Ashfield also increased the range of choral repertoire performed, and expanded other areas of musical life within the cathedral.
In consultation with the organ builders, J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd, Ashfield rejected much of the piecemeal work that had gone before producing, in 1960, an instrument with a traditional feel but well-suited to the needs of the cathedral.
Many of his anthems, services, responses, chants and other choral works, often written for special occasions, have retained their place in the repertoire.
Of all the compositions, his own favourite remained a setting of Robert Bridges's Christmas Eve, commissioned by David Poulter and the Tudor Consort for voices and a chamber ensemble including harp, flute, oboe and string quartet.
In the late 1960s, relations between clergy and musicians in the Church of England became increasingly strained over the question of fees and salaries.