North Kent

A short break in Minnis Bay enabled me to fit in another couple of churches. First up, in one of my favourite places-

St. Alphege, Whitstable

This lovely little church sits in the middle of the High Street. It is in a great position to welcome visitors – even on a cold April day there were plenty of people around. It is open every morning for a coffee shop. A simple sign outside says, ‘Coffee Shop Open.’ Inside, I found that this was in full swing and obviously is well used. A table was set up with cards and various other gifts for sale. I was welcomed by a friendly lady.There was a ‘Welcome Leaflet’ available which is very well done. I particularly like the picture of the congregation gathered outside the church. It is a good reminder that here is a living friendly church. This is also downloadable from the website. There is a visitors book but only 10 people had signed this since October.

St Alphege, Whitstable

There is a sign into the church itself (there is a glazed screen to provide a narthex for the coffee shop) which simply says, ‘Church open for prayer.’. It is a peaceful, holy and well loved building with much of interest. There is a prayer book for visitors to enter prayer requests into – this was well used which is so good to see. Also a votive stand. There is a statue of St. Alphege stood in the sanctuary.

There wasn’t anything available on the Christian faith nor on St. Alphege – a story worth telling. Neither was there a church history.

However, this all looks set to change. The church website http://www.stalphege.org.uk gives some details, and a video clip, of an exciting project to tell his story in etched glass. A great idea.

All in all, I rate St. Alphege’s as good for the purposes of this study. It wouldn’t take much more to make it very good. Well worth a visit.

Christchurch, Herne Bay

A church just off Herne Bay’s High Street. It features a prominent welcome sign. This isn’t born out when I approached it. Firmly locked with no indication of how I might gain entry. Although there is a parish office so that might be possible. On looking through the glazed doors I could see a sign which says ‘Christ Church is Open’ so it must be sometimes. There was nothing to say when this might be. The website – http://www.parishofhernebay.org.uk gives no visitor information either. Could do much better!

Christ Church, Heren Bay