Life at MAN - David Twomey, Airport Chaplain
Among the many things that people may not realise about Manchester airport, one is our incredible chaplaincy team. Did you know that Manchester has a team of chaplains here to aid you as you travel through the airport? To find out more we talked to our Deputy Lead Chaplain, David Twomey. Written by Maisie Barnes.
How long have you been working at Manchester Airport?
I’ve been deputy lead chaplain here since January 2023.
What does you job involve on a typical day?
The chaplaincy have our office in Terminal 2, we have a multi faith team with lots of different traditions and denominations such as Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh and Hindu all working together. As Christian chaplains we gather at the start of the day to pray together. From 9:00 onwards anyone can knock on the door or we could get a phone call with a referral that needs responding to and the whole day changes from there. There are three main things that shape our day, one is the everyday tasks such as visiting staff and offering pastoral care. Another includes things surrounding humanitarian care for example someone arriving to the airport who requires some kind of assistance. Finally, there is the background work like well-being, welfare, homelessness and modern slavery. Every day looks different.
Why does Manchester Airport need a chaplaincy?
Because our team is so diverse we reflect the diversity of the airport, it’s staff and it’s passengers. Due to the fact that we are an independent charity we have a lot of flexibility in terms of how we work and who we can help. I think we also offer something really distinctive, because of the way we work. We are often quite visible around the airport, if we’re visiting offices or break rooms you’ll have a Christian, a Muslim and a Jewish chaplain all visiting together which isn’t something that happens a lot outside. I think it’s really important for people to see those of different traditions working together and it shows that it’s possible to work with people who believe different things to you and think, sound or look different. Particularly at the moment with our world being quite a divided place, that in itself is quite an important mission.
What is the most memorable thing you’ve worked on?
There are some big projects that we do, for example working with colleagues on things like our airport Iftar meal. That was special to see lots of different people enjoying food and fellowship and faith together. The remembrance services, we have a lot of staff who have served in the armed forces, are a big part of our calendar. Currently, we’re working on the international Champlain conference which is coming to Manchester. We’ll be welcoming colleagues from around the world for a week in September.
What do you enjoy the most about working at the airport?
I think that every day is different and varied, sometimes that can be quite challenging especially when you have things you need to do but recognising that this is such a big and busy place, which is a joy despite bringing some of its own challenges.
How did you get into your job and were there any particular skills or qualifications you needed?
I wasn’t particularly looking to move but I was actually on holiday when someone sent me the advert for the job. I thought it was a great opportunity and something I really wanted to do but was unlikely to get. In terms of qualifications chaplains would usually be someone authorised by their faith tradition. We also have our chaplaincy volunteers who come from all different backgrounds. I think for me, you could have all the theological training in the world but it’s really about compassion, patience and an ability to remain calm amidst all the activity and noise of the airport.
What one piece of advice would you give someone considering a career at the airport?
Before I was appointed I went to have a chat with the Bishop of Manchester so he could license and get to know me, as I had come from the North east. He said it won’t take long before the airport takes over your life. I think I know what he meant, both in terms of chaplaincy where there’s a lot to manage and the airport it gets under your skin and into your bloodstream which a lot of people love and they love about the place. So I would just say be prepared, maybe not for it to take over your life, but definitely to get into your bloodstream.
How can passengers contact the chaplaincy?
We have a website – the chaplaincy at Manchester Airport. We have email and phone as well, all the details are on our website. People get in contact for all kinds of things whether that’s practical issues like where they should go or deeper topics where they just need somebody to talk to.
What do you like to do when your not at work?
I enjoy the cricket and me and my wife have a Ridge-Back Staffy cross puppy who is about two now, so we like to take her out on walks. I enjoy reading, normally I read three at one time - something spiritual, educational and a novel. I especially enjoy fantasy, specifically Terry Pratchett. I also enjoy time with family and friends and the occasional cider.
What destination that we fly to would you most like to visit?
I’ve always wanted to see Bucharest for the history and knowing people who have gone and loved it. It’s one of those places that’s always fascinated me.