Volunteering
Please email volunteering@tewkesburyabbey.org.uk or call the Abbey Office on 01684 850959 for more informationVolunteering plays a large part of the Abbey’s life and community, supporting it in a variety of ways, enabling others to meet new people, try new things and gain new skills.
Here at the Abbey, there are many ways for you to volunteer. Some roles involve interacting with our many visitors as a welcomer, and others involve more work behind the scenes as well.
Without our incredible team of volunteers, the Abbey would not be able to function in the way that it does today and we welcome people from all ages, backgrounds and faiths.
Whatever your interests and skillset may be, we are sure that there is something for you here at Tewkesbury Abbey.
Please find below some areas that people volunteer for to contribute to the life of the Abbey and its great heritage.
If you are interested about volunteering here at the Abbey, please download and fill in our Application Form and email it to volunteering@tewkesburyabbey.org.uk or call the Abbey Office on 01684 850959 for more information.
Welcomers
The Abbey has a long Benedictine tradition of welcoming all through its doors.
As a Welcomer, you will play a vital part in keeping that tradition alive by providing a warm welcome, information and assistance to the many visitors that come through our doors.
Whether it be to come to a service or to visit, our Welcomers are the first point of contact for the public and are a vital part in our day-to-day life.
The Servers
Servers assist the Clergy and Vergers in the smooth running of services at the Abbey. Responsibilities can include carrying processional candles and crosses, incense, and other items that may be needed during service.
Our dedicated team of Servers range in age and experience and, following the guidance and training of the Head Server and Head Verger, are able to offer a unique service to the Abbey which helps to enhance our distinguished Anglo-Catholic heritage. It is a great privilege to serve, especially in such a beautiful building, and we warmly invite anyone who would like to learn more to contact us or speak to a member of the Clergy.
Bell Ringers
Church bells are one of the biggest and loudest musical instruments in the world and have formed part of life in this country since the Middle Ages, with their sound being heard from miles away.
Bells are rung to call people to church, to celebrate happy occasions and commemorate important events.
Most church towers have bells and a set of bells is called a ‘ring’ or a ‘peal’. Whilst smaller churches may have a small ring of bells, comprising of six to eight, bigger churches and cathedrals usually have a larger ring.
Our team ring every Sunday morning and evening, with a practice night on Thursday from 7.30pm to 9.00pm.
Flower Guild
The Flower Guild is a group who seek to enhance the beauty of the Abbey, with a variety of floral arrangements consisting mainly of flowers and foliage grown in the Abbey’s own garden.
The group meet every Friday 9.30am to 12.30pm and duties include creating displays in the Abbey that go through the week, as well as making special arrangements for Memory Flowers or for Weddings throughout the year.
If this inspires the green fingered (of any shade!) among you, please get in touch. We are actively recruiting for new members for this group, please email volunteering@tewkesburyabbey.org.uk if you are interested.
Sewing Guild
The role of the Sewing Guild is the making and repairing of Altar linen, offertory bags, vestments and other fabric items used in Tewkesbury Abbey.
The guild meet on Friday every 2 weeks from 2pm to 4pm and are always welcoming of new members, but any previous experience is desirable.
We are actively recruiting for new members for this group, please email volunteering@tewkesburyabbey.org.uk if you are interested.