Our volunteer of the year award winner … Christine Barker, Sheffield Cathedral

‘It is my passion and a gift from God, and it should be shared.’

We meet Christine Barker, winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award, Sheffield Cathedral.

It was a homecoming of sorts when Christine Barker found herself volunteering her time and talents at Sheffield Cathedral six years ago.

For, as a student in the city of her home, Christine, had chosen Sheffield Cathedral for her project placement for her City and Guilds in Creative Textiles.

And this week at a special party in the cathedral held in her honour and surrounded by friends, colleagues, and fellow volunteers, Christine was presented with her trophy by Nigel Williams from Newgate Finance, sponsors of the award, and award partners, Anna Pitt and Jane Bower from the Association of English Cathedrals.

The party was followed by a special service of Choral Evensong that celebrated all volunteers.

The Dean of Sheffield, the Very Revd Abi Thompson, gave thanks to Christine for the incredible impact she had made over her six years of volunteering.

‘Whether welcoming guests, guiding tours or her careful diligent care for the cathedral’s textiles, Christine’s work and her kindness touches almost every corner of cathedral life.

‘Christine embodies the best of this sacred space making it a more welcoming, beautiful and enriching place for all.’

But it is in her needlework skills where Christine’s love lies. Her skilled hands have restored vestments, altar cloths, liturgical garments and military treasures, preserving the beauty and dignity of the Cathedral’s worship life.

This year she has completed a set of children’s vestments, pilgrims’ capes and nativity clothes and she has just mended the Bishop of Sheffield’s cope.

And from July 21 – 2 August, her extraordinary work will be showcased in a special exhibition at Sheffield Cathedral called ‘Creative Textiles’.

Spanning decades of skill and creativity, including pieces from her student days, the display will offer a rare glimpse of her skills.

‘It is my passion and a gift from God, and it should be shared,’ she said.