The Friends of Durham Cathedral

Supporting the Cathedral

The Friends was established in 1933 to support the then Dean and Chapter in caring for the cathedral, the library, the riverbanks and the organ. Since then its remit has widened considerably. It now includes the whole of the precincts, cathedral furnishings, education, the work of the Broderers and much more. In the past 75 years well over 100 projects have been funded. The earliest was the restoration of the medieval clock, while the latest is to fund in its entirety a new window on the theme of Transfiguration and dedicated to the memory of Archbishop Michael Ramsey. This window will be installed in autumn 2010.

In the last ten years, the Friends have funded the costs for lighting of £100,000 with a further £75,000 agreed for a similar purpose. £150,000 was provided for a new boiler house, £150,000 towards renovating the Refectory roof and £180,000 towards a new sound system.

Over £70,000 was given to improve access for the disabled to the Choir and to the Monks’ Dormitory. Mobile nave choir stalls were fully funded by the Friends in the sum of £45,000 to meet modern liturgical needs in the Cathedral. Over £30,000 has been contributed to the cost of restoration of Durham’s splendid cathedral organ.

Major contributions have been made to setting up the Treasures of St Cuthbert Exhibition and Building the Church Exhibition. The lovely altar frontals in the Chapel of the Nine Altars have been made possible by the Friends’ support for the Broderers. Books have been brought back to Durham that belonged originally to the Durham monastery including a 13th century Bible.

All this has only been possible because of the generosity of Friends’ subscriptions, donations and legacies, and in recent years by the sale of a select range of goods.

The Social Side

Membership of the Friends, including Student Membership, permits free entry to the dormitory, exhibitions and the tower. There are regular outings and pilgrimages at home and abroad. In the autumn and winter there are lectures, candlelit dinners, a special Christmas concert and other events. Each June the Friends’ Festival attracts members from across the country and even sometimes from abroad. There are two mailings each year with news of what is happening together with invitations to events.

Junior Friends are entitled to a membership card giving free access to the Monks’ Dormitory and the Tower. Juniors must be accompanied by an adult for access to the Tower.

Become a Friend

You can join the Friends by completing the membership form (student version) and sending it to: Friends of Durham Cathedral, The College, Durham DH1 3EH. Telephone: 0191 384 5266

If you are already a member and would like to pay by Standing Order, please complete and return the Standing Order form and the Gift Aid Declaration form.

Minimum Subscription Rates

Membership Category	Minimum fee
Single Friends	£15.00 per annum
Joint Friends (two people at same address)	£20.00 per annum
Junior Friends (under 18 years old)	£3.00 per annum
Student Friends (Student card to be shown)	£7.50 per annum
Individual Life Membership	£150.00
Joint Life Membership	£200.00

We have members from all over the world. Why not join us?

The Friends is a Registered Charity, No. 519110.