Challock Church – Challock Village website

The parish church of Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian is located in idyllic isolation on the North Downs, one mile from the modern village of Challock. It is a Norman church, primarily built of flint and ironstone, started about 1100 AD close to site of a former wooden Saxon church.

The village of Challock was originally located in the immediate vicinity of the church. It moved to its current location when the villagers were given notice to quit in the late 16th Century by the owner of Eastwell Park who enclosed his lands and closed the road from Faversham to Ashford, which went through the old village. However, the church remained as the place of worship for the relocated villagers and is used every Sunday for services, being part of the Kings Wood Benefice in the Deanery of West Bridge, Canterbury Diocese. The Kings Wood Benefice includes: Chilham, Challock, Molash, Godmersham & Crundale, and is currently waiting for the appointment of a new vicar. The contact details are the PCC Secretary Mrs Clare Hook 01233 740356 or the PCC Treasurer Mr Peter Franklin-Bourne 01233 740213.

The Five Church Walk

Bank Holiday Monday 1st May 2023

This annual walk will take place again this year, starting at 10 am from the churches of Challock, Molash, Chilham, Godmersham and Boughton Aluph.

The Walk links these churches in a clockwise circular 16 mile route following footpaths, bridleways, country lanes and private paths, some of which are made available to us only on the day by special permission of the land-owners. The route passes through some of the most scenic countryside in East Kent for all to enjoy, and with the bluebells out, the woodpeckers tapping away and the cuckoos calling you can be sure of a lovely day. You can choose either to complete the circuit or walk one or more stages, starting and finishing at any of the churches. The route is fully signed so no need for maps. The Walk is in aid of these churches and also the Kent Air Ambulance and the Pilgrims Hospices and funds raised are distributed according to your wishes as you indicate on your entry form. All adults are asked to make a donation of at least £5, though children and dogs go free. Each church also has delicious home-made refreshments (and loos) to offer while you take a welcome break, so you don’t need to carry your own supplies. Car parking is available at each church (down the hill at Chilham)

So, for a great day out, make a note of the date in your diary and make sure to come along.

Information, entry and sponsorship forms will be left at the participating churches or can be collected from the porch of Dene Cottage, Church Lane, Challock and also from the George at Molash. They can also be downloaded from our web site: thefivechurchwalk.co.uk. Alternatively turn up on the day, fill in your entry form, sign in and you will be on your way – so see you all soon.

Regular services are held as follows:

1st Sunday – Holy Communion 9.30 am

2nd Sunday – no service

3rd Sunday – Morning Prayer (Lay led) – 10.30 am

4th Sunday – no service

5th Sunday – When there is a fifth Sunday in the month, the service will be held on a rota basis at one of the five churches in the Benefice. See the Parish Magazine for details.

Church officials are now:

Rector: Interregnum

Secretary: Mrs Clare Hook

Treasurer: Mr Peter Franklin-Bourne

The church is also used extensively for concerts and functions. Every year there are three major festivals for Art, Music and Flowers run by the Friends and the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

Regular services are held as follows:

Church officials are now:

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