New Bishop of Dover visits Folkestone
The new Bishop of Dover, The Right Reverend Trevor Willmott, visited a school, communities and charities in the Folkestone area on Tuesday 2 March. The visit, which provided an opportunity for the new Bishop to build up a picture of life in the district, was organised by Revd Hilary Jones and church volunteers from the region.
During the day the Bishop met with staff and pupils at the Folkestone Academy, heard about the work of the Rainbow Centre from long-standing volunteers and helped volunteers pack clothes for Africa at Operation Sunshine. In the evening the Bishop met local business, civic and community leaders at a reception at the Risborough Barracks before participating in a question and answer session with an audience of around 200 people at the Tower Theatre.
In the morning the Bishop was led on a tour of the new Folkestone Academy by the Principal Mr Sean Heslop and the school's Chaplain Mark Harlow. During the visit the Bishop stopped and talked to many pupils and took the opportunity to join in with a French lesson. Mark Harlow who also holds the roles of Senior Learning Mentor and Community Liaison as well as working as the Chaplain, described the school's ethos, which is broadly Christian, explaining that a great emphasis placed on the pastoral care of pupils.
During the afternoon the Bishop visited local Charity the Rainbow Centre. Here the Bishop learnt about the essential work carried out by the centre which includes counselling, a pre-school, a food stop and a drop-in centre. Bishop Trevor met staff and trustees, including Bridget Wight who became involved with the centre 25 years ago and now acts as Chairman.
Bishop Trevor said: "The Rainbow Centre is clearly a vital resource which brings a sign of hope for local people. I am impressed by the dedication and loyalty of the volunteers involved in the charity, particularly people like Bridget Wight who has volunteered here for more than 25 years. Society would be much impoverished without the input of volunteers." The visit concluded with the Bishop praying for the centre and the people it helps.
Bishop Trevor then went on to visit Operation Sunshine, a Folkestone based charity which provides clothes and aid to poor communities in African countries. As well talking to volunteers, Chairman Mrs Sheila Lloyd showed the Bishop the containers full of clothes, food and equipment stored at the charity's base in Capel-le-Ferne. Following a prayer for the charity, Bishop Trevor helped sort, fold and pack clothes which are due to go in an aid shipment to Zambia.
In the evening the Bishop attended a drinks reception at the Risborough Barracks. Guests included the Mayors of Folkestone and Hythe, Chairman of Shepway District Council and other community, civic and business leaders.
The evening 'Question and Answer' session at the Tower Theatre was attended by nearly 200 local church goers. During the evening, which was chaired by Colin Johnson, the Lay Chair of Elham Deanery, the Bishop answered a range of questions posed by the audience.
Ends
Notes for Editors:
Bishop Trevor Willmott was installed as Bishop of Dover on February 6th 2010. Bishop Trevor has designated oversight of the Church of England Canterbury Diocese on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Diocese stretches from Maidstone to the East coast.
Further information available from: Emily Shepherd, Director of Communications Canterbury Diocese, 07876 210 446