Dean of Hereford Cathedral set to take up his new appointment at Canterbury

Hereford Cathedral Dean since 1992, the Very Rev. Robert Willis is due to be installed as the Kent city's new Dean in the summer.

An accomplished pianist and a composer of hymns, he became known as Hereford's musical Dean because of his love of English cathedral music. He was also deeply involved in promoting links between the Hereford Diocese and four dioceses in Tanzania.

Royal day

A proud moment came in 1998 when he received an architectural award on behalf of the new Mappa Mundi and Chained Library, both opened by the Queen.

He said: ''My eight years in Hereford have been extremely happy ones and I am very sad to leave. There have been very special occasions like the visit of The Queen in 1996, the Three Choirs Festivals and the ceremony which celebrated the completion of the Central Tower.

He added: ''However, the most enjoyable times of life in Hereford have been the day-to-day life and worship of the Cathedral with its perfect music, together with the constant support and friendship of the people of Hereford and for these I am profoundly grateful.

''I shall take many happy memories away with me.''

Speaking last week to guests of Hereford Cathedral Trust, the Dean praised the fundraising work of the trust, also the Friends of Hereford Cathedral and the Mappa Mundi Trust.

''Each year, £160,000 is required to fund the choir which is a large commitment in itself.''

He welcomed the recent appointment of Geraint Bowen who will be following in the footsteps of Cathedral organist Roy Massey and other great names connected with Three Choirs music.

Following his final service at Evensong on Sunday, a number of presentations were made to the Dean from the Cathedral congregation, Choir Association and the Bishop on behalf of the diocese.

Canon Paul Iles, precentor, will act as Dean until a successor is installed.