Bernard & Kitty Houghton

Bernard Houghton was the one of The Vicars of St.John's Lacey Green

Bernard & Kitty Houghton came to Lacey Green in 1961, staying until 1981.

They lived at the Vicarage, later called Lacey House when a new Vicarage was built.

Kitty ran The Mothers Union and The Young Wives

Hallmark 1994. Extract from the Editorialby Ted Janes. Back in the 70's when we were in the middle of another great appeal to re-build the Village Hall, the youth club committee of the day ran a couple of 20 mile sponsored walks, supported strongly by parents and friends, and raised a lot of money from sponsors in offices, shops and factories – money from outside the village.

Many of us will not forget that last grualling mile down the Pink Road, the writer has vivid memories of the late Bernard Houghton, vicar of this parish, hobbling with his rheumaticky knees that last mile, but then he always led by example.

Hallmark June 1981. A Great Farewell, but a sad departure by Ted Janes Hallmark editor

I went to the farewell party for the Reverend and Mrs Houghton, and as always when I go to any of our village functions I marvel how well we do things. This farewell was no exception. The cake made by Rosemary Oliver was in the shape of an open bible with inscription in icing, such a work of art that it was a shame to cut it. A cheque for £465 was presented to the vicar, and in a speech of thanks he recalled his happy 20 years in the Parish, his successes and disappointments.

Not being a member of his flock, I know nothing of his ecclesiastical merits or shortcomings, but I do know that I feel I have lost a friend, a man who, particularly in the last few years, wasn't physically able, but always conscious that a vicar should be interested, involved and offering leadership in Parish affairs.