This National Volunteers’ Week, we are excited to celebrate the invaluable contributions of our volunteer guides at Chichester Cathedral.
With this, we are thrilled to introduce a new summer spotlight series - Tales from the Tour Guide - that will shine a light on our exceptional volunteer guides. Throughout the summer, we will feature a different guide, offering a glimpse into their passion, dedication, and unique perspectives on the Cathedral’s rich history and heritage. This series aims to showcase the depth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and individuality that our volunteers bring to each tour. Here we meet three out of over 30 esteemed volunteer guides:
Colin Tebbutt MVO: From Royal Protection to Cathedral Tours
After a distinguished career in the Royal Marines and the Metropolitan Police Force in the Royal Protection Division, Colin Tebbutt found himself drawn to a different kind of service. Volunteering as a guide at Chichester Cathedral, Colin discovered a platform to share the treasures of history with visitors. His tours are not mere recitations of facts but lively, immersive journeys through time. Colin's commitment to volunteering is evident in his enthusiasm for history and his desire to engage with the local community and visitors of all ages.
Colin is a trained volunteer whose knowledge is regularly updated to ensure an enriching experience for all. Recently, the volunteer team has undertaken disability awareness training, including dementia awareness, enhancing their ability to cater to diverse audiences. For Colin, volunteering is a way to share his fascination with the past and to keep his mind sharp and his spirit engaged.
Anne Scicluna: A Steward of Art, Heritage, and Community
Anne Scicluna’s passion for her city's history, art, and community knows no bounds. From serving as Mayor of Chichester three times to her current role as a volunteer guide, Anne is committed to preserving, sharing, and celebrating the Cathedral’s and the city’s rich heritage. Anne's tours are filled with moments of revelation, inviting visitors to appreciate the skill and creativity of the artists who created the Cathedral's many artistic treasures.
For Anne, volunteering at the Cathedral is more than just a pastime; it's a lifeline that keeps her spirit alive and her mind engaged. She delights in the comments of visitors who find solace and comfort within the Cathedral's welcoming embrace. Anne's love for her city is infectious, and her dedication to sharing its treasures knows no limits.
Hilly Sloan: The Guide of the People
Hilly Sloan’s deep rooted interest in history extends far beyond kings, queens and artefacts, to the people at the heart of the stories. With decades of experience in conjuring tales of the past, first as a London Blue Badge Tour Guide and now as a valued member of the Cathedral’s team, her lifelong fascination with history, anthropology and the way we used to live, is infectious.
With the visitor experience at the heart of every tour she leads, Hilly combines her commitment to the art, architecture and history of the Cathedral with an unwavering focus on the people she is guiding. Her unique talent for tailoring the facts and stories she shares to a groups’ individual interests, creates a beautiful bond between people and place, and ensures that visitors leave with not only a collection of interesting stories, but also an overarching feeling of connection and positivity about their visit to our Cathedral.
Join us for a Tour
Anne, Hilly and Colin are just three of the many dedicated volunteer guides here at our Cathedral. Their captivating tours are a testament to the unwavering commitment of all our guides to Chichester's heritage. We invite you to experience their passion and knowledge first-hand.
Tours run Monday to Saturday at 11.30am and 2.30pm, starting from just £6.00 per person. Booking is recommended. Click here for more information >>
This National Volunteers’ Week, join us in celebrating the remarkable contributions of our volunteers, who ensure that the rich history and heritage of our Cathedral continues to inspire and enchant visitors from around the world. Find us on social media to follow our Tales from the Tour Guide series, where we feature more of our incredible volunteer tour guides.