New Bishop of Dover celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight at Bridge and Patrixbourne School during East Bridge Deanery visit
The new Bishop of Dover the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott visited Bridge and Patrixbourne Church of England Primary School this week and celebrated Fairtrade Fortnight. The school visit formed part of the Bishop's tour of the East Bridge Deanery, providing the new Bishop with an opportunity to meet communities and build up a picture of life in this part of the diocese. After touring the primary school with Head Teacher Mrs Renuka Chinnadurai and vicar Revd Simon Rowlands and meeting pupils and staff, the Bishop enjoyed a cup of fairtrade tea with pupils from the school council.
The school has recently been awarded the Eco School green flag award for the second year running. The Bishop congratulated members of the eco-council on their success in achieving the award which is presented in recognition of the school's commitment to environmental excellence and sustainability. Pupils from years five and six explained to the Bishop the steps they have taken to become more environmentally friendly which include using fair-trade products, cycling or walking to school, turning off lights, picking up litter and recycling. The school's gardening club also helps preserve biodiversity in the school grounds.
The Bishop's tour of the school comprised part of his wider visit to the rural East Bridge Deanery which included a briefing on the regeneration of Aylesham and a public 'Ask the Bishop' session at the Aylesham Conference Centre. During the question and answer session, the Bishop responded to a number of questions, including the need for partnerships, the role lay people can play in the ministry of the church and what cricket and rugby teams the Bishop supports.
The new Bishop of Dover, who has delegated responsibility from the Archbishop of Canterbury for the oversight of the Diocese of Canterbury, will visit all 16 deaneries in the diocese over the next two months.
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Further information from:
Emily Shepherd,
Director of Communications,
Canterbury Diocese -
07876 210 446