On Sunday 21 November, two special services take place at St Edmundsbury Cathedral to honour men and women for their contributions to the life of the Cathedral, the Diocese and the wider community in Suffolk.

At 10.30 am, the Eucharist service will include the presentation of the Order of St Edmund, the highest accolade the Cathedral can bestow which is awarded to those who have demonstrated ‘exemplary and unusual service’. Four members of the Cathedral community will receive this award: Susan Cockram, Liz Steele, Stewart Alderman and Stephen Dart.

Later, at 3.30 pm, seven senior clergy and eight lay people will be recognised as canons of the Cathedral. The title of canon is given to individuals, both clergy and lay, who have given particular service to the Diocese.  This year new canons, including one ecumenical canon, are being recognised for their services to education, health services, the media, music and the charity sector.

Both services will be livestreamed via the Cathedral’s Facebook page.

Bishop Martin said: “I am delighted to be installing so many new canons into the Cathedral this weekend as we celebrate the Feast of St Edmund. The new canons span a rich diversity of experience, skills and backgrounds from across Suffolk and we are greatly encouraged by their readiness to offer their gifts for the Church’s service and witness in our county.

More than ever, we need to bring together people with different perspectives and experiences to better understand the challenges faced by people in Suffolk. The new College of Canons is one way the Church can do this and we hope this will better equip us to serve the needs of the whole county in the years ahead..”