Volunteers working at Salisbury Cathedral – one of England’s most iconic buildings – have been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Salisbury Cathedral, like so many organisations, relies on the dedication and hard work of its volunteers. The Cathedral has a team of nearly 650 volunteers with roles ranging from tomb dusting, embroidery and flower-arranging to stewarding, guiding and assisting during services. All experts in their own fields, the volunteers give their time freely to ensure that cathedral services and events run smoothly and both visitors and worshippers alike enjoy the best possible experience.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work in their communities. The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and winners are announced each year on 2 June, the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. Representatives from the cathedral attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace at which the Queen and other winners of this year’s award were present.

The Very Revd June Osborne, Dean of Salisbury, said: “It is wonderful for our volunteers to be recognised in this way. Each and every one plays a significant role in the life of the Cathedral and we depend on them to maintain our high standards of welcome and worship.”

Minister for Civil Society, Rob Wilson, said: “I would like to congratulate all groups who received this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, in recognition of their fantastic achievements. The huge amount of work and commitment these organisations put into their local communities is surpassed only by the passion and motivation of the individuals who volunteer.”

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel & Tourism, added: “Salisbury Cathedral is one of Britain’s finest medieval cathedrals and it is thanks in large part to the industrious team of volunteers that it delivers such an unforgettable experience for visitors. Salisbury Cathedral is one of our favourite places in England and a visit never fails to impress; just last month we enjoyed a tour of the incredible 15th Century library there.”

Over 300,000 people visit the cathedral each year to marvel at the peace and beauty of the nearly 800-year-old building and to admire Britain’s tallest spire. The finest original copy of the 1215 Magna Carta is on permanent display to visitors in the Chapter House.

If you or your group would like to include a visit to Salisbury Cathedral as part of a tailor made heritage tour or pilgrimage, please do not hesitate to contact us.