Salisbury Cathedral: Revd Mike Parker QHC to be honoured at Evensong

During Evensong on Thursday (May 4) The Revd Mike Parker QHC, the Chaplain General of His Majesty’s Land Forces, will be installed as a Sarum Canon, an honorary position recognising his contribution to the Church and the Armed Forces and his role within the military community locally, and nationally.

Mike joined the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department in 2000 after initially training as an electrical engineer specialising in weapons, weapons control and telecommunication systems for the Ministry of Defence.

In addition to serving in the UK, operational duties have taken him to Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Image Salisbury Cathedral (Image: Salisbury Cathedral)

Three non-residentiary canons will also be installed into the College of Canons at the same service, by invitation of the Right Revd Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury.

The Revd Julian Poppleton, Assistant Priest in Harnham and The Bishop’s Adviser for Associate Ministry will take his place in the Netheravon stall in the Cathedral Quire. Well known to the Cathedral congregation, Julian often deputises for the Precentor as a cantor during services.

The Revd Tim Heaton, Rural Dean of Blackmore Vale, takes up the Torleton stall. Tim spent five years in the Royal Green Jackets, followed by a career in the city, prior leaving to join the Church. Tim was ordained in 2010.

Image: Salisbury Cathedral (Image: Salisbury Cathedral)

The Revd Pat Southgate has been an Associate Priest at St. Peter’s in Parkstone since her Ordination in 2004. She is also Chair of the charity Routes to Roots (R2R) which supports homeless people in Poole.

Last year Routes to Roots opened Poole’s first building solely dedicated to helping the town’s homeless and vulnerable at the Genesis Centre on Hill Street, and all past and present R2R volunteers were recognised by the late Queen with the Queens Award For Voluntary Service – the MBE for voluntary groups.  
 

Image: Salisbury Cathedral (Image: Salisbury Cathedral)

The Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos said: “We are delighted that Mike will be joining us as an honorary Sarum Canon. His wisdom and insight will be much appreciated, particularly given the Cathedral’s strong ties with the military.

"Alongside Mike, the wide-ranging experience of the three new non residentiary canons, Julian, Tim and Patricia, will also be invaluable. I look forward to working with all of them.”

Image Salisbury Cathedral (Image: Salisbury Cathedral)

Speaking ahead of the service the Bishop of Salisbury, The Right Revd Stephen Lake said: “I am delighted that Tim, Julian and Patricia have accepted the invitation to join the Cathedral’s College of Canons.

"It is important that the interests and needs of the Diocese are heard by the Cathedral and that likewise, the parishes are connected to the Cathedral. Mike’s installation as a Sarum Canon is also good news, particularly given that the Diocese will be signing the Armed Forces Covenant when the Archbishop visits next month.”