Durham Cathedral needs guides

Jan 3 2009 by Sam Wood, The Journal

DURHAM Cathedral is searching for more volunteers to help out as stewards and to welcome visitors from around the world. An increase in visitor numbers in recent years means more volunteers are required, and the cathedral is holding an open evening later this month.

Chapter Steward Anne Heywood said: We get around 600,000 thousand visitors every year, 500,000 of them just come to visit the building, the rest for worship. With more people coming, we need more people to help out.

We need around 90 people who can volunteer for at least one shift a month. It is perfect for people who have retired, but even people with jobs will be able to help out, we have weekend shifts.

The main qualification for being a steward at Durham Cathedral is to love and be proud of this building and all it stands for and want to convey this to anyone who comes through our doors.

The role involves welcoming people to the building and helping people find their way around.

Alan Dixon, 66, has been a steward for 15 years. He said: I retired in 1993 and was looking for something to do to fill my time and this was perfect.

It is such a privilege to be able to work in this amazing building and welcome people.

I also do some tours and that way I get to meet some interesting people from around the world.

People seem surprised when they see just how amazing the building is, they often compare it to St Pauls and wonder why it is not more famous.

Friends June Barclay, 59, and Emmie Smith, both from Newton Hall, Durham, have been stewards for three years.

Emmie, 56, said: We became stewards last time they were recruiting.

It is such a lovely building and there is a nice atmosphere every time you work. I would recommend it to anyone who is even slightly interested.

June said: We are both housewives so we have lots of free time to help out two days a week. You get to meet people from all over the world, its just a great way to spend our time.

Anyone wanting to know more about being a steward should come to the open evening at 6.30pm on January 22. To register interest call (0191) 386-4266 or email enquiries@durhamcathedral.co.uk