Volunteer at Ely Cathedral
As a volunteer your contribution will support the mission and work of Ely Cathedral.
Ely Cathedral is blessed with a diverse community who participate in its mission and ministry in a host of ways. Behind this magnificent building which we so richly enjoy, there is a team of more than 400 volunteers, who play a crucial part in the day to day life of the cathedral, without whom we would be unable to function. We welcome new volunteers to join us and the wide range of opportunities available are outlined below.
It is an opportunity to learn new things, gain valuable experience or new skills, meet many people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe, and hopefully get a great deal of enjoyment from the experience too!
Why volunteer?
You may wish to serve Ely Cathedral as an extension of your faith.
You may love the beauty and awe of the building itself, its history and architecture.
You may enjoy helping people whether it be a listening ear or telling them about the building of the Cathedral and its history.
You may wish to get out and make some new friends.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer, please email: our Volunteer Manager
Bedesmen: Bedesmen are appointed by the Chapter to assist the Vergers in all aspects of Cathedral worship.
Cathedral Guides: Our community of Volunteer Guides undergo a rigorous and fascinating course of training which enables them to offer exceptional quality tours of the Cathedral.
Day Chaplains: Day Chaplains are ministers from any Christian denomination, who, from April through October, lead our hourly prayers in the Cathedral and offer pastoral care.
Flower Guild: Arrange flowers in the Cathedral for all services and major events in the Church's calendar.
Gardeners: Our Grounds Staff are always pleased to hear from people willing to help them tend to the lawns and gardens that surround the Cathedral.
Hospitality and Bars: An important part of the Cathedral's mission is to offer hospitality to all people. We are therefore always pleased to receive offers of help with serving tea and coffee after services, helping to serve drinks in the interval at concerts, etc.
Schools Guides: Volunteers who work with the 10,000 school children who visit the Cathedral each year.
Servers: Servers assist the clergy with worship at all our main services in the Cathedral, on a rotational basis.
Shop Volunteers: Main job is to serve customers, but also help with shelf replenishment and tidying.
Stewards: Stewards show people to their seats, take collections and generally help out at all our main services and events in the Cathedral.