Eric Thompson, much-loved Reader at St Mary's, Haxby (York), will be receiving his certificate for serving for 60 years as a Reader at the Diocesan Readers’ Admission Service on Saturday 16 October in York Minster.

Eric’s actual anniversary was 24 April 2020, and former Archbishop Dr John Sentamu congratulated him when he came to do a Confirmation service at St Mary’s in January 2020. Due to COVID-19 Eric has had to wait for his certificate for 18 months!

Eric came to Haxby in the mid 1970s and has continued to conduct worship and to preach in St Mary’s church ever since.

Rector the Revd Kathryn Jackson says, "We are all very proud of him. He is very keen and enthusiastic and completely committed to serving as a Reader. He is great fun, and we usually get a joke during his sermons!

"He is an amazing mentor to so many people including myself and we all value his love, wisdom, support and guidance."

haxby-wigginton-benefice.org.uk