On Wednesday 4th June some of the many amazing volunteers who contribute to the life of Bradford Cathedral gathered for a celebration of their successes as part of the national Volunteers’ Week 2025.
Over twenty-five of the 100+ volunteers were able to make the event – from volunteers who’d been involved for many years, to ones that have only just started. The event also included refreshments and the giving out of certificates, and was attended also by some of the Cathedral clergy and staff representing education, visitors, vergers, events and marketing.
The ‘thank you’ event was opened by the Very Revd Andy Bowerman, Dean of Bradford, who talked about the importance of volunteering and to thank all the volunteers, including those who were able to attend and all those that weren’t. He touched on his own memories of volunteering and how the work of the volunteers, whether that’s welcoming, flower arranging, stewarding, music, or the many other roles – are always commented on so positively by those who visit Bradford Cathedral.
“The truth is that this place wouldn’t work, and do all that it does, without you, and [a] lot of other people who are not here. We have a very small paid staff team and a huge number of people who volunteer and serve in all kinds of ways.”
Dean Andy also highlighted the importance of education work involving visiting schools and children.
“Children so often will come in for the first time and their first response will be – eyes wide, open mouth, what is this place that I’ve come into: ‘it’s like nowhere else I’ve ever been’. So, if you help with any of the education work, just think of the young lives that you are beginning to shape and to transform.”
Liz Purchase, Bradford Cathedral’s Head of Fundraising, was next to speak, to thank the volunteers for all their support in helping mention donations to help keep the Cathedral open, as well as show the importance of their contribution as part of the national picture.
“You are a number of millions of people that volunteer in the UK every year. The numbers that we have from the last report a couple of years ago was that 14 million people in the UK have volunteered at least once in that year, so [you are part of] an incredible number of passionate, engaged people that do an amazing job for arts, culture and heritage.”
The Revd Canon Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts, presented the volunteers in attendance with certificates to say thank you for their volunteering, before the event wrapped up with refreshments.
“All that’s really left is to say that, as you were coming up, [there were] just so many wonderful personal stories [shared] about your contribution to to the life of this cathedral. And, not only that, but also the ways in which I’ve seen many of you grow and develop as people, and in confidence, and even in the short period of time some of you have been with us, thank you so much. It’s always a pleasure to work alongside you and to serve alongside you.”
The team at Bradford Cathedral would like to extend its thanks to all the volunteers that contribute to the life of the Cathedral, both those in attendance on the Wednesday evening and all those who were unable to make it, and if you would like to volunteer please see a member of the team, call the office on 01274 77 77 20, or e-mail info@bradfordcathedral.org.