Peter Bell

Peter Bell joined the DAC last month. He works for Swale Council in Design & Conservation and Planning Policy

Peter writes:

My interest in church architecture began at an early age when my parents bought me a signed copy of the Observer's Book of Church Architecture. I remember sitting in the pew musing over which bits of the Parish church were Gothic and which were Gothic revival when I should have been listening to the sermon. Later I went on to study architecture and then building conservation at Manchester University and to pursue my Christian journey in a variety of churches, some Gothic, some Gothic Revival and some modern.

I have experienced the Faculty system from different perspectives: I have been closely involved in parishes as they have made alterations to further the mission of the church. I have also represented the secular partners both as former Chairman of the Northern Casework Committee of the Victorian Society and more recently as Conservation Officer with Canterbury City and then Swale Borough Councils. I now look forward to taking up my new role as a member of the DAC representing the Local Authorities of the Diocese.

I hope that as well as pursuing my interest in the wealth of fine and historic churches in the Diocese, I will make a worthwhile contribution to the functioning of the Committee and to the mission of the Church.