RAMSEY S team rector was one of four priests installed as honorary canons at Ely Cathedral last weekend. Canon Richard Darmody, who is in charge of the churuches of St Thomas à Becket and St Mary in the town and Ramsey St Mary s, as well as St Peter s, Up

RAMSEY'S team rector was one of four priests installed as honorary canons at Ely Cathedral last weekend.

Canon Richard Darmody, who is in charge of the churuches of St Thomas à Becket and St Mary in the town and Ramsey St Mary's, as well as St Peter's, Upwood, was joined by Canons Malcolm Griffith, Rector of Sawtry and Glatton, and Rural Dean of Yaxley, Martin Seeley, Principal of Westcott House Theological College, Cambridge, and Dr Fraser Watts, Vicar of St Edward, Cambridge, at the installation by the Bishop of Ely, Dr Anthony Russell.

During the service, each canon was received by the Dean of Ely, Dr Michael Chandler, and allocated his own stall in the cathedral.

These priests are entitled to call themselves canon, but they are distinct from the residentiary canons, who are on the staff of the cathedral and live in the precincts.

Honorary canons form a link between the cathedral and the wider diocese and meet to reflect and advise on the life of the cathedral.

Clergy remain canons of the cathedral while they continue to serve in the diocese, but they hold their titles for life.

The title of honorary canon is usually awarded to clergy who have distinguished themselves in some way or on whom the bishop relies for specialist advice or support within the diocese.

The number of posts is limited to 25.