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Christchurch
Priory: The Priory Volunteers
Welcomers
Usually
two welcomers are on duty at the North Porch entrance.
They wear blue gowns and name badges and make the first
contact with incoming visitors.
They
welcome all visitors to the church and assist any who
have specific enquiries. General visitors are given
informative leaflets about the Priory (these are free
and are available in some 9 different languages including
Russian and Japanese) to help make their visit more
interesting.
The
Welcomers also have available leaflets regarding times
and dates of forthcoming concerts, organ recitals or
other attractions.
They
can advise whether the church museum is open and if
and when Tower visits are available. (Tower visits must
for insurance reasons, be supervised by a guide or steward)
The
helpfulness and pleasant attitude of a welcomer sets
the tone for an enjoyable visit which the visitor may
wish to repeat.
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Guides
and Stewards
At
least one steward is on duty whenever the church is
open. They wear a medallion of the church seal on a
blue ribbon around their necks and a name badge.
One
of their duties is to assist the Verger to maintain
good order in the church and to watch security.
Most
stewards and all guides are knowledgeable about the
church, its architecture and history and will be pleased
to answer any questions, point out items of interest
and give small groups or family parties an ad hoc mini-tour.
Guides
can be provided by pre-arrangement through the Vergers
to give an organised party a full conducted tour of
the church. A charge is made for such a tour, which
usually takes about an hour, a further 20 minutes should
be added if a Tower/Museum visit is wanted, when available.
During
the summer a number of Special
Evening Tours is arranged. These tours take
place on advised dates and a booking through the Head
Verger is essential. (Tel: 01202 485804)
Welcoming,
guiding and stewarding, indeed all activities at the
Priory are most interesting and rewarding. If you are
recently retired or other local resident with an hour
or two to spare in a week why not join us? You will
be very welcome.
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