The Revd Dr Megan Daffern has been installed as Canon Chancellor of Wells Cathedral in Somerset, following 12 months as Acting Dean of Gonville & Caius College.

Megan was named Canon Chancellor in May. She spent 12 months at Caius as a Bye-Fellow and Director of Studies in Theology, Religion & Philosophy of Religion, deputising for The Revd Dr Cally Hammond, who has now returned from sabbatical.

The College was represented musically in the service, with music including Precentor Matthew Martin’s Preces and Response, and Herbert Howells' Collegium Regale setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. The latter were written for King's Cambridge and are central in the Caius Choir repertoire. Caius Fellow Professor John Mollon attended the service.

As Canon Chancellor, Megan will lead the development of Wells Cathedral as a place of learning and theological exploration, a centre of creativity, and a cultural hub. She will build the sense of community through internal and external relationships and collaborations.

She is thankful for her time at Caius, in particular to the Master, Professor Pippa Rogerson, and to Cally.

“I have had a wonderful year at Caius,” Megan says. “I hope that all the new starters – staff, Fellows, and student Freshers alike – might enjoy a fabulous College as much as I have done.

“I am grateful to the whole community, especially to Cally who shared with me the privilege of being among you for the academic year, and Pippa as Master, and all the Fellows, for welcoming me and supporting me as I held the role of Acting Dean for the year.”

The Revd Dr Cally Hammond says: “It can be difficult to hand the reins over to another person, but I had no qualms about Megan’s ability to fulfil the demands of being Acting Dean while I was on leave. Her dedication to the care and support of students, staff and Fellows was tireless. The College is in her debt, and so am I.”