BORN in Stanthorpe on July 26, 1936, Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane, John Bathersby, will return to his home town in retirement.

Earlier this week the Archbishop announced he would, as customs dictate, write to Pope Benedict in Rome for permission to retire from his present position.

As dear as he holds Brisbane to his heart, he yesterday told the Daily News he was looking forward to returning to the Granite Belt to grow old close to family.

“I love every grain of sand in Stanthorpe,” he said, describing how he, his family and friends used to spend time at Quart Pot Creek and walking over the “Red Bridge”.

“We were quite reckless in those days,” he said.

The Archbishop will have to wait until the Pope approves his retirement and it could take 12 months to find a replacement.

“It could take up to a year,” he said.

“But I hope it doesn’t as it’s a bit embarrassing.

“You get so many send-offs and if you have those and are still here 12 months later it’s a bit embarrassing.”

In retirement the Archbishop said he was looking forward to reading books, writing about the history of Stanthorpe and climbing mountains.

Meanwhile the Allora Chaplaincy Committee will be hosting its annual fundraising dinner tonight, with Bishop Bill Morris due to speak.

Money raised from the dinner goes towards supporting the chaplaincy program at the Allora State School. (See story on page 10 for more.)

The Daily News will report on the dinner in future editions.