Five new Honorary Canons have been installed at Wakefield Cathedral in recognition of their ‘heavy lifting’ in the service of Christ, to help make Jesus known across the young Diocese of Leeds.
The Sunday afternoon choral evensong included the first installation of canons led by the recently appointed Dean of Wakefield, the Very Revd Simon Cowling, who described it as “a great day for the cathedral, welcoming five new honorary canons who all bring their individual gifts and talents.”
The following people were installed into their particular roles by the Bishop of Kirkstall, the Rt Revd Paul Slater.
Jane Evans, a retired communications director who has served on the Leeds Diocesan Board, is an elected member of the Diocesan Synod, as well as serving on the Bishop’s Strategy Group and the Communications Strategy Committee of Ripon Cathedral. 
Irving Warnett, who has had a career in industry, private equity and the accounting profession. Since retiring he has undertaken consultancy work as well as serving on the Board of Trustees of Opera North. He is a Trustee of the Leeds Diocesan Board, and Chair of the Finance, Asset and Investment Committee.
Sandra Benham, currently Vicar of Baildon and Area Dean of Aire and Worth Deanery. Before ordination Sandra was a Church Army Officer working firstly as an Area then as Project Manager of St. Philip’s Community Project in West Bromwich and lastly as Parish Community Worker in Louth, Lincolnshire.
Rachel Firth, Vicar of Lindley, Huddersfield Episcopal Area Advisor for Women’s Ministry, and Bishop’s Advisor for Community Engagement (Kirklees). Her initial training was in Theatre and Media Studies, and she completed her training for ordination whilst working full time for the West Yorkshire County Sport Partnership. 
Vaughan Pollard, Vicar at St John’s Clayton and the Area Dean of Outer Bradford. He was born and bred in Normanton and for many years was a Hospital Porter at Pontefract General Infirmary. He was ordained twenty-six years ago and in his first incumbency worked in Outer Estates Ministry in Moldgreen and Rawthorpe, during which time he was Chaplain at Huddersfield Town FC.
Providing the address, Bishop Paul (pictured left) said; "Our Cathedrals are at the heart of our diocese and it is a pleasure to welcome these honorary canons as the diocesan strategy is soon to be published.”
He also paid personal tributes to each of those being welcomed into their new positions and thanked them for their ongoing commitment and service to Christ and the diocese.