Volunteers‘ Week is a celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.
Volunteers enrich life at Winchester Cathedral in so many different ways. Simply, the Cathedral could not be run without them.
At a recent tea party, volunteers were discussing what they enjoyed most about their roles.
Listen to the video below to hear their thoughts.
The Broderers are a dedicated group who have been stitching for the Cathedral for the last 12 years. Their recent work includes restoration of the green Altar frontal, three new banners, some new vestments, shortening garments and much more. They are all experienced stitchers and very much enjoy working together as well as the challenge of the variety of work that comes to them.
Tower Guides are privileged to lead visitors via spiral medieval staircases, and a clerestory walkway, on a 213 step ascent of the 46m high tower. They visit the bells, Nave roof space, and rooftop walkways before making a safe return to the floor. Join them and share the experience.
Welcomers are the first people that visitors meet when they enter the cathedral. The Welcomers’ aim is to make visitors, some of whom may be quite unfamiliar with what a cathedral is all about, feel comfortable and at home here, to welcome them and help them get the most from their visit.
We are a small team that enjoys being asked questions – about the Cathedral or anything else! If we can help and guide the visitors to have a better experience the happier we are. Situated on the Nave side of the Welcome Desk we are there to help.
At the entrance to K&S the visitor will be greeted by a steward who will explain what is to be found on each level. Further stewards are stationed on each level to point out, to inform where appropriate and to answer questions. This often leads to interesting conversations – see caption to photograph.
The son of the lady in the photograph worked for IJP on the restoration and then the creation of Kings & Scribes, especially the staircases.
As well as the year-round volunteering which takes place at Winchester Cathedral (noted above), the cathedral works closely with the University of Winchester to offer student placement opportunities to final year students during the October – March period.
“If I could sum up my time at Winchester Cathedral in three words it would be invaluable, supported & diverse. I came into this position with little knowledge of how to navigate a Marketing and Comms role, and feel as though I am leaving with a confident range of skills to set me up for a graduate job in this department.” – Millie Brown (pictured above), Marketing & Communications Intern at Winchester Cathedral, October 2022-March 2023.
If you are interested in volunteering, please email Sarah Williams, Head of Volunteers at sarah.williams@winchester-cathedral.org.uk, or call her on 01962 857 284.
