Taking up a new interest in Lent

February 22, 2023

This Lent, how about taking something up rather than giving something up?

Peterborough Cathedral has some rather special volunteer opportunities available and they are inviting people to consider taking up a new interest in Lent, with a view to continuing into the future.

For example, someone who loves books, patience and accuracy is needed to become a Library Accessioning Assistant, entering the details of books into a spreadsheet, and helping to clean and care for them too. The idea is that the books (not the ancient ones which are in Cambridge University Library) eventually become a resource accessible to researchers. Anyone who can spare two-three hours per week to become part of the small and dedicated team involved in the work is invited to get in touch.

People with experience of canvas work or cross stitch, with good eyesight and a methodical approach, are also needed. They would become part of the group sewing their way to completion of the four metre long nave ceiling embroidery. Work on this depiction of the Cathedral’s famous nave ceiling now takes place in the Cathedral on several afternoons each week so there is flexibility on times.

There are also customer-facing roles in the Cathedral shop, Old Scarlett’s Emporium, helping to serve, manage stock and keep the shop looking in tip top order.

Volunteers who have some time on Sundays and would like to help with stewarding at services, or who have the AV skills needed to assist with live streaming Choral Evensong on Sunday afternoons, are also invited.

Charlotte Amato-Gauci, the Cathedral’s Volunteer Coordinator, said: “There is always such a variety of volunteer opportunities at the Cathedral! So if you are looking to build up some relevant work experience, or are between jobs, or perhaps are retired and have some time to offer, please get in touch. Even if you are not sure that any of the roles described above are quite up your street, there might be something else. Everyone is very friendly here, and you can always try things out before you commit to regular hours.”

For more information about any of the volunteering opportunities, check out the Cathedral website here: www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/volunteer or contact Charlotte via volunteer.coordinator@peterborough-cathedral.org.uk or on 01733 355304.