Rev Canon Allan Swain

Born in Leeds, after leaving school Allan tried his hand at various jobs including painting and decorating, using his skills later to refurbish church halls and vestries.

National Service widened his horizons and he decided to further his education by studying for A-Levels at Mirfields Hostel of the Resurrection in Leeds.

Allan was ordained Deacon of St Alban’s in 1968 to serve at St Francis Welwyn Garden City. In 1972 he moved to Romsey Abbey where Lord Mountbatten regularly attended, meeting the Queen and other Royals while they were staying with Lord Louis.

Allan met his future wife, teacher Angela, in November 1972 and the couple married in Romsey Abbey in 1974.

He became vicar at Holy Epiphany in March 1978, living in the vicarage in Castle Lane, Bournemouth, before moving to St John’s Church, Moordown, in March 1991.

Allan and Angela decided to retire to Wimborne and found a house on Elizabeth Road, overlooking the River Allen in February 2003.

In June 2008, after retiring from St John’s, Allan joined the Minster team. He was a regular celebrant at Gussage All Saints and latterly the interregnum at St John’s Church Broadstone.

Allan and Angela enjoyed country walks and he organised walks, skittle evenings and regular outings.

A keen ecumenical worker, the father-of-two died at Poole hospital on April 2, at the age of 74.

He is survived by his wife, son Andrew and daughter Anna.