The Archdeacon of Manchester, the Ven Andrew Ballard, has announced that he is to retire. His final service will be at 3.30 on January 31st.

Andrew has been a priest in this Diocese for 26 years, as parish priest in Walkden and Rochdale and as Archdeacon of Rochdale and Manchester.

Andrew and Caroline have three grown up children, and they will be moving to Brigg, just South of the Humber in North Lincolnshire in retirement.

Archdeacon Andrew said: “I have decided to announce my retirement now so that discussions in the Diocese about the possible fourth Archdeaconry and related discussions about the job description of the Archdeacon of Manchester can take place with everyone knowing the full picture.”