Talk in Bury St Edmunds to Aid Vestment Restoration

A fundraising talk in Bury St Edmunds this September will celebrate the life of a much-loved priest while raising money for the restoration of historic parish vestments.

On Monday 15 September 2025, local historian John Saunders will present an illustrated talk entitled The Life of Bryan at the Crypt of St Edmund’s Church, Bury St Edmunds, with performances at 3pm and 7pm.

The subject of the talk, Fr Bryan Houghton, served as parish priest at Slough before moving to Bury St Edmunds, where he ministered for 19 years until his retirement in 1969. Remembered as a man of faith, vision and eccentricity, his initiatives brought growth to the parish, the building of schools, and respect from the wider community.

John explained, “This is a fundraiser for an ongoing project which has already raised £6,000 of a target of £10,000 to restore some of our vestments which are over 100 years old and priceless. It is hoped that the talk will add to this money for a project which Fr Houghton would have fully supported. As a young altar server, I was greatly influenced by his piety which combined with his somewhat eccentric and amusing character. His life has been so interesting to research and there are so many wonderful stories within the talk – the title is well-chosen to reflect a life that at times resembled the humour of a Monty Python sketch. So, I do hope that people will come along, enjoy the talk and share their own stories. For those who never knew him, I promise you will feel that you did by the end of the talk!”

Tickets are £10, including refreshments, and must be booked in advance by contacting John on 07794 409793 or at jes767894@btinternet.com.

Proceeds will go towards the vestment restoration fund, which has so far raised £6,000 of its £10,000 target, helping to preserve these priceless garments for generations to come.

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