Manna House coffee and bookshop founder Noel Pickering, aged 89

Noel Pickering, a founder member of the Manna House Christian coffee and bookshop in Perth, has died aged 89.

Mr Pickering, pictured, was also a founder member of the Perth branch of Gideon’s International and the Compass Christian Outdoor Centre in Glenshee.

Born in Glasgow and educated at the High School of Glasgow and Glasgow University, Mr Pickering qualified as a chartered accountant in 1954.

Following national service – he served in the secretarial branch of the Royal Air Force with the rank of pilot officer – he worked as an auditor in Glasgow until he came to Perth in 1963 to work for General Accident.

At the time of his retirement in 1989 he was home group accountant.

Following his retirement, Mr Pickering was for a number of years literally at the forefront of the Manna House coffee and bookshop in Perth, greeting customers at the door and also acting as a cashier.

He was a gifted musician with proficiency in several instruments.

Mr Pickering was also a keen golfer and table tennis player.

He held two exhibitions of his artistic works, which extend to more than 150 items.

After a memorial service, which is to be held at Perth Baptist Church today at 2pm, members of the congregation will have an opportunity to make donations to acquire examples of his artwork, which will be on display in the church hall.