26 September 2026
Each year, the Tendring Show welcomes around 20,000 visitors from across Essex, bringing together rural and urban communities for a celebration of agriculture, local business and family activities. For many years, the churches of Harwich Deanery have been a valued part of the event, offering a welcoming space where people can pause and find refreshment amid the bustle of the showground.
The Harwich Deanery Churches Tent provides free refreshments, conversation and a listening ear throughout the day, alongside a baby changing and feeding area that is particularly appreciated by families.
This year, more than 100 children took part in craft activities. Families explored the theme of the Beatitudes, with children adding thumbprints to a collaborative Sermon on the Mount picture. More than 100 goody bags containing prayer cards, crosses and information about local churches were also given away.
Reflecting on this year’s event, the Area Dean of Harwich, the Revd John Saxon, said:
“The Tendring Show gives our churches a wonderful opportunity to serve the wider community in a simple and practical way. Visitors are often surprised that all hospitality is provided free of charge. Whether through offering hospitality, supporting families, listening, praying or sharing something of our faith, we hope visitors experience the love and welcome of the Church.”
Rural Adviser and Agricultural Chaplain, the Revd Canon Janet Nicholls, added:
“It is always a pleasure to visit the Harwich Deanery Churches Tent at the Tendring Show. The warm welcome, kind hospitality and prayerful presence amidst the busyness of the showground are reminders of how our churches so often bring ‘salt, light and yeast’ to the heart of our rural communities.”
This presence has been supported in recent years through the Deanery Mission Opportunity Fund, enabling investment in resources including professional publicity materials, a gazebo and a generator, enabling the serving of hot drinks. These resources are now used at other community events - Christmas markets, sea shanty festivals and village fetes - helping Harwich churches to maintain a visible and welcoming presence across the deanery.
The Revd John Saxon also noted that improved publicity has helped increase attendance at local church services. The Deanery is already looking forward to returning to the Tendring Show on 10 July 2027.
This article is taken from the latest edition of WePray.
