The Venerable Anne Gell, Acting Dean

Anne works with the diocesan Bishop and his staff to encourage and serve the ministry and mission of parish churches in terms of clergy appointments and the care of church buildings and their contents. She ministers with the 85 clergy and nearly 400 churchwardens to develop the diocesan mission strategy.

The Reverend Prebendary Mary Bide, Acting Precentor

Mary became a Priest Vicar for the Cathedral in 2018 and became a Prebendary and Sub Dean in 2020. Before moving to Wells in 2016, Mary was Team Rector at Wimbledon and a Royal Chaplain from 2013-2023. At various times Mary has been a year tutor on the Guildford Ministry Course, chair of the Oxford Diocese Liturgy Group and a member of the Southwark Diocese Board of Finance.

The Reverend Dr Megan Daffern, Canon Chancellor

Megan was Acting Dean and Director of Studies in Theology at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. She brings a wealth of gifting, interests, and experience, to her role as Canon Chancellor.

Megan was installed as Canon Chancellor of Wells Cathedral on Sunday 24 September 2023.

Caroline Boddington, Senior Non-Executive Chapter Member (SNEM)

Caroline has a background in in leadership development, senior appointments and organisational flourishing and latterly served as the Archbishops’ Secretary for Appointments.  She led the transformation of the leadership development for bishops and deans and the reform of the processes for recruitment to those roles. As part of this work, she shared in the discernment of dioceses, cathedrals and individuals as they explored their vocation and its outworking in particular contexts. Prior to her professional church involvement, she led the international HR department for a oil and gas company.

Caroline is a Trustee at The Ammerdown Centre and volunteers with Citizens Advice. She was given the Canterbury Cross for services to the Church of England in 2023. She serves on her PCC and sings in her church choir.

Prebendary Tim Wilson, Lay Chapter Member

Tim has a long career in heritage management, working with the Palace of Westminster, European Commission and National Trust. He is particularly interested in gardens. From a Japanese project to his role in converting listed buildings at Bristol Zoo Gardens, he has worked around the world to improve visitor access.

Thomas Sheppard, Lay Chapter Member

As well as a successful career as a solicitor, Thomas has, throughout his working life, given his time as a chair, a trustee, and a non-executive director of many charitable and not for profit organisations which include Bath Festivals, Bath Preservation Trust, the Arnolfini, Dorothy House, the RUH NHS Trust and the Council of Management at the University of Bath. He has been a parish councillor and churchwarden, in 2021 he was the 960^th High Sheriff of Somerset and is now a deputy lieutenant of Somerset.

David Morgan-Hewitt, Lay Chapter Member

David is a London hotelier who moved to Wells seven years ago. He is passionate about the hospitality industry and promotes it widely. As a cathedral chorister at Norwich he grew up in the English Cathedral Choral tradition. He is currently the Chair of the Friends Of Wells Cathedral Grand Organ Appeal and this year he is also President of the Royal Warrant Holders Association.

Joanna Birkett, Lay Chapter Member

Joanna originally trained as a Physiotherapist. For most her adult life she has been deeply involved in church life both at a local level and more widely. Living in Oxfordshire for 31 years, she served many years on deanery Synods, 7 years of which were as Lay Chair, also on Diocesan Synod and Bishop’s Council. She was a governor at Christ Church Cathedral School for over 15 years and was Project Champion for a Free School bid.

Since moving to Wells 7 years ago Joanna has been thoroughly involved in the life of St Thomas’ Church, Wells and is on the PCC. She is also one of the original Cathedral Chorister Chaperones.

Harry Musselwhite, Lay Chapter Member

Harry has had a long connection with Wells Cathedral and the Dioceses of Bath and Wells. He has chaired the Cathedral’s Finance & Audit and Remuneration Committees since 2018 and has been a Governor of Wells Cathedral School since 2021. He was Chair of the Bath and Wells Diocesan Board of Finance between 2010 and 2020. Harry’s career was as a senior manager within the University sector. During this time, he ran three London Medical Schools, merged two and oversaw the coming together of that merged school with King’s College London (KCL). His last paid role was as Vice Principal – Administration and Special Advisor to the Principal of KCL. He therefore brings a wealth of general management and financial leadership skills to the Cathedral.