downsmail.co.uk


Threatened church ‘the hub of our community’


A CHURCH’S future hangs in the balance as the site could be sold off for housing in West Malling. The Archdiocese of Southwark


has decided to sell St Thomas More Church, along with a priest’s house and pre-school recently converted from a stable. An online petition has been launched to try to save the build- ings, despite estimated repair costs of at least £1m. Campaigners say the church is


“the heart of the parish” and fear that, without it, “hundreds of Catholic families will be without a place to worship.” Father Peter Soper, who has lived


at the site for over 20 years, said: “It has been a devastating blow. To get rid of the church would be like rip- ping the heart out of the parish. “While many of us accept that the


priest house, with all its problems and the massive cost of repairs, and the pre-school, which is an integral


part of the property, have to go, we feel the church should not be sold as it is the centre of our community.” The petition, which has over 1,500 signatures, reads: “This simply can- not be allowed to happen. “The church is the hub of a thriv-


ing Catholic community. It is not only used to celebrate mass, but also for baptisms, first communions, marriages and funerals. “It has been the heart of our parish


Father Peter Soper says losing St


Thomas More Church would ‘rip the heart out of the community’


for 50 years. Parishioners send their children to the pre-school and school and these children become the next generation of parishioners. Without the church, the cycle will be broken.” A parish council meeting to dis-


cuss the plan was scheduled for Jan- uary 16, as Downs Mail went to press. To sign the petition visit change.org


News Magic night


CONJURER Tim Meadley will bring a touch of magic to the new year in Aylesford. The former president of Medway Magical Society will perform tricks and illusions at the Brassey Centre in Station Road from 7pm on Satur- day, February 8. The event, which includes a fish


and chip supper, has been organised in aid of the village church of St Peter & St Paul’s. Soft drinks will be available or


those attending can bring their own drink and glasses. Tickets, £10, are available until February 5 from Aline on 07771636872 or Ann on 07981002623.


Messy church


AYLESFORD holds a “Messy Church” for youngsters and their families on the first Friday of the month. The next session, at the Brassey


Centre in Station Road, is from 4.15-6.15pm on Friday, February 7. Accompanied children are in-


vited to join the sessions, which in- clude story time, singing, celebration and tea. Tickets are £2. More information is available from Jane on 07462 682980.


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Malling January 2020 3


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