Vicar of St Annes Parish Church retires after 11 years

Fr David Lyon took over at St Annes Parish Church in February, 2010 and has since overseen various improvement projects at the church which gave St Annes its name.

Projects under his watch have included refurbishment of the Choir Vestry, the installation of a lift and major upgrade of the neighbouring Parish Rooms and numerous repairs and renovations to the fabric of the church, which dates back to 1873.

During the pandemic, Fr David responded with services from his dining room over the period of the first lockdown and the on-line streaming of services more recently.

The couple are staying in St Annes for their retirement.

In a message to parishioners, Fr David said: "Thank you for your support and prayers for me down the years, especially the last one which has been so strange and so gruelling for all of us.

"Many thanks for the cards, messages and gifts my wife Brenda and I have received - they are both unexpected and very well received."

A successor as vicar is expected to be appointed later this year.

Gerald Wilson, head server at the church, said: "We are now going through the formal Church of England process of writing a parish profile, saying what sort of person we want, before the post is advertised probably during May, looking to interview candidates in July.

"This means we should get a new vicar in the autumn in time for Christmas. In the meantime we will be covered by retired clergy."

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