downsmail.co.uk


Village curatemoving on to a coastal church


POPULAR parish curateMelissa Carter is quittingBearsted to pur- sue a calling on the coast. The 38-year-old will be leaving


this summer after three years of service atHoly Cross Church. Her newpost as vicar of StMar-


garet’s in Dover, will also see her join a team of clergy responsible for five churches in the town. She toldDownsMail: “I’ve been


a curate for three years and now it’s time tomove up.My time here has flown by. Everyone has been really helpful. Bearsted is a lovely place and full of lovely people.” Melissa, who was ordained as


priest in July 2017, lost her sight to a congenital eyeproblemwhen she was eight. Today, she is often seen around the parish with her con- stant companion, guide dog Zoe. She said: “When I first came to


Bearsted, people would put their arms out as I walked down the aislewith Zoe, to catchme if I fell. You could hear a pin drop if there


Bearsted parish curate Melissa Carter is moving on to become vicar of a church in Dover


was a step in front ofme.” Melissa, who lives in Peverel


Drive with IT consultant husband Antony (42), has devotedmuch of her time atHoly Cross toworking with children fromThurnhamPri- mary School.And,when she is not attending to the parish’s spiritual needs, she is fundraising for the charityGuideDogs. She said: “I just love children, and I am planning to work with


more once I’minDover. “I’mexcited about themove as I


will be closer to my family and I used to work in Dover as a legal conveyancer.” HolyCross’sCanonJohnCorbyn


said: “Melissahas beenmy seventh curate.Theparishionershave taken her to their hearts and she will be greatlymissed…aswill Zoe.” Melissawill take up her newpo- sition in earlyAugust.


News Cats help call


CATS Protection is looking for vol- unteers at its Bredhurst andMaid- stone Centres. There are vacancies for cat care


assistantswhoseduties include the cleanliness of the animals’ accom- modation. Fundraisers are needed to ensure the cash flow needed to keep the charity operational. A spokesman said: “These are


the people who can make a real difference to our charity. Joining our volunteer team is a great way tomeet new friends, who all have at least one thing in common ... they love cats.” For more details, email Bred- hurst.volunteering@cats.org.uk.


Village buses


VILLAGERS inHollingbournewill have to take two buses to get to Maidstone fromJune. The decision to terminate the


number 13 fromHollingbourne at Morrisons on the SuttonRoad, has been published by the county council following its pilot scheme. Villagerswill be able to catch on-


going buses at the supermarket, which is beingdescribedas a “con- nection hub” by KCC.


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14th June 2019 Maidstone East May 2019 3


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