh, look, it's coming right out!
0:22:31 > 0:22:33It's so tiny.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39A lot of hard work has gone into making all these creations,
0:22:39 > 0:22:43including these prayer balloons which will be released later on.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47Meanwhile, the Lenten celebrations continue.
0:22:47 > 0:22:49The pupils here have had an incredibly busy morning.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53They've baked, they've painted, and now, for the members
0:22:53 > 0:22:55of the community here in Halifax that have shown up,
0:22:55 > 0:22:56they're going to sing.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00# Our God is a great big God
0:23:01 > 0:23:04# Our God is a great big God
0:23:04 > 0:23:07# Our God is a great big God
0:23:07 > 0:23:10# And he holds us in his hands. #
0:23:22 > 0:23:25Well, we've all had a fantastic day today and there's only one thing
0:23:25 > 0:23:27left to do.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30A balloon release with all the children's prayers attached.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32- Are you ready? - ALL:- Yeah!
0:23:32 > 0:23:33Let it go!
0:23:33 > 0:23:37CHEERING
0:23:42 > 0:23:45And now for a classic Palm Sunday hymn.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06It's lambing season in God's own country, and here in the
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Yorkshire Dales the sheep farmers are working around the clock.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14To show appreciation for all their efforts and bountiful harvest,
0:26:14 > 0:26:15the community are preparing
0:26:15 > 0:26:18for a special blessing of the lambs service
0:26:18 > 0:26:21here at the Priory Church on the Bolton Abbey estate.
0:26:24 > 0:26:28In 1154 a group of Augustinian canons were given this land
0:26:28 > 0:26:30by a wealthy benefactor.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34The priests made their living from sheep farming.
0:26:34 > 0:26:35The ruins are absolutely stunning,
0:26:35 > 0:26:38but back in its day it must have been very impressive.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40It would have been very busy.
0:26:40 > 0:26:46There was a tannery, a forge, a mill, a tailor's shop.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48So there was lots going on here.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52This place has got a really strong connection with sheep farming, then.
0:26:52 > 0:26:53Yes, it has, yes.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57Because they sold the wool. They could eat the meat.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00They used to milk the ewes and make a lot of cheese,
0:27:00 > 0:27:03and then the canons, because there was no heating in the priory,
0:27:03 > 0:27:06of course, the canons used to wear sheepskin under their black habits.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09So they used every part of the sheep.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12- So really integral to the life of the priory, then.- Absolutely, yes.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16I like to think that the canons would very much approve of
0:27:16 > 0:27:18the lambing service here today in church, don't you?
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- I think they would, yes! - THEY LAUGH
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- So we're here now.- Yes.
0:27:27 > 0:27:28The stars of the show.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31How does it feel to have them here finally?
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Yeah, it's a proud moment, really.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37You just hope everything goes to plan.
0:27:37 > 0:27:41- I have complete confidence in your skill as a shepherd...- Argh!
0:27:41 > 0:27:46- ..to get those sheep into that church.- I'm glad someone does.
0:27:46 > 0:27:48- And if not, I'll have a word. - Please.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Well, I'm relying on you there. Thank you.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56Inside, the congregation eagerly await the guests of honour.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00BLEATING
0:28:03 > 0:28:07A good shepherd knows hers or his sheep.
0:28:07 > 0:28:11What's more, not only does the good shepherd know hers or his sheep.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14The sheep know the good shepherd.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18When we know this, then we understand a bit more
0:28:18 > 0:28:23about what Jesus means when he says "I am the good shepherd,
0:28:23 > 0:28:28"working together all people so that there will be one flock."
0:28:31 > 0:28:35Well, these new additions to Andy's flock have certainly been a big hit.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40It shows how the Priory always tries to reach out to the local community
0:28:40 > 0:28:42and, in particular, the farmers.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45And it strikes me that those beautiful lambs...
0:28:45 > 0:28:46What were their names again?
0:28:46 > 0:28:49- Blanche, Blossom, Linda and Priscilla.- Priscilla, yep.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52They'll be taking a blessing back to the rest of the flock.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54- They will, yes. - But you'll be taking a blessing back
0:28:54 > 0:28:56to the rest of the farmers, as well.
0:28:56 > 0:28:59Yeah, that's a nice way of putting it, actually.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01- You must feel very proud. - Yeah, I definitely do.
0:29:08 > 0:29:15# For the beauty of the Earth
0:29:15 > 0:29:20# For the beauty of the skies
0:29:20 > 0:29:27# For the love which from our birth
0:29:27 > 0:29:31# Over and around us lies
0:29:31 > 0:29:34# Over and around us lies
0:29:34 > 0:29:40# Lord of all to thee we raise
0:29:42 > 0:29:48- # This, our joyful hymn of praise - This, our hymn of praise
0:29:53 > 0:30:00- # For the joy of human love - For the joy of love
0:30:00 > 0:30:06- # Brother, sister, parent, child - Brother, sister, parent, child
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- # Friends on earth - Friends on earth
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- # And friends above - And friends above
0:30:13 > 0:30:21- # For all gentle thoughts and mild - For all gentle thoughts and mild
0:30:21 > 0:30:28- # Lord of all, to thee we raise - Lord of all, to thee we raise
0:30:28 > 0:30:34- # This, our joyful hymn of praise - Our joyful hymn of praise
0:30:37 > 0:30:44# For each perfect gift of thine
0:30:44 > 0:30:49# To our race so freely given
0:30:49 > 0:30:57- # Graces human and divine - Graces human and divine
0:30:57 > 0:31:01# Flowers of earth and buds of heaven
0:31:01 > 0:31:04# Flowers of earth and buds of heaven
0:31:04 > 0:31:11# Lord of all, to thee we raise
0:31:13 > 0:31:19- # This, our joyful hymn of praise - This, our joyful hymn of praise
0:31:21 > 0:31:28- # This, our joyful hymn of praise. - Our hymn of praise. #
0:31:40 > 0:31:42What a memorable day it's been here in Yorkshire -
0:31:42 > 0:31:45my very first experience of lambing.
0:31:45 > 0:31:48Next week, for Easter Sunday, Sally Magnusson joins the crowds
0:31:48 > 0:31:52in Manchester city centre for a spectacular outdoor performance
0:31:52 > 0:31:57retelling the greatest story ever told - Christ's Passion.
0:31:57 > 0:32:01We leave you now with the perfect hymn for Holy Week.
0:32:08 > 0:32:13# There is a green hill far away...