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Durham Cathedral celebrates volunteers with new pin badges to mark years of service

Published: Tuesday 3 June 2025

As part of Volunteer Week 2025, Durham Cathedral has rolled out three new pin badges for volunteers to proudly show their years of service.

This week over 500 Durham Cathedral volunteers will receive a new St Cuthbert's cross pin badge which showcases the number of years of their volunteering time.

Starting with a purple pin which represents 0 to 10 years volunteering, then moving up to a silver pin which represents 10 to 20 years, and finally a gold pin which represents 20+ years.

Read more about volunteers' experiences from 3 to 23 years.

Purple Badge: 0 to 10 years

Russell Starkie, Museum Guide Volunteer and Marketing and Digital Volunteer

3 years (started 2022)

Once Russell retired, he was wondering how to spend his free time and on a visit to Durham Cathedral started talking to a volunteer which sparked his interest.

How do you find volunteering in two different roles (one as a Museum guide and one as part of the Marketing and Digital team)?

"The two roles work very well together, I use my skills as a guide - which is a public facing role to help the Marketing department with vital visitor research which involves getting out on the cathedral floor to speak to visitors and then spending time with the Marketing team analysing the results. I also use those analytical skills to evaluate social and review platforms - it's all very interesting!"

Silver Badge: 10 to 20 years

Jane Simpson, Senior Steward

12 years service (started March 2013)

Jane started volunteering two years after retiring, wanting to do something in Durham - where she has lived for over 50 years, having studied at Durham University. Jane knew the cathedral would be the place to start her volunteering journey.

What is the best part of volunteering?

"The best part is the community feel, knowing I am part of the volunteer and cathedral community. I have been here for 12 years and the people have been here for me through ups and downs of life. I also love being part of visitors' experiences, whether that is welcoming them at the North Door, or helping visitors plan their visit when they are here."

Silver Badge: 10 to 20 years

Elizabeth Morgan, Visitor Experience Volunteer and Cathedral Guide

17 years (started Jan 2008)

Elizabeth volunteers alongside her husband Harry, and has a dual role helping visitors with their day to day visit and also as a very knowledgeable Cathedral Guide.

What do you enjoy about being a Durham Cathedral volunteer?

"My favourite part of being a volunteer is doing the Guided Tours, I've been doing them a long time but it always amazes me that people still continue to ask different questions - every time!

It means there are constantly new things to think about or learn."

Gold Badge: 20 years plus

Harry Morgan, Visitor Experience Volunteer and Cathedral Guide 

22 years service (started July 2002)

Harry is one of the longest-serving Cathedral Volunteers, he volunteers alongside his wife Elizabeth. Harry has extensive knowledge of the cathedral which you can explore in one of his guided tours.

What is the secret of being one of the longest-serving volunteers?

"I enjoy telling the stories - whether that is of the cathedral building, of the Saints or of the beautiful stained glass windows. Taking visitors on a guided tour is such a privilege and wonderful part of volunteering - the visitor's questions always offers food for thought and even with over 20 years, I am constantly challenged with questions and thoughts from visitors."

Dean of Durham, Philip Plyming, on behalf of all at Durham Cathedral said,

"The time and dedication volunteers gift to Durham Cathedral is greatly appreciated. They are part of our shared mission together at Durham Cathedral. These badges are a token of our gratitude and in recognition of their service."

These badges are generously sponsored by Newgate, a finance broker supplying cars to clergy and related groups for 25 years. We are grateful to Newgate for helping us to celebrate the service of all our wonderful volunteers.

Are you thinking about becoming a Durham Cathedral Volunteer?

You don't need any experience to volunteer at the cathedral, just a passion and willingness to help.When you begin your volunteering experience, you'll need to undergo some basic training, including safeguarding and visitor experience training. These sessions will help you in your role and the team will be there to support you along the way.

Become a Volunteer

Start your volunteer journey at Durham Cathedral.

Find out more