A message from the Chair

Before anything else, and more importantly than anything else, I want to say a very sincere thank you to you all for the incredible support you, our 3000+ members of the Friends, give to Durham Cathedral. 

That support comes from the membership fees you pay, from the events you attend, the additional donations you kindly give, and sometimes from legacies.  It also comes, though, from the other roles some of you occupy, such as your much-valued work as stewards, guides, helpers at events or simply as a ‘presence’ on the Friends’ table, which is now positioned (with a small heater, incidentally!) near the exit from the Cathedral back to Palace Green.

However…  the truth is that our team of currently active volunteers is still painfully short of personnel, and there is so much more help we could use. 

So, this is a heartfelt plea to any of you – indeed to all of you, please – who are within reasonable reach of the Cathedral, to consider whether there is any time you could offer on any sort of regular basis to help the Friends’ operation run more easily.

Even if you can only spare a few hours occasionally, do please let us know. 

Some of what we do is outward-facing, in the sense of making friendly and sociable connections with visitors, or contacting possible speakers to give talks, for example.  Other roles are more ‘background’ in nature but they are equally important and valuable.  These may relate to the practical organisation of events, or even simply helping with some routine tasks in the Friends’ office.

All of these contributions support the conservation of Durham Cathedral’s magnificent building.  They also help tell its story and recognise its heritage.

The swiftest way of letting us know how you may be able to help, explaining when you might be available and in what sort of area you might like to get involved, is to send an email message to friends@durhamcathedral.co.uk 

I can assure you that our gratitude for any additional support truly will be heartfelt and genuine.  Moreover, in a world where so many people live disconnected, detached or lonely lives, the Friends of Durham Cathedral offer a wonderfully warm and welcoming environment in which lasting friendships are rapidly built.

You don’t have to be deeply religious to be involved.  You just have to care!

With my warmest good wishes,

Caroline

Chair of Friends of Durham Cathedral