BURY Parish Church has appointed a successor to the late Canon Reg Smith. The Rev John Findon, pictured outside Bury Parish Church, will take over later this year.

And the new man is no stranger to having followed in well-known footsteps - he is an old boy of Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School, previously attended by one William Shakespeare.

Dr Findon, currently vicar at St John the Divine, Sale, says he is looking forward to his new post, even if he is a little daunted by the shoes he has to fill.

"I knew Reg by reputation, and a little in person," he said. "I went to his funeral and I have an idea of the great ministry he performed in Bury.

"It is a great privelege to be asked to take over from such a minister."

He added: "There's no point being a second rate Reg Smith, you have to be yourself."

The news was broken to the two parishes on Sunday. Mr Ted Schofield, chairman of the Parochial Church Council, said Dr Findon would be initially appointed as Priest in Charge before becoming Rector.

"We thank God that our prayers have been answered," said Mr Schofield. "At last we have found a man of experience and promise who we believe will give us exemplary leadership and service." Canon Smith, Rector of Bury for more than 30 years, died last November after collapsing during a parochial visit.

Originally from Warwickshire, Dr Findon has worked as a priest in the Diocese of Manchester since being ordained in 1977.

He started his ministry as a curate in Middleton Parish Church, where he met Christa, the daughter of the organist. They married in 1981 and now have three children, Kate (14), Clare (12) and John (8).

After Middleton Dr Findon moved to Boton Parish Church, where he was appointed lecturer in 1980. He went on to be vicar of St Stephen, Astley, before moving to his current parish in 1991.

The son of a South Warwickshire farmer, he went to Keble College, Oxford, after attending Stratford Grammar.

"I am looking forward to coming back to the north of the Diocese," he said. "I have always had a great regard and fondness for the poeple of the area."

Dr Findon's appointment came after weeks of hectic interviewing by parish officials in Bury, who had to have the appointment agreed by the Bishop of Manchester just before he left for the Lambeth Conference in Canterbury.

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