High Sheriff of Kent Thanksgiving and Celebration Service
On Thursday 20th March, this event was held at Rochester Cathedral to celebrate some of Kent’s volunteers groups. Ian, Steph and Sue were able to join in the festivities. Ian managed to grab a photo opportunity with the High Sheriff –
Dr. Gillian Fargher. Pictured above right is the High Sheriff, with the Very Rev’d Dr. Philip Hesketh Dean of Rochester and the Lord-Lieutenant The Lady Colgrain.
Ian says “It was a lovely, balmy Spring Day on Thursday 20th March 2025 as we made our way to Rochester Cathedral for the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Kents’ Service of Thanksgiving. So many people, so many uniforms, so many outfits – all representing the volunteering that has taken place in Kent over the years. Guests had to be seated by 17:15, with the service starting at 17:30. There was music, readings, and testimonies from various volunteers about their organisation and the work that they do and the impact that they have had on Kentish society. The choir was brilliant with their singing, adding their angelic voices to the proceedings. The music and hymns chosen were also very emotive – underpinning the theme of service and volunteering. After all, volunteering is service to others. At the end of the service, I was able to exchange words with the High Sheriff, who wishes to go out on a shift with Street Pastors. We were also able to exchange words with the Chief Superintendent of Kent Police, who was very complimentary of the work that Street Pastors do and who values our partnership with them. It was really a day to remember. It was indeed both an honour and a privilege to be able to represent Maidstone Street Pastors at this Service of Thanksgiving”.
At our recent AGM we were delighted to announce that Revd Nigel Riley (below left) has accepted the position as our new Chairman. This is great news and we look forward to working with him. Nigel has already had some observer nights and we know he will be a real asset to us. He has accepted this position as our previous Chairman Arthur Houston (below right) has retired as Vicar of St. Faith’s Church and as our Chairman. Thanks to Arthur who gave us many years of loyal leadership.
Our sincere thanks are given to Kent County Council and Safer Kent for their valued donations to our work. Without these we wouldn’t be able to continue.
Our very grateful thanks go to the Vanquis Banking Group Social Impact Fund (Kent and Medway) for their generous donation to our work. Through Kent Community Foundation they put us in touch with Vanquis who then made a donation to us. It is only through donations and grant’s like this that we are able to continue our vital, and needed ministry. For more information on either of these please visit:
www.vanquisbankinggroup.com and www.kentcf.org.uk
At a recent presentation at New Way Church in Bearsted, I met with Sandra Knatchbull (Chairman of Trustees) from Cobtree Charity Trust. We’d like to say a massive thank you to Cobtree Charity Trust for their very generous donation.
What a fascinating history!
The founder of The Cobtree Charity Trust Limited, Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake had one wish in 1951 that “The grounds and lands of Cobtree Manor, some 300 acres, be used for the benefit of the inhabitants of Maidstone and surrounding neighbourhood in the County of Kent.” Hugh Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake was born in Maidstone in 1881. Sent to Argentina at 18, he spent a year on a cattle ranch and returned with his first wild animal, a puma. On his return, he joined his father’s firm, Style and Winch, eventually becoming the wine and spirits buyer. He spent his spare time building up his collection of animals and working with travelling circuses. He opened Maidstone Zoo at Cobtree between 1934 and 1954 where the public were invited to see his wild and rare animals and travel round the Park on a light gauge railway. If you would like to find out more about this amazing charity, please visit: https://www.cobtreecharitytrust.org/