06.10.09 For immediate use

New Bishop of Dover passionate about rural issues

On Monday morning, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, announced to the press at Chalkpit Farm, near Canterbury, the appointment of The Right Reverend Trevor Willmott as the new Bishop of Dover.

The announcement, which followed the official statement from Downing Street, was made at Chalkpit Farm to illustrate Bishop Trevor's experience and interest in rural issues. Bishop Trevor, who is the co-editor of 'Re-shaping Rural Ministry - a Theological and Practical Handbook' explained: "There are challenges about the sustainability of rural life, and how the church can continue to bring new life to people. This is a major issue I want to work on in my new role."

Archbishop Rowan underlined the responsibility that the church has in supporting rural communities: "The rural community does not have all that many advocates on the national scene. The church has very strong connections in rural settings and it should understand the issues and be prepared to speak courageously about them so for this reason I really welcome this appointment."

The Archbishop opened the press conference by explaining the role of Bishop of Dover: "The job of the Bishop of Dover is a very distinctive one and very responsible job. It is far more than just being an assistant to the Archbishop of Canterbury; it is someone who is really responsible for day to day running of the church in Canterbury Diocese and in terms of vision and strategy for the church in this part of Kent, this job is absolutely crucial. So it matters to get this appointment right and I am particularly delighted that Trevor has agreed to take it on."

Archbishop Rowan continued: "Trevor brings with him experience of work in Peterborough diocese, Durham and more recently in Hampshire, He has very wide ranging experience so he knows the countryside, knows about the post industrial challenges of society and he brings to all of that, if I can spare his blushes, extraordinary wisdom and clarity of thinking and pastoral sensitivity which I appreciate colossally in him as a colleague. So I am delighted Trevor is joining us and Margaret likewise, and we welcome them both."

Bishop Trevor, who has been the Bishop of Basingstoke since 2002, explained his hopes for the role: "I am coming to explore somewhere new, and the first thing I want to do is come and listen. One thing I've learnt from being involved in Peterborough, the North East and Hampshire is that everywhere is different and one has to listen to inner rhythm of community before beginning to speak into it.

"One of the things which really engages me is the community in its widest sense; how we live together in it as human beings, and how the church, through its work, can be engaged with the development of communities - that matters to me intensely. Another area that engages me is being in service to the local church. One of the joys of being a Bishop is sharing in the life of the local church. I am also passionate for criminal justice - that strand of life, how we care for those at the very margins of our society, how we perceive them, seems to me, to be a measure of what it is to be a mature society."

He continued: "I have a real passion for rural life. One of our challenges is how to bring rural and urban together and how we learn from each other."

Chalkpit farm which is owned by the Church Commissioners has been farmed by Amanda Barker's family since 1954. In 1991 Amanda and her husband set up 'Essentially Hops' growing hops and flowers for decoration. This enterprise plays an integral role of the whole farming business which now includes 15 acres of flowers and 4 acres of hops plus 400 acres of arable land. Recent developments have transformed redundant farm buildings into a vibrant centre of village life that now incorporates five new businesses. The yard employs at least 20 people and provides a new focal point for the village, in partnership with the church and village hall.

The Barkers and their youngest son, Harry (age 1) presented both Bishop Trevor and the Archbishop of Canterbury with bouquets of hops, which according to Kent folk lore bring good luck and prosperity.

Asked what he was particularly looking forward to in his new role as Bishop of Dover, Bishop Trevor replied: "I find energy being in communities and I am looking forward to that. Margaret was at university here in Kent so we know the area a bit and we look forward to exploring the region and meeting the people." Bishop Trevor concluded: "Margaret and I are both hugely looking forward to being here."