Stratford and Alcester mourn the death of Reverend David Capron
PRIEST, railway enthusiast, rugby club founder, real ale aficionado, community action man, beloved husband, father and grandfather – David Capron who died on 21st September, was all of these.
Proud of his West Country heritage from Minehead, where generations of Caprons ran the family garage and were responsible for the fire brigade, David was looking forward to celebrating his birthday next weekend there, with his wife, Hilary, younger two sons, Peter and Stephen, daughters-in-law and three youngest grandsons. Eldest son, Mark, also a parish priest, lives in Norfolk with his wife and two sons. Uniquely, the last female Capron was born in 1845.
David’s life was rooted in his Christian faith and life as a parish priest. Linking church and community was immensely important to him; a mission that enabled him to share his interests and inspire others to be involved in activities that promoted reaching out to others and personal wellbeing.
Having been ordained in Coventry Cathedral in 1975 and serving a curacy in the city, David was appointed Vicar of St. Andrew’s Shottery in 1979. He soon set about expanding the mission of the church.
Palm Sunday saw a procession of parishioners making their way to church from the Bell pub carpark led by a donkey, symbolising the significance of that day.
A local ecumenical project with the local Methodist Church established Bishopton Family Church with the appointment of a church army captain to work within that part of the parish.
Playing rugby and belonging to a club had been a big part of David’s life. Initially as a member of Whitnash and then finding his home with Harbury where he has continued to be vice-president.
His passion for the game prompted him to form Shottery RFC with the club badge incorporating a bell (the local hostelry) and a Saltire (St. Andrew’s cross). Real ale served at the Bell soon resulted in a branch of CAMRA coming into being.
Never content to take an easy life, David was keen to seek new challenges and widen his experience as a parish priest. In 1986 he accepted an offer to become Vicar of Newton Aycliffe, Co. Durham.
This large post-war development new town presented many contrasts to Shottery and south Warwickshire.
Built entirely on open land, there was no established heart to the community. With his boundless energy, David, loyally assisted by his two curates, ministered at the three churches within the town. The main remit for his time in Durham diocese was to create a team ministry.
Determined to have a donkey here for a Palm Sunday procession, it necessitated turning the vicarage garage into a stable for a night. The vacant post of rugby club secretary was soon filled and this enabled David to co-ordinate arrangements for mini-rugby to be available at local primary schools.
A most pleasurable claim to fame was to have visible evidence of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway line in St. Clare’s parish. With his eldest son in Cubs, an opportunity to be a Beaver for his next son could only be found by David joining the Scout movement and opening a beaver colony.
A move back to Warwickshire beckoned.
David was appointed Rector of Alcester with Arrow and Weethley in 1990.Three years later he was installed by the Bishop as Fire Service Chaplain, so perpetuating the family association with the service. His late father, Fred Capron having served as Warwickshire County Chief Officer.
The tragic loss of four firefighters in 2007, when fire ripped through a warehouse at Atherstone-on-Stour, had a profound effect on the Chaplain’s role. David was heavily involved with the families and fire service personnel.
St. Nicholas’ Church is situated in the heart of the town and throughout the 22 years of his ministry, David wove many threads linking church and community.
In 2004 he gathered a small committee of volunteers intent on celebrating the patronal festival with a lively community event open to all. Thus, St. Nicholas’ Night was born.
With the street lined with stalls and sideshows representing the town’s numerous organisations, the crowds drew back as the procession of the Boy Bishop passed along. The bells rang, church tower lights switched on and an annual event was established.
A close liaison was made with St. Faith’s Junior School including introducing mini rugby. When the amalgamation with Alcester Infants school was being formulated, David played a key role in celebrating the beginning of St. Nicholas’ School.
Restructuring of parish organisation was taking place nationally to meet the changing demands and supply of clergy. Expanding conurbations needed new churches resulting in villages being grouped with nearby towns. Hence, Alcester Minster was created in 2006 and Coughton, Great Alne, Kinwarton, Haselor and Sambourne were added to David’s responsibility.
He was a well-known figure as he walked around the town giving a cheery wave or stopping to chat. Twice the centre of the town suffered flooding from storms and he contributed to easing the suffering of those affected. He also took on the mantle of President of Alcester Rotary Club.
A strong High Church traditionalist, David vowed to keep alive the ceremonies that brought colour and awe during services of the various Sacraments of the Church of England.
Although finding change hard, he knew that age-old practises needed to allow developments that reflected the changing styles of life. He knew that he must take his faith to the people. ‘Pint of View’ sessions in the local Holly Bush Inn encouraged discussions and questions on the widest topics of religion and faith issues. The ‘Chocolate Run’ on Friday evenings alongside members of other churches in the town saw youngsters eagerly awaiting a hot drink and a chance to talk to adults without being judged by their appearance or activities. Retirement back in Shottery brought new opportunities for engaging with new friends. He passionately believed in the benefits of supporting and sharing.
The Railway Circle was soon launched, giving a platform for train buffs to gather and indulge in heritage trains discussions and films. This linked well with his membership of the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway where he regularly volunteered, meeting and greeting visitors.
Launching a Probus group was his most recent venture. He loved to be with people to tell stories and this drew him into writing a trilogy of books – ‘The Fiery Cannon’, ‘The Puffing Parson’ and ‘End of the Line’. The concluding words of the first book sum up David’s life story – “But I must finish, just as I must go at the end of 2012 (retirement date). It is time to go, but it is not time to finish being a priest. I shall remain a priest until my dying day. It has been an unspeakable privilege”.
David will be received into St. Andrew’s Church, Shottery at 6pm on Friday 13th October with a Requiem Eucharist. Funeral service to be held at St Nicholas’ Church, Alcester on Saturday 14th October at 11am.
