Thank you to all our Volunteers

The week starting 3rd June is National Volunteers Week and we’re paying tribute to our unsung army of volunteers without whom our cathedrals would be so much less.

40th anniversary of National Volunteers Week

So join us on the 40th anniversary of National Volunteer Week – in saying thank you to our bell ringers, borderers, cake bakers, choir helpers, chaperones, event volunteers, flower arrangers, gardeners, guides, readers, servers, shop assistants, stewards, tomb dusters, tower guides, tea makers, welcomers….the list is endless and so is their gift to the life and ministry of all our cathedrals.

Each day we will pay tribute to one of our volunteers by sharing their story on our social media channels.

We’re starting with ‘Brasso John’ from Ripon Cathedral.

If you have a spare hour or so and are interested in finding out more about volunteering with us, contact your local cathedral to find out what opportunities there are near you.

Ely Cathedral will pay special tribute to the work of its volunteers and all they contribute in terms of time, energy and expertise this week.

Each day Ely will release a short video interview showcasing one of their 400-plus volunteers. Volunteers are invited to a series of free talks and lectures this week which range in topic from Ely Cathedral’s women to recycling, and will conclude with coffee and cake. And there’s the annual Thank You event at the end of the week, a special Evensong in the marquee followed by refreshments.

Gloucester Cathedral will celebrate volunteers across the county with a special service to mark the end of National Volunteer Week.

The High Sheriff of Gloucestershire’s Service of Thanksgiving for Volunteers will recognise and thank volunteers for their contribution to local communities and pay tribute to the positive impact of volunteering organisations across the city, county and diocese.

Volunteers are particularly welcome and it will be an opportunity to express gratitude for those who give their time, energy, and passion to make a positive difference to the Gloucestershire community.

Mark Hurrell, the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, said:

“A key part of the High Sheriff’s role is to encourage volunteering and citizenship. Gloucestershire is blessed with over 150,000 volunteers who give up countless hours to help others. This sense of selflessness is something that King Charles holds close to his chest and, as someone who holds a Warrant from the King, I think it’s important for people to come together to celebrate the work of those who support their communities in such an important way.”

The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester, said:

 “We are delighted to host the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire for this special service to celebrate volunteering in the county and the city. Gloucester Cathedral recognises the importance of volunteers, as we ourselves rely on volunteers in their hundreds to help with the day-to-day operation of the Cathedral’s mission and outreach. From helping in our community outreach programmes, to providing a warm welcome to worshippers and visitors, we could not fulfil our service to the city, county, diocese and more widely without our volunteers. We hope that this Service of Thanksgiving will bring joy and encouragement to all those whose wonderful work we shall be celebrating.”

Sheffield Cathedral has a special Evensong this Tuesday (4th June) evening to mark National Volunteer Week and thank its wonderful volunteers, followed by drinks and nibbles. They expect over fifty volunteers to gather.

Newcastle Cathedral too will celebrate the amazing contributions its volunteers make at an informal service today (Tuesday 4th June) which is open to people of all faiths and none.