New Year's Honours 2012

4 Jan 2012

Three people connected with Southwark Cathedral have been honoured by the Queen in the New Year's Honours. Sarah Goad, Lay Canon of Southwark Cathedral and formerly the Chair of the Cathedral Council, who is Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, has become a Dame Commander of the Victorian Order. William Rathbone has been awarded an OBE for his charitable services.

Sylvia Morris, who retired as the Head of the Cathedral School of St Mary and St Saviour Overy at Christmas, has become a Dame of the British Empire for her services to education.On hearing of her award Dame Sylvia said, 'I am thrilled and delighted to accept such a wonderful honour.It is a fantastic accolade for the Cathedral School, the Diocese of Southwark and the local authority.It is also a huge encouragement to those who have supported my passion for learning, the moral imperative for it, and the importance of outstanding primary schools'.  

The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun says, 'I am delighted that Sarah Goad, Sylvia Morris and Bill Rathbone have been honoured by the Queen.It is fitting that their tireless work should be recognized in this way, and Southwark Diocese and Southwark Cathedral are justly proud of their association with the Diocese and the Cathedral.I would like to congratulate them all on the awards.  

The Dean Designate of Southwark,The Revd Canon Andrew Nunn says, 'I am pleased to be able to add my congratulations and good wishes to them all, the awards are richly deserved.'

Ends.