Second “Ronald Wilson Award for Music” presented at Carlisle Cathedral
The second presentation of The Ronald Wilson Award for Music took place on Trinity Sunday, 31 May 2026 at Carlisle Cathedral during Choral Evensong. This accolade – launched earlier in 2026 – celebratesthe qualities that underpin the life and leadership of a young chorister at Carlisle Cathedral. Developed collaboratively by the Cathedral clergy and the Director of Music, the award honours one boy and one girl chorister who exemplify commitment to the choir as shown by the following values:
• Attendance – demonstrating full participation in choir activities.
The winners of the second Ronald Wilson Award for Music are Isobel Khawam and Samuel Lofthouse.
The Revd Canon Pete Gunstone, Canon Precentor at Carlisle Cathedral said “Choristerships in Carlisle Cathedral Choir offer the children and young people of this city and district an amazing opportunity to develop in musicianship within a Christian community.
This development requires not just the dedication of all who support and animate the choral tradition, but also the commitment of the choristers themselves to learning music and musical skills and to working as a team. We are delighted to celebrate that Isobel and Samuel’s dedication to the whole life of being a chorister has been recognised by their peers and we are grateful to the Wilson family whose generous support enables this choral tradition to flourish.”
The presentation was made by Roger Wilson, in memory of his father, Ronald Wilson (d.2010, aged 85), a regular worshipper at Carlisle Cathedral and supporter of the clergy, whose funeral was held at the Cathedral. Ronald Wilson worked for Carlisle City council for 50 years. He was City Treasurer from1972 until 1979 and Town Clerk and Chief Executive from 1979 until his retirement in1990 when he was made an Honorary Freeman of the City.
On behalf of the family, Roger said, “Following the establishment of an endowment in my father’s name earlier this year and on behalf of our family, Erika and I are pleased to be able to present the second Ronald Wilson Music Award on this Trinity Sunday as part of Evensong. My father would be proud to see how much this award means to the choristers in terms of recognition of their input to the life of the Cathedral.”
For generations, the Cathedral Choir has nurtured successive generations of local children to flourish as young musicians. This has been possible thanks to the generosity of individuals and foundations who support this work financially. Would you like to play a part in creating a vibrant, sustainable future for our choristers? A regular donation of £20 a month or more will sponsor a chorister and enable them to be nurtured in their role. For further information, please visit www.carlislecathedral.org.uk/sponsor-a-chorister.
Photo attached, from left to right: The Venerable Michael Everitt (Dean of Carlisle), Annie Alban (previous Award winner), Isobel Khawam,Samuel Lofthouse, Thomas Mitchell (previous Award winner), and Roger
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