Historic doors preserved


CHURCH doors dating back as far as medieval times have been restored, thanks to a num- ber of generous donations. The preservation project at St


Mary’s Church, Hunton, was completed after fundraisers hit their £27,500 target – £1,360 of which came from Rochester Bridge Trust. The church’s call for cash


began when it became appar- ent that the building’s three large wooden doors were in ur- gent need of repair. Efforts were doubled when restoration experts dated two of the oak doors back to 1420 and noted their historical value and significance. Principal fundraisers, Anke


and DavidWay, said: “We were told that the centre-folding doors were 450 years old and the other two doors had been in place for more than 600 years.


“They have now been classi-


fied as being of national impor- tance, as a result of their age and their design. While most doors fitted into gothic arches used a number of pieces of wood to achieve the curve for the arch, our doors are made from a sin- gle piece of oak. “In order to make these doors, the skilled carpenters had to source an oak tree that


had naturally bent over as it grew. They then cut the tree in half to form a perfect arch.” The doors were sent to a spe-


cialist restorer in Somerset and the last one was due back this spring. David paid tribute to all


those who had given money to the project. “We would like to thank everyone who helped us re- store these rare and valuable doors. Rochester Bridge Trust in particular very kindly gave a large contribution, and took a lotofinterestinwhatisclearly an unusual project.” Rochester Bridge Trust is inviting applications before June 29 from charities and charitable organisations to the first round of its 2012 commu- nity grants programme. For de- tails go to www.rbt.org.uk.


New priest is revved up for


move south THE new priest-in-charge of St Mary’s Church, Langley, is the Rev Steven Hughes. Rev Hughes was licensed at a special service on March 22, conducted by the Bishop of Dover, the Rt Rev Trevor Will- mott, and attended by the Mayor of Maidstone, Cllr Brian Mortimer, and awealth of local and church leaders. Moving to theMaidstone area


One of the doors that have been refurbished at Hunton church


Village vicar’s fund-raising plan THE new vicar of Marden is the Rev Ali Duguid. Mrs Duguid, 59, was priest-in-charge of several parishes in the Faversham area prior to taking up her post in the village last month. The mum-of-three has already thrown her weight into a major fundraising push to raise £75,000 for new toilet facilities and ra- diators at St Michael’s and All Angels’ Church. She also hopes to get a tea-making facility, so parishioners can


enjoy tea and a chat after meetings and services. Mrs Duguid, who replaces the Rev James Robertson, enjoys gar- dening and working with children.


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was quite a change for Rev Hughes, whose previous post was as Interfaith development officer, based in Blackburn. A keen fan of sports, and par- ticularly motorsport, Rev Hughes makes an annual pil- grimage to the Isle of Man to watch the TT races, which have been part of his life for more than 40 years. Although he describes him-


self as a “card-carrying Lancas- trian”, his wife Mandy’s family are divided between Uckfield and Brighton and he felt the time was right to make a move somewhere south of London. Mr Hughes said: “I believe


that my wide-ranging experi- ence and open, ecumenical and collaborative approach to min- istry will stand me in good stead for the ministry which lies ahead.”


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