Canon John Manchester retires from St Mary’s Priory, Old Malton after 34 years

Canon John Manchester has stepped down from the pulpit at St Mary’s Priory, Old Malton, after 34 years as vicar – the longest-serving incumbent of a parish in the York Diocese.

The Rev Manchester started as a curate at St Martin’s-on-the-Hill, in Scarborough, under the Rev Maurice Maddocks, later Bishop of Selby, after graduating from London College of Divinity. His spell at St Martin’s found him working as chaplain to the artistes in the seaside summer shows, most notably The Black & White Minstrels, and to politicians when the national parties held their conferences in the resort.

Canon Manchester’s enthusiasm for the theatre world continued throughout his ministry, with many entertainers regularly answering his call to open garden fetes to draw in the crowds. He recalls working with such stars as The Krankies, The Grumbleweeds and the Nolan Sisters.

From Scarborough, he moved to Selby Abbey, where highlights included arranging a service for the late Queen Mother and the US Ambassador, to mark the abbey’s close links with the family of George Washington.

In 1976 he was appointed vicar of Old Malton by Earl Fitzwilliam. Since then, his enthusiasm for the role has paid dividends for St Mary’s, which has benefited from the thousands of pounds he has raised to meet running costs at the priory. Never camera-shy, he has happily been photographed in all manner of guises to publicise parish events.

His ministry at Old Malton included more than 1,000 funerals, about 40 christenings a year and, unusually, helping the late Princess Margaret in the kitchen of a local stately home.

He also found himself at the centre of a high-profile tragedy – the shooting of Barry Prudom who was on the run after killing three people, two of them police officers, and wounding a third officer in 1982.

Canon Manchester said: “I remember on the day of Barry Prudom’s death – a Sunday – that there was a knock at the church door.

“It was the police who told me to get the congregation out as quickly as possible.”

Prudom shot himself a few hours later after being cornered by police marksmen at the town’s tennis courts.

Canon Manchester also recalled officiating at the funeral of an unknown woman at Malton Cemetery after she was found dead at Sutton Bank in mysterious circumstances.

However, those rare incidents aside, Canon Manchester said: “It has been a wonderful time, working with such friendly people. I shall miss them greatly.”

Churchwarden John Kinghorn, paying tribute to Canon Manchester’s role at the Priory, said: “We all have recollections of his kindness, understand, and his thoughtful help at times of need. He has worked very hard, enthusiastically, diligently and loyally in the interests of his congregation and parish.

He has achieved much over the years.”

His views were echoed by fellow churchwardem Roger Peacock.

Leading congregation member Howard Croft said: “John is known as a larger-than-life character whose infectious laugh precedes him.

He has made many contributions to the life of the community, and the countless acts of kindness and support quietly and generously given, known only to the beneficiaries.”