CHESTER Cathedral’s new Vice-Dean will be formally welcomed into his new role in a special ceremony later this month.

Canon Peter Howell-Jones will be installed during Evensong at the cathedral on Saturday September 25. The married father-of-four comes to Chester from Birmingham Cathedral where he was Acting Dean, and will take the place of Canon Trevor Dennis, who retired in July 2010 after 16 years.

Originally from Liverpool, Canon Howell-Jones studied music at Huddersfield School of Music and trained as a singer, organist and conductor.

He studied theology at St John’s College, Nottingham and was ordained in Lichfield Cathedral in 1993. After spending five years at St Matthew’s, Walsall, he later moved to be Vicar of St Michael’s, Boldmere, near Sutton Coldfield.

And with a number of his family members already living in Cheshire, Canon Howell-Jones said it is ‘a delight’ to be moving to the county.

“My family is from Cheshire and I am excited about discovering more of this wonderful Diocese of Chester,” he added.

“It is a great privilege to have been called to serve as part of the team at the Cathedral, and I look forward to playing my part in helping the cathedral to connect further with the City and wider Diocese.”

l Canon Howell-Jones will be installed on Saturday September 25 at 4.00pm. For more information contact 01244 324756.

THE Cathedral choir began their new term in fine voice, and welcomed two more members.

John Booher and Thomas Rushforth are the newest choristers to the male choir, and one of their first tasks is to help raise funds for the next choir tour, to Toulouse, France.

The cathedral’s Choir Support Group has organised a Ball at the Queen Hotel on October 8, which will feature a string quartet from the King’s School, and a sung grace by the choristers, to raise money for the tour.

Director of Music, Philip Rushforth, said it was ‘a joy’ to welcome the boys to the choir, especially as Thomas is his own son.

“The commitment we see from our youngsters is staggering and the rewards of singing to professional standards in a beautiful building are second-to-none,” he added.

“Many former choristers have taken up music professionally in later life.”