On Sunday 8 February 2026 the cathedral was filled with people who had come to say goodbye to Geraint & Lucy Bowen.

After the morning service, the congregation remained in the nave and were treated to several heartfelt presentations from different members of the music department. Following initial words from the Dean, the Succentor took to the plinth to reflect on the time he has spent working with Geraint over the last fourteen months. Within his speech, the Revd Dr Jonathan Roberts encapsulated what so many in the room felt:

“That is what it is to work with Geraint: to be completely understood musically by someone whose opinion really matters, to be brought into our shared enterprise with trust and kindness and rigour, and as a result to find yourself, whether it’s an hour later or a year later, much, much more than you were before.”

Click here to read the Succentor's speech

Next was a presentation from the Hereford Cathedral Choir Association who gifted the Bowens a photobook and selection of artworks to express their gratitude to Geraint and Lucy on behalf of choristers past and present. The Cathedral Wardens also presented a selection of gifts on behalf of the congregation and cathedral community.

Click here to read the HCCA's speech

Stephen Challenger, who has been a lay clerk at the cathedral for over forty years, delivered a meaningful and fun tribute to the Bowens sharing special moments from choir tours whilst also lamenting the loss of Lucy’s cakes on a Sunday morning. He presented them both with a selection of gifts honouring Geraint’s passion for gardening and the railways, as well as hamper of northern sourced treats to help them settle into their new home.

The last tribute came from Peter Dyke who, in his own words, has ‘shared a 24-and-a-half-year musical partnership’ with his friends, Geraint & Lucy:

It is impossible to say how appreciative I am of Geraint’s musicianship, his professionalism, his utter integrity and his complete commitment, and his allowing me as an organist to 'find wings and take flight' and – like choristers and lay clerks over the years – achieve so much more than we could have believed possible.

Click here to read Peter's speech

The final speech of the morning came from Geraint himself, and he thanked the many different individuals he had worked with over the years, paid tribute to the professionalism and commitment of the choir and shared some very entertaining anecdotes about his appointment. His speech closed with a tribute to Lucy, thanking her for everything that she had done to support him throughout the years, which brought all in the nave to their feet in applause.

Click here to read Geraint's speech

The Dean then called Peter Dyke forward to receive a blessing as he steps into the role of Interim Director of Music before inviting Lucy and Geraint to come forward to be blessed as they step out into the next chapter of their lives.

 

A thank you from Geraint

Lucy and I would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes, gifts and goodbyes that we have received over the last few months.

Saying goodbye to everyone was never going to be easy as we have spent the majority of our working lives here in Hereford. Our children were born here and we have so many friends within this wonderful community.

Whilst there have been many special memories created during our time here with once-in-a-lifetime trips and performances, it’s the day-to-day I will miss the most. Working daily with our fantastically dedicated cathedral choir to strive for musical excellence over the past nearly twenty-five years has been the utmost privilege.

We will be so sad to leave our many friends and close colleagues behind but wish Andrew, Louise and their family much happiness in their new home. We are delighted with his appointment and look forward to hearing what comes next for the music of Hereford Cathedral.

We will be leaving Hereford at the end of February and moving to our new home in Cumbria.

 

With thanks to Gordon Taylor for photographing the service