ONE of East Lancashire’s most senior and respected churchmen has announced his retirement.

The Venerable John Hawley, Archdeacon of Blackburn, will step down from his role in July after 41 years of ordained ministry.

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His major achievements have included the ongoing development of the retreat and conference centre at Whalley Abbey, and dozens of ‘pastoral schemes’ involving the reorganisation of parishes and redrawing of boundaries.

The 65-year-old has also overseen urban issues and the work of hospital and prison chaplaincies, while his skills organising events, such as the summer festival in Lytham St Annes last year, will be much missed.

Archdeacon John said: “It is the right time for me to step aside, while I still have health and energy.

“To be Archdeacon of Blackburn has been a huge challenge over 13 years, helping the diocese to face the reality of the need to change and become more focussed on discipleship and evangelism, and hopefully doing so with humour and some informality.

“I am grateful to those who have loved and supported me through these years.”

Earlier in his career he was vicar of a mining parish in Doncaster for 11 years. He also served as team rector of Dewsbury, before arriving in Blackburn in 2002.

Julian Henderson, Bishop of Blackburn, said: “When he does retire he will be missed immensely by me and by the whole diocese.

“I am particularly grateful for all his support through my first 17 months in Lancashire. I pray that when the time comes he will have a long and happy retirement.”

Archdeacon John will say formal farewells within a service in Blackburn Cathedral on July 19, with a more informal celebration at Whalley Abbey on July 26. All are welcome.

He will retire to Goole in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and he looks forward to engaging in the life of the local church there.