Dear Friends,

Have you visited the Turner Contemporary gallery yet? Opinions will certainly be divided about the building itself, and the merits of the art on display inside. I think that this is a good thing – it is one of the functions of art to stimulate discussion and debate, to get people thinking and arguing, to provoke a reaction – and on that basis, the Turner has already succeeded. I have heard many discussions already about whether the building is “hideous” (to quote one person), or “beautiful” (to quote another). I have heard a range of views about the pieces in the first exhibition, ranging from “fantastic” to “I just don’t get it!”

My own opinion is that the gallery is wonderful. It is a beautiful space inside, full of light, and with extraordinary sea views through the windows. I absolutely loved the Turner painting of a volcanic eruption in the Caribbean from 1815 (incidentally, the year our present Church was opened); and I was thrilled by the “Arcadia” installation by Ellen Harvey – a recreation of Turner’s own gallery in London – but filled with engraved mirrors showing views of Margate as it is today. Other pieces were also thought-provoking, and deserve further study – I shall certainly be going back again and again to enjoy the experience further. Of course, this is just my response – you are equally entitled to yours, and I don’t think there is a “right” or “wrong” opinion – we each react in our own way. That is what art is all about.

I hope local people will give Turner Contemporary a chance. It will not change the town’s fortunes overnight – nor even in its first year or two – but, given time and support, I am very hopeful that it can make a big contribution to a better future for our town. There is a great deal of negativity in Thanet – perhaps born out of many years of disappointments and decline. I would love to think that the voices of positivity will be raised to act as a counterbalance. In an area with such wonderful natural beauty, there really is a lot to be positive about.

The same goes for us as Christians. It is easy to become negative and downcast. Church attendances are declining; Christian values seem to be waning; “Things aint what they used to be” – to quote from the musicals. We sometimes look to the future with something closer to despair than hope. Well, there is a six letter word which means that we cant allow ourselves this negativity – a word which compels us to be optimistic, joyful and profoundly positive. That word is EASTER! Jesus is alive – and that one fact changes everything. “Because he lives, I can face tomorrow; because he lives all fear is gone; and now I know he holds the future; and life is worth the living just because he lives.”

Hallelujah! Have a wonderful May. Stephen