Bishop's Finger Ale appeals to new Bishop!
A pint of Bishop's Finger ale provided welcome refreshment for the new Bishop of Dover the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott on his whistle-stop visit to the Faversham area last week (April 28th).
Bishop Trevor, who became Bishop of Dover in February, spent the day meting local people with the aim of familiarizing himself with the region. During the day he visited Teynham Church of England Primary School, Gaskain's fruit farm, led midday prayer at Davington Church, before enjoying his pint of Bishop's Finger after a tour of the Shepherd Neame brewery in Faversham.
The day started with Bishop Trevor leading assembly at Teynham Church of England Primary School. During the assembly, the Bishop who was wearing a purple cassock and carrying a staff, talked with the children about the role of Bishop and the significance of his outfit, before leading the children in prayer.
Head teacher Mrs Elizabeth Pearson, and Revd Steve Lillicrap, Vicar of Teynham St Mary, then took the Bishop on a tour of the school which culminated in members of the school council meeting the Bishop and asking him a number of questions about being a Christian.
After leaving the school, Bishop Trevor joined local clergy and local church volunteers for midday prayer at Davington Church followed by lunch.
Bishop Trevor, who has published a book about rural issues and is known as the 'rural Bishop' then visited Gaskain's Farm in Selling where he was shown around by Managing Director Charles Gaskain. During the tour of the soft fruit farm, Bishop Trevor met staff including some of the fruit pickers. The Bishop commented: "During the summer around 100 temporary staff work on the farm, many of whom come from Eastern Europe. I was impressed by the way the farm helps these workers gather as a community; the way they are welcomed and cared for."
Next stop was the Shepherd Neame Brewery, where Bishop Trevor was taken on a quick tour by Mrs Kate Neame, Visitor and Events Manager, before relaxing with a pint of Bishop's Finger ale in the company of local councilors, Head Teachers and business leaders. The Bishop described Bishop's Finger ale as 'beautiful'!
Refreshed, the Bishop then spoke at the 'Questions and Answers' evening event hosted by the brewery. Around 100 members of the public attended the event, which was chaired by the Vicar of St Mary in Charity, Revd Tony Oehring. Questions ranged from how Christians should seek to share their faith, to the role of church buildings and how science can help explain God's world.
Commenting on his day Bishop Trevor said: "I enjoyed a delightful day in the Faversham area where I have received such a generous and warm welcome. I have taken pleasure in meeting many people and I have tried to listen to the heartbeat of the community. As a Bishop I am called
to know and be known by God's people - I hope today is just the start of that process." Ends
Further information from: Emily Shepherd, Director of Communications, Canterbury Diocese - 07876 210 446
Photo: Shows Bishop Trevor pulling a pint of Bishop's Finger at the Shepherd Neame Brewery. Also attached photo of Bishop Trevor at Teynham Primary with members of the school council.
Notes:
Bishop Trevor was installed as Bishop of Dover in February and has spent the first three months in post visiting communities in schools, farms, factories, councils, businesses, charities and churches across the Diocese, from Maidstone to the Thanet.
As Bishop of Dover and Bishop in Canterbury, Bishop Trevor has delegated responsibility from the Archbishop of Canterbury for the oversight of the Canterbury Diocese.