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NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
A BEACON OF LIGHT
Fun, Friendship and a Warm Welcome
The following article was published in the November 2021 edition of Link: the monthly e-newspaper for the Diocese of Newcastle.
Our marvellous Volunteer Coordinator, Lucy Cooke, writes:
I wonder if you have been able to visit our wonderful, newly opened cathedral yet? If not then you have a treat in store when you do – but if you have, then you were probably welcomed by one of our team of volunteers. Resplendent in their new, bright blue Newcastle Cathedral polo shirts and fleeces, they certainly do stand out, and although wearing face coverings, their welcoming smiles still manage to reach out to all who walk through our doors – whatever the reason for their visit.
Before I came to work at Newcastle Cathedral I had spent over 15 years working with volunteers and supporting organisations in the cultural and heritage sector to involve them in their work. It quickly became clear to me that there was something distinctly different, not only about the range of people interested in volunteering at the Cathedral, but also the nature of the roles they carried out in relation to visitor welcome, and this is something we have been exploring in our induction and training sessions in recent months.
You see, volunteering at the Cathedral isn’t just about saying hello and handing out information or selling souvenirs (although that is part of the role!). It’s about being part of an ever-expanding group of people who are passionate about ensuring that everyone is encouraged and empowered to find their space in our wonderful building. It’s about sharing what makes the Cathedral special to us with everyone who walks through the doors. It’s a chance to learn something new – there is so much history within the Cathedral that no matter how well I think I know the place, there are always things to go away and find out more about!
It’s exciting – you never know who you will meet or what you will talk about – and it’s fun! In this, and the next couple of issues of ‘Link’, you will have the chance to meet some of our volunteers and find out why they have become part of the team. This month, my son Andrew shares what volunteering over the summer meant to him.
Over the last few weeks, since we have been able to open our doors, we have seen many more visitors coming to the Cathedral and it is vitally important that they all feel warmly and genuinely welcomed into the space.
Now is the perfect opportunity to get involved and join our wonderful team. So, if you have been pondering what to do with your spare time, or thinking about taking up something new, why not get in touch? I can guarantee you a warm welcome and fun and friendship along the way!
Here are some of the volunteering roles which we currently have available:
Cathedral Welcomer
Do you enjoy meeting and talking to new people? Our welcome team are the face of Newcastle Cathedral; responsible for greeting visitors and ensuring that they have all the information and support they need to enjoy their visit.
Cathedral Retail Volunteer
Do you enjoy meeting people? As a Cathedral Retail Volunteer, you will directly support our Hospitality & Visitor Experience Coordinator in the day to day running of our retail outlet within the Cathedral Nave.
Cathedral Tour Guide
Do you have a passion for history or architecture? In this role, you get access to a wide range of resources so that you can share this passion with others. We’re also looking for Lantern Tower volunteers, to help with upcoming tours.
Learning & Activities Volunteer
Are you interested in working with children and young people? Our Family Engagement volunteers provide support with the set-up and delivery of public engagement activities, and we’re also seeking Learning & Schools Engagement volunteers.