Charities star in Town Civic Service
Published: 01 July 2025
Thanks to everyone who came to the Town Council’s Civic Service at The Drive Methodist Church last week. Members of the congregation, and the local community, were joined by mayors and council chairmen from Dartford, Lewisham and Sevenoaks District, as well as the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Kent. Reverend Dermot Thornberry led the service with a very thoughtful talk about Community and Faith - which were also the focus of most of the readings and hymns.
The two charities I’m supporting this year,
Sevenoaks Citizens Advice and
Sevenoaks Area Youth Trust, took time to explain to us all how their role in our community is changing and what they could do to support older and younger people with a bit more funding. Both of them have a strong track record in Sevenoaks - and they depend on volunteers plus charity fundraising to deliver.
I was also very pleased that two Explorer Scouts, Alexander Davies and Holly Maystone who have agreed to be ‘Mayors Cadets’ this year were able to join in, hotfoot from camping. Together we read a declaration which sets out what our Town Council is all about:
“We believe in Community; a community where all work together for the common good as we seek together to make a better life. We believe we are called to share our lives, so as to free each other from poverty, oppression and indignity. We believe the resources of the world are to be shared among all people, not just some. We seek a world where all have access to warmth, food and shelter, and the chance to live in dignity and peace.”
Cllr Tony Clayton
Mayor of Sevenoaks