A RETIRED living development in Malpas has paid tribute to the former rector of St Oswald’s Church by naming a new guest suite in his honour.

Canon Ian Davenport, 66, recently retired after a decade in the role.

He is also a Chaplain to Her Majesty The Queen and Rural Dean of Malpas.

McCarthy Stone, the developers behind The Cedars retired living development, named the guest suite ‘Davenport Suite’ in recognition of his contribution to the community and as a small gesture of appreciation for his work over the many years.

The guest suite will be a place for family and friends to come and stay when visiting retired relatives,

Emma O’Connor, sales executive for The Cedars, said: “We know that all sorts of things are being organised by the people of Malpas to help mark Canon Davenport’s retirement so we wanted to be part of this on some level and to show our appreciation, and on behalf of our customers whom many worship or are involved in some way with St Oswald’s Church.

“We hope the plaque will be seen as a sign of respect for all he has achieved and we wish him all the best of luck with his retirement.”

Canon Davenport went to The Cedars and was photographed outside due to Covid restrictions to reveal the new plaque in his name and to mark the guest suite open for visitors.

He said: “It has been a joy and privilege to be part of the community here in Malpas and to be able to help in some way over the years. I retire with very happy memories of my time here."

The Cedars offers a choice of one and two bedroom apartments for sale or for rent, designed exclusively for those over 60.