New Bishop of Dover praises rural communities during visit to Cranbrook
The new Bishop of Dover has celebrated the contribution of rural communities during his tour of the Cranbrook region this week. Speaking after his visit the Bishop said: "Rural communities face many challenges but the contribution they make to life in this country must be highly valued."
The Right Reverend Trevor WIllmott, who became the new Bishop of Dover last month, spent a day in the Weald as part of his tour of Canterbury Diocese, organized to help him build up a picture of life in the region. In the morning Bishop Trevor visited Angley Secondary School where he was taken on a tour of the school by the Head boy Marco Palumbo and Head girl, Zoe Heath.
During the tour the Bishop spent time at the school's farm, where he saw a lamb that had been born that morning, piglets, ducklings and a bull called Odo, named after the 10th Century Archbishop of Canterbury. The school's Estate's Manager Mr Cooper explained how important the farm is to the pupils and the role it plays in helping the students understand the food chain. Bishop Trevor praised the farm saying: "This farm experience plays an essential part in helping children to connect to the community and teaches valuable skills such as team work. Working with on a farm like this also helps children understand something about the cycle of being human and our responsibility for the planet."
The Bishop then visited the 'Angley Virtual Project' at the school which was initiated with funding from Canterbury Diocese. The project which works as a drop in centre during lunchtimes, aims to provide a sense of community and provide opportunities for pupils to explore the spiritual part of their life. Head Teacher Mr Philip Morris said: "We are lucky to employ two gifted youth workers who help our pupils share and relate through virtual and real communities. We are delighted by the numbers of pupils who are engaging with the project."
Pupils from years seven and eight then had the opportunity to quiz the Bishop during an assembly; questions included what Bishop's do, what they wear, whether women can become Bishop's and what the word Bishop means.
Commenting on the visit Bishop Trevor said: "I congratulate the school on the way it is raising horizons for its pupils whilst also teaching these young people the importance of respecting each other and helping each other."
During the afternoon the Bishop visited Brattle Farm in Staplehurst, which is owed and farmed by Brian and Anita Thompson. There he met 13 farmers and heard about the issues facing local rural communities. 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 concerns about the dwindling sense of community in rural areas and the threat of imported produce to local farmers and the lack of young people coming into farming.
Peter Hall of Target Farm, Marden, who also sits on the UK 'Fruit and Vegetable taskforce' which advises the government on its agricultural policies said: "There are no longer any universities offering degrees in Commercial Horticulture and we are failing to attract the bright young people the industry needs. Organic farming in particular needs science and technology graduates to help find some solutions to future threats to British farming."
Asked what the church could do to help farmers, Bishop Trevor responded: "The church can help build a community as it has a constant presence in every community, even when others have left. The church can also help communities appreciate the gift of creation and encourage people to take responsibility for each other."
The Bishop's visit to the deanery concluded with a reception and 'Question and Answer' session for local church volunteers at Cranbrook School. Around 70 people attended the event, during which time they heard about Bishop's Trevor's interest in rural affairs and social justice and also listened to how the Bishop was 'given the gift of faith' when he was teenager. The Bishop answered questions on a variety of topics from the role of church schools to women Bishops.
Asked if the Bishop was troubled by the 'secular belief that faith is private matter' Bishop Trevor responded: "Faith is personal, but not private. As Christians it is important we live out our faith, particularly for our young people. Ministry belongs to all of us, not just to Priests, and all Christians need to take risks and venture into discomfort if we are to ensure that the experience of God is not lost in some communities."
The Bishop concluded: "I believe the church is called to grow. I am hungry to help you grow and we will do it together."
Ends
Bishop Trevor was installed as the Bishop of Dover on February 6th. He has delegated oversight for the Diocese of Canterbury on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams. Canterbury Diocese stretches from Maidstone to the East coast and includes the Weald, Romney, Ashford, Thanet and the Isle of Sheppey.
The Right Revd Trevor Willmott was previous Bishop of Basingstoke. He has co-edited 'Re-shaping Rural Ministry' which was published ;last month by Canterbury Press.
Further information from:
Emily Shepherd, Director of Communications: 07876 210 446.
Photos:
Bishop Trevor with a new born lamb
Bishop Trevor with Head Boy and Head Girl of the Angley School
Bishop Trevor with Farmers Anita and Brian Thompson