Seven new canons admitted to Salisbury Cathedral’s College of Canons

Seven new canons were admitted to Salisbury Cathedral’s College of Canons at the invitation of Bishop Stephen on 4 October, during Evensong. 

The canons were the first to be installed since Bishop Stephen began his work in the diocese. 

The College of Canons play an active role in shaping the future of Salisbury Cathedral. A key purpose of the college is also to strengthening links between the local church and the cathedral. Members meet twice a year to provide feedback on decisions made by Chapter, the cathedral’s governing body, and to comment on activities. 

The new canons include: 

  • The Revd Nick Clarke (Area Dean of Weymouth and Portland) 
  • Gillian Clarke (Chair of Salisbury Diocese House of Laity) 
  • The Revd Rhona Floate (Team Rector Vale of Pewsey) 
  • The Revd Craig Ryalls (Rector of St Paul’s Church, Fisherton Anger) 
  • Loretta Minghella (Master of Clare College, Cambridge) 
  • Sue Chandler (Lay Chair of the Blackmore Vale Deanery) 
  • The Ven Stephen Dunwoody (Archdeacon for the Army and Assistant Chaplain General Army Recruitment and Initial Training Command and Land Warfare Centre) 

The Revd Canon Rhona Floate, speaking on BBC Wilts (listen 1h 48m in) and said, 

"It’s a huge honour to be made a canon and I’m looking forward to discovering what it really means. 

"Each of the canons brings different insights and experience. In my case, it’s my mainly my experience of the rural church, where so often, one priest is shared by a number of parishes." 

"Working mainly in churches with quite small congregations I personally get a boost when gathered with a much larger group of worshippers - as we are at the cathedral - and I make a point of encouraging others to go the cathedral occasionally for just that reason. 

"Becoming a canon means I’m drawn further into the Cathedral’s extended family, praying for its work and helping to grow the relationship between parishes and their mother church will be an important part of the role." Rhona added. 

Supporters took to social media, saying: 

"A beautiful service; feeling very proud." Catherine Clarke, a relation of Gillian Clarke 

"Such a privilege to witness Gillian Clarke be admitted to the College of Canons of Salisbury Cathedral yesterday evening by Bishop Stephen. A richly deserved recognition" Revd Andy Muckle, Vicar of St Mary's, West Moors 

"Very special evening, celebrating Rhona’s installation as a Canon at the cathedral" - Jane Williams, service-goer 

"Such a joy to be able to support Nick Clarke and others this evening at a special service of his installation as a Canon. Thank you Nick for all you do for our Team, the Deanery, the Diocese and of course for God!" Revd Jo Haine, Vicar of Emmanuel Church, Southill & St Mary’s Church, Chickerell 

"Huge congratulations to my amazing colleague, Sue Chandler, on being made a Lay Canon of Salisbury Cathedral. Faithful, committed & loving service to the local church & the Diocese of Salisbury rightfully acknowledged! Revd Canon Jonathan Triffitt, Director of Mission & Ministry and Deputy Diocesan Secretary of the Diocese of Salisbury

We continue to pray for the seven new canons and the work of the Cathedral Chapter. 

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