Founded 1980
Chair:        
Secretary: 
Treasurer: 

Graham Smith
Jan Thompson
Graham Mumby-Croft


John Prince MBE 1940 – 2022


It is with great sadness we announce the death of John Prince on Monday 26th July 2022. John served in the Prison Service from 1967 until 1997, his sudden and unexpected death has been deeply felt amongst his family, friends, and ex-colleagues.

John joined British Rail in 1956 as a Steam Locomotive cleaner, progressing to fireman.

In 1967 he joined the Prison Service, his first establishment being HMP Hindley, then a Borstal, before transferring to HMRC Risley in 1971. In 1975 on promotion to Senior Officer John transferred to HMP Lincoln. In 1980 on promotion to Principal Officer he transferred to HMP Ranby, returning to Lincoln in 1983. In 1991 he transferred to HMP North Sea Camp on promotion to Governor Grade 5, becoming Deputy Governor three years later. John retired in 1997 and was awarded the M.B.E. for Service to HMPS
shortly afterward.

For the next 10 years he was a sales negotiator for a local housing developer, working part-time, finally retiring after 51 years of working life. A keen motorcyclist from the age of 15 to age 79, sharing his hobby with a small number of friends and his son. His other interests included Heritage Railways, gardening, and supporting the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

John was born in Yorkshire and although leaving the county in 1968 he never lost the characteristics of a true Yorkshireman, he was a man of principle and good to his word. Integrity, honesty, fairness and justice were important values to him, and those that he lived his life by. Whilst he was a very resilient character there was also a softer, kind and caring side to him. He was charismatic and a real gentleman, devoted to his family. His humour, loyalty, and friendship will be sorely missed by his family, friends and all
fortunate enough to have known him. John is survived by his wife Sheila and their son and daughter.


IAN PRINCE