Bishop gets to know town community Town Talk


THE Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev James Langstaff, attended a concert, had lunch with parishioners, met staff and students at Holmes- dale Technology College and caught up with local history during visits to Snodland. Choirs and singers from Ash, Cobham,


Fawkhamand Hartley and Longfield – took part in the concert at Christ Church, Malling Road, Snodland, during a week-long tour of the Cob- ham Deanery, of which Snodland is part. The bishop, accompanied by Rev Hugh Broadbent, Rector of Snodland, was greeted at Holmesdale Technology College by principal Julia Campbell, and toured the schoolwith stu- dent ambassador Laura Clark. The visitors met members of the student council before being joined by sixth form stu- dents to talk about life at Holmesdale and their plans for higher education. During a lesson with year 8 students, the bishop learned about their approach to human- ities subjects through project work. Sue Ricketts, the college’s marketing man-


ager, said: “He was most impressed by the young students’ confidence in explaining their work to him, by theirpresentation skills and their mastery of technology. “Over a delicious school lunch of fish and chips, the bishop spoke to senior members of


Twinning visit


VISITORS fromMoyeuvre-Grande, Snodland’s twin town in north east France, will be coming to the town for four days on April 20. They will stay in the homes of members of Snodland’s twinning committee and will be welcomed at a reception at the Moyeuvre- Grande Suite at the Devonshire Rooms,Waghorn Road. A trip around the sights of Lon-


don has been planned for the fol- lowing day, with lunch and shopping at Covent Garden and a boat ride on the River Thames fromWestminster to Greenwich. Adults will be tour the Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham on April 22 while the students in the party will be entertained at Holmesdale Technology College. A farewell reception will be held


in the evening at SnodlandWork- ing Men’s Club.


The Bishop of Rochester at Holmesdale Technology College with principal Julia Campbell; the Rev Hugh Broadbent, Rector of Snodland; and (from left) school ambassador Laura Clark (18), Ben Hook (15), Ellie Russell (14), Deanna Hoy (15), Emily Beaney (14) and head girl Katy Millgate (17)


the staff, federation executive principal Patrick Hannaway and chair of governors Richard Sams.” A highlight of the visit was the Rochester


House rewards assembly, led by vice-principal David Carney. The bishop then presented boxes of chocolates to studentswhoearned the most reward points during the term. After a service at Christ Church, the bishop


joined parishioners for lunch before visiting Snodland Museum which he toured with cura-


tor, Andrew Ashbee. The bishop told TownTalk: “I always enjoy vis-


iting local communities and my recent visit to Snodland was no exception. I had the privilege of taking part inworship at both churches in the parish and visiting Holmesdale College. “I also had a fascinating visit to SnodlandMu-


seum – local history always helpsme to under- stand a place better. I left more aware of the life of Snodland and encouraged by the church’s contribution to the community.”


From left: Head of RE and worship Jennifer Dance, chair of governors Rev Hugh Broadbent, and acting head Holley Blount


Church school rated outstanding SNODLAND Primary School has been judged to be an outstanding Church of England school. The report, by the Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools, gave the school outstanding grades for its distinctive Chris- tian character, collective worship and leadership and management. Acting head teacher, Holley Blount, said: “We are delighted with this outcome and the inspector could clearly see the fantastic improvements we’ve made since our satisfactory inspection in 2008. The inspector was overwhelmed by the behaviour of our children and how reflective andmature they are.” She thanked the parents and carers for their continuing support. Head takes early retirement – Town Talk page 5


FREE FUNDED SESSIONS


Please feel free to arrange a visit to see the wonderful facilities we can offer.


St. Katherine’s Lane, Snodland ME6 5EJ www.stkatherineskent.co.uk


01634 240061


Meet our qualified and dedicated staff in a warm, caring and inviting environment, built and equipped specifically for nursery age children.


Cricket and ale


A SNODLAND Select XI cricket team is hoping to avenge last sea- son’s defeat by a Holmesdale TechnologyCollege InvitationXI in a Twenty20 cricket match. The match on June 29 is com-


bined with a real ale festival and musicalperformance at the cricket meadow. The school had a comfortable


win last year and the select XI’s captain, Graham Ives, says any- one interested in playing can call him on 07570 899436. Paul Hickmott,whoruns the real


ale festival, said the beers will in- clude British Bulldog, Nelson’s Blood and Gold Star plus new beers fromKentish breweries, and Rough Old Wife and Tasty Old Wife ciders. The bar will open at midday and


any money raised will go to Kent Air Ambulance.


Local news for Snodland and Halling


A Downs Mail supplement produced in conjunction with the Snodland Chamber of Commerce.


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