Fr John Danson - pictured here in 1993 presenting Bene Merenti medals to parishioners John Cookson, Joe Miller and Sally Dutton - was born in Wesham.  He was educated at Preston Catholic College, Ushaw College and Cambridge University.

Following his ordination in 1962, Fr John's first posting was to the Cathedral parish in Lancaster and then - after attending Cambridge University between 1963 and 1967 - he subsequently held appointments at Underley Hall and Upholland College.

In 1985 he became parish priest at Our Lady, Star of

the Sea in St Annes-on-Sea and in 1991 he moved to StAndrew's in Cottam where he remained until he became the Administrator for the Diocesan Vocations Service for the Bishops' Conference in 1996.  Fr John retired in 2002.