Kentish Express Ashford & District
Making the most of our church halls
In last week’s Remember When we looked at the plans to remove the pews in Kennington Church that have been a feature in this place of worship for generations and also plans to change the floor.
My piece attracted a lot of response with scores of residents wanting them retained.
It was in this correspondence that I was reminded of the religious facilities that Kennington actually has, that many Ashfordians are unaware of, and other parishes can only dream of.
Many parishes throughout Britain may have a healthy congregation and a church, but it is often the case that they do not have the benefit of a multi-functional church hall.
So many religious organisations up and down the country campaign tirelessly for facilities such as this which can be used by clubs, societies and anniversary celebrations as well as religious events.
They are often a modern sideline to the much loved traditions, history and atmosphere of the sacred church and are often easier to heat.
Kennington is very fortunate to have two such modern multi-use venues, the first of which opened at Oakfield Road, Kennington in 1960.
A second facility opened next door to the church of St Mary’s Kennington in the 1990s.
Both have been used extensively over the years for occasions such as wedding receptions.
The earlier hall, which had been my playschool as a child around 1979, was extensively refurbished and extended around 10 years ago.
This week’s Remember When looks back at the opening of the Oakfield Road hall on May 14, 1960 with Mrs L. Headley laying the foundation stone.
The hall was blessed by the Bishop of Dover in the presence of the muchrespected Rev E. B. Lewis. Were you there?
Do you have any photographs or slides that you would be willing to lend me, to enable them to be scanned and featured in the Kentish Express? If so please write to me: Steve Salter, Kentish Express Remember When, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR, email me at rememberwhen_ kmash@hotmail.co.uk or follow me on Twitter @ SteveKMAshford. Or you can also leave a telephone message for me with brief details by calling 01233 623232.