We thank Colin’s daughter Dinah and his brother Gavin for the following:
Canon Colin Reid (F43-49). “Colin Reid left St Bees with three passions - rugby, singing and a deep love for Cumbria. While born in Scotland with a family that moved to London, his schooldays made him an instinctive Cumbrian. On ordination he served his first curacy in Kendal and his first ‘living’ as Rector of Caldbeck and Castle Sowerby - and there he stayed until his retirement in 1993. His rugby days behind him, Colin became an avid fell-walker, his main recreation. During his long rural ministry he befriended and admired the sheep farmers of the fells, whether they came to church or not. He trained a lay team to help maintain regular services in what became his three parish benefices, which led to quiet but steady growth in attendances. He, his Yorkshire wife Josephine, and four children entered fully into village life in such areas as the bowls club and local dramatics - which revealed his natural comedic streak. The family became well known as a folk-singing group and Colin won the folk singing class at Carlisle Music Festival more than once - which would have pleased his Carlisle born grandfather, who led choirs in the city and Festival. A man who had to battle with depression in the loneliness of much rural ministry, Colin became a valued counsellor to other clergy who faced the same stresses. His burial service took place in his beloved Caldbeck Church and, in spite of the fact that he had left the parish over thirty years previously, over 200 people turned up to say goodbye.”
	Colin on his 90th Birthday at the Kirkstile Inn
Photos of Colin as captain of the rugby team at St Bees (in the centre of each holding the ball), along with one of him and his younger brother Gavin, who wrote the piece, plus one of Colin on his 90th birthday, which was celebrated at the Kirkstile Inn, one his favourite haunts, may be seen here.
Colin and his younger brother Gavin
Colin as Rugby Team Captain (centre)
St Bees Rugby Team

 

Home

The St Beghian Society    
St Bees School,    St Bees,    Cumbria,    CA27 0DS.

         Tel: (01946) 828093      Email: osb@stbeesschool.co.uk      Web: www.st-beghian-society.co.uk