New Bishop of Dover praises 'innovative character' of Tenterden rural communities
During a recent visit to the area, the new Bishop of Dover, The Right Reverend Trevor Willmott praised the 'innovative character' found in the rural communities of Tenterden.
During the visit Bishop Trevor, who became Bishop of Dover last month, visited Benenden primary school, enjoyed lunch at the Ewe and Lamb Pub in Rolvenden, and visited a dairy farm in Biddenden before attending a reception at Tenterden Town Hall with community leaders and representatives from local churches. The tour which enabled the new Bishop to build up a picture of life in the region was organised by the Area Dean of Tenterden, Revd Jacques Derosier.
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At Benenden Church of England Primary School, Bishop Trevor met with the Chair of Governors David Harmworth and was led on a tour of the school by some pupils in year six. The Bishop also spent some time discussing the Religious Education syllabus at the school with teacher Alison Edwards.
In the afternoon, the Bishop, who has many years of experience in rural ministry, and who has written a book on the subject, visited the White House dairy farm, where he said he 'felt at home'. Farmers Mike and Rosemary Sargent showed Bishop Trevor their automatic milking system, which is believed to be the only robotic diary system in use in the South East. Mr Sargent explained the function of the automated system which works whilst cows come in to feed with robotic tasks including teat cleaning, milking cup application, milking, and teat-dipping. Bishop Trevor said: "I am impressed by this farm and the innovative character of Mike and Rosemary who demonstrate the tenacity required to run a successful farm in the modern world."
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Around 80 people attended the evening reception at Tenterden Town Hall, including the Mayor of Tenterden Cllr. Alan Sugden, along with other local councilors, business and community leaders and volunteers from 11 parish churches in the area.
The Bishop took to the stage during the evening and was 'interviewed' by the vicar of St Mildreds Parish Church Tenterden, Revd Canon David Trustram. Mr Trustman, who attended theological college with Bishop Trevor, asked his contemporary a number of questions.
Asked if he had enjoyed his day, Bishop Trevor, who explained he was passionate about rural affairs, said he was impressed by the 'innovative character, warmth and hospitality' of the people he had met.
Questioned about role the church plays in rural communities, the Bishop replied: "The church succeeds in rural communities when it evokes a ministry in all of us. We all have a Christian vocation and a role to play in the future of the church." The Bishop went on to thank the hundreds of volunteers from churches and charities in the region: "I thank God for you and all you are about. If we took away all the volunteering done by Christians, society would collapse."
At the end of the evening Bishop Trevor was asked: "What sort of Bishop do you want to be?" Reflecting on the words used during his consecration service, Bishop Trevor said he wanted to be: "A Bishop who knows and is known by his people". This sentiment was met by a local parishioner in the audience who responded: "I'm delighted that you've joined us."
Ends
Photos:
Three photos from the farm attached:
1. L-R Rosemary Sargent, Mike Sargent, Bishop Trevor, Revd Martin Short and Revd Jacques Derosier (Area Dean of Tenterden)
2. Bishop Trevor (L) and Farmer Mike Sargent
3. L-R A Farm assistant, Area Dean Revd Jacques Derosier, Farmer Rosemary Sargant and Bishop Trevor
Notes:
Bishop Trevor, who was previously the Bishop of Basingstoke, has delegated responsibility from the Archbishop of Canterbury for the oversight of the Diocese of Canterbury, which stretches from Maidstone to the East Coast.
Re-Shaping Rural Ministry - A Theological and Practical Handbook, is edited by the Rt Revd Trevor Willmott, James Bell and Jill Hopkinson and was published in February by The Canterbury Press Norwich
Further information from:
Emily Shepherd, Director of Communications, Canterbury Diocese, 07876 210 446