The Priory Today - Meet 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.

Stewards and Guides

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.

Gift Shop & Bookstall

There are approximately 60 volunteers who work on the bookstall and in the Priory Gift Shop without whom, the shops would be unable to remain open.

Flower Arrangers

We have a team of wonderful ladies who arrange and maintain the flower arrangements for special occasions in the church and also for weddings.

Holy Dusters

A dedicated group of ladies who ensure that the Priory is clean and presentable for visitors.

Communications Team

The Priory Communications team are a relatively new (and small) group of like-minded individuals whose priority it is to promote the Priory Church far and wide.