The death is reported of Father Christopher Hopkins on May 5 at Guy’s Hospital, following a long illness. Fr Hopkins served for 30 years as the parish priest for Peasmarsh and Beckley, ably supported by his wife Janet.
He will be remembered with affection not only by his parishioners but by concert goers attending the annual June concerts held in Peasmarsh Church, given by the Florestan Trio and its successor, the Peasmarsh Chamber Music Festival.
Habitually wearing his black cassock, he enjoyed welcoming visitors to the beautiful church of St Peter and St Paul, and was proud of the ancient minster’s architectural heritage. It is fitting that he is buried in the Peasmarsh churchyard close to where his parents are buried.
A memorial service will be held when circumstances allow, to give thanks for his life and ministry in Peasmarsh and Beckley.
