New Bishop of Dover praises work of Canterbury Oast Trust
The new Bishop of Dover, the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott praised the 'valuable work' of the Canterbury Oast Trust on his visit to the Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch on Thursday. The visit formed part of the new Bishop's tour of the Romney Marsh area.
After meeting the CEO of the Canterbury Oast Trust, Mr David Jackson, the Bishop spent time with some of the people with learning and physical disabilities who live and work at the Rare Breeds Centre. Following a tour of the farm, Bishop Trevor, who is a keen gardener, spent time in the potting shed where he talked to residents Lucy and Daniel about the opportunities the centre provides.
Whilst in the animal barn, Bishop Trevor spoke to some volunteers before climbing into the pens to inspect piglets and newborn lambs and goats.
Praising the charity, the Bishop said: "The Rare Breeds Centre provides wonderful training and work opportunities for people with disabilities. From my visit it is clear to see that the people who live, work and train here are valued for the contribution they bring to the community. I am impressed by the valuable work of the Canterbury Oast Trust."
The Bishop, who became Bishop of Dover last month, visited the Rare Breeds Centre as part of his tour of the Romney area with the purpose of building up a picture of life in the region.
Later in the day Bishop Trevor visited St Nicholas Church of England Primary School in New Romney where he met members of the school council. Area Dean and Priest-in Charge of Appledore, the Revd Neville Gallagher then took the Bishop on a tour of the historic churches on the Marsh and introduced the Bishop to local clergy and lay ministers.
During the afternoon, farmers from across the area joined the Bishop for a farmhouse tea at the Clifton's Priory Lands Farm in Appledore. The Bishop, who holds an advisory role in rural affairs for the Church of England, and who has written a book on the subject, listened to the stresses and strains facing farmers and discussed the opportunities for rural communities.
In the evening around 100 people attended a 'Question and Answer' event at New Romney Church, where local people had the opportunity to ask the Bishop anything. The event was attended by the Mayor of New Romney along with business and community leaders, head teachers and church volunteers.
Ends
Further information from:
Emily Shepherd,
Director of Communication
01227 459 401, 07876 210 446
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 and includes over 280 parishes.
Canterbury Oast Trust, a charity which runs residential homes in Kent for people with disabilities as well as self-help enterprises such as the Rare Breeds Centre and Coterie Tea Rooms in Rye which provide people with disabilities work and training opportunities. Further info at: http://www.c-o-t.org.uk/ - Angela Phipps, Fundraising, Tel:01233 861493 x 241