Zeb Soanes, the host of Relaxing Evenings on the classical music station, was honoured at a special service on Sunday, November 16 for his “exemplary and unusual service to the cathedral”.
The Suffolk-born broadcaster, who has 1.3million weekly listeners and was the voice of BBC Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast for more than 20 years, joins the cathedral’s College of Canons.
An active patron of several charities, Mr Soanes was recognised alongside the Reverend Paul Tams, appointed as an honorary canon.
Classic FM presenter made canon at St Edmundsbury Cathedral (Image: Supplied)
Revd Tams spent 35 years as a teacher in Suffolk before being ordained at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in 1990.
He became the rector of Santon Downham with Elveden and Lakenheath in 2017 and is now the assistant rural dean of Mildenhall.
The canons’ role is to provide independent reflection, advice and advocacy across the diocese and county.
The service also saw the installation of this year’s Order of St Edmund recipient, Valerie Moore.
A former headteacher, Ms Moore was recognised for her extensive volunteer work across the cathedral, including as a guide and on the LEGO project, as well as for her fundraising efforts for the cathedral’s link diocese, Kagera in Tanzania.
Classic FM presenter made canon at St Edmundsbury Cathedral (Image: Supplied)
The Very Reverend Joe Hawes, Dean of St Edmundsbury, said: “Our Feast of Edmund honours are an important part of the cathedral calendar and a service we take great joy in.
“It’s our pleasure to welcome two new members to our College of Canons and to highlight such a deserving member of our congregation with the Order of St Edmund.”
The new diocesan registrar, Kevin Wilson, was also installed at the service.
The event marked a significant moment in the cathedral’s calendar, celebrating individuals who have greatly contributed to the cathedral, the diocese and the wider Suffolk community.