A FAMILIAR face will soon be leaving her post.

Winchester Cathedral has announced the retirement of the Receiver General and Canon Treasurer, Annabelle Boyes on October 31.

Canon Boyes has filled the chief lay role in the cathedral, leading its operations, finances and development for over 12 years.

She joined the Cathedral as Receiver General in 2008, following directorships at the Historic Royal Palaces in London, the Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth and previous senior roles in retail.

She was quickly promoted to the role of Canon Treasurer, in addition to Receiver General, and is a valued member of Chapter.

The Dean of Winchester, the Very Rev Catherine Ogle said: “During the last 12 years Annabelle Boyes has transformed the cathedral operations and the security of our financial base. Her legacy is outstanding. She has overseen more than £21m projects to both secure the cathedral heritage and to open the cathedral story to more people, including the award-winning ‘Kings and Scribes’ exhibition and the Wessex Learning Centre.

“The Cathedral Chapter is grateful that Canon Boyes has delayed her departure during the Coronavirus crisis and has stayed to provide a recovery plan. This includes plans for the world-leading Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market for 2020.”

Awarded an MBE in 2017 in recognition of services to the Church, Ms Boyes has achieved the highest levels of professional success. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, and a Chartered Director.

She will continue to serve the people of Hampshire through charitable roles including being a Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire. In addition to recently becoming the County Priory Group Chair, for the Priory of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.

Ms Boyes said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed leading the cathedral’s transformation and have complete confidence in the cathedral team continuing to deliver the vision we have developed. I know that the Cathedral will continue to grow and flourish.”