Volunteering

Volunteer With Us & Become Part of History

Volunteers play a vital role at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens and contribute to many different aspects of work here: from welcoming visitors, to conducting guided tours, providing maintenance support, working in the gardens, and community garden.

Would you like to become part of this unique place and help others to enjoy it too? Contact Siobhan Goodwin, Community Engagement Manager on 01749 988111 (ext 202) or email [email protected] to discuss.

We also provide work experience opportunities throughout the year. If you are a recent graduate, looking for a change of career, or simply trying to get back in to the workplace please do contact us. Read more about what previous and current interns have been up to HERE.

Please complete and return the application form here if you would like to become part of our volunteer team in the future.

Click the button below to download the application form.

Tour Guide Volunteers

Would you like to share your love of this special place with our visitors? Last year approximately 5000 visitors took up the offer of being guided around the Palace and our beautiful gardens. All training provided. Ideally, you will be able to guide a tour at least a couple of times a month. To apply please visit our website to download an application form or simply email Siobhan Goodwin, Community Engagement Manager [email protected] by Jan 22nd 2024.

Palace Welcomer Volunteers

A Volunteer’s Experience of the Installation of the Bishop of Bath & Wells

A Bishop’s Palace volunteer, Robin Winch, tells of his experience after attending Bishop Michael’s Installation in Wells Cathedral on Saturday, 12th of  November 2022.

“I had never attended a Bishop’s installation before so when I was in the right place at the right time and was offered a ticket, I jumped at the opportunity.

Arriving in Wells on Saturday afternoon there was something of a carnival atmosphere. The sun shone, the market was in full swing and the Cathedral bells rang out a glorious welcome. The Town Crier held forth by the Bishop’s Eye announcing what was going to happen.

My wife , Carol, witnessed +Michael setting off from the Chapel for the Cathedral. He was escorted by a group of young people as the Cathedral bells rang out a welcome. I, meanwhile, had taken my place inside  near the West door.

At 2.25 His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant was escorted to his seat in the Nave, he was followed by processions of Diocesan Ministers, Canons, Assistant Bishops, South West Bishops and the Bishop of Central Zambia. There were also representatives from Canterbury and St Albans. The Dean then greeted the congregation.

Reading of the Mandate.

By the West Door the Dean received the Mandate appointing the new Bishop from the Archdeacon of Canterbury. The mandate was read to all those assembled and the West Doors were opened to receive Bishop Michael who was smiling broadly. Jasmine, a young lady, welcomed him on behalf of the Diocese.

Declaration and Oaths.

+Michael was escorted down the Nave where various declarations and oaths were read out and promises made appertaining to +Michale’s role as Bishop. He was the anointed on the forehead, left hand and right hand.

Enthronement

+Michael was led by the Dean and Archdeacon of Canterbury to the Cathedra. The Archdeacon, holding the mandate, placed Michael on the Cathedra.  The new Bishop was then presented to the congregation by the Dean.

This was followed by an anthem and sermon preached by +Michael.

Prayers.

Prayers were said for  peace and stability, our leaders, for education and for justice. A crozier was then presented by Bishop Ruth.

This was a most enjoyable experience, with wonderful singing, to welcome the new Bishop, who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the whole event and to become the 80th Bishop of Bath and Wells. Strategically placed television screens enabled us to see most of what was going on even though we were some distance from the action.

In all it was a joyful, colourful and uplifting event.”

Below is an image that Robin took of Bishop Michael entering Wells Cathedral with the young people who took part in the process to select the new bishop.