Diocesan Press Release

Town and Country Bishop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  11 November 1998

Limpsfield, in Surrey, was threatened with losing its post office, so local people bought it to keep it running. The new Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Rev Tom Butler, went to see it on Monday November 9 when he visited Godstone Deanery, in the southernmost part of his diocese. Later, at Outwood, he commiserated with a farmer and his son on the difficult times they face these days.

The day began with Holy Communion at St Silvan's, Staffhurst Wood. Then the Bishop went to see Limpsfield graveyard which is managed as a conservation area, and moved on to have lunch with children and staff at St Stephen's C of E Primary School, South Godstone.

In the afternoon, he met residents and staff at two Lifecare Trust homes and the day centre at Bletchingley. He attended evening prayer at St John's, Dormansland, and had supper at 'The Barley Mow' in Tandridge. Members of the clergy, lay workers and church members met with him during the day to explain their local situation and the work they do in church and community.

Bishop Tom said, "This part of Southwark Diocese is totally different from inner London. The countryside is beautiful. But there are special problems for people in rural areas and the Church has plenty to do. I was most impressed with the initiatives that a country community can achieve."

On Thursday November 12 the Bishop will experience a complete contrast, in Bermondsey Deanery. By June he will have visited all the 27 deaneries in the Diocese, to help him get to know the churches and the people with their local concerns.

Ends.