Glastonbury is going through some exciting changes at the moment. The Somerset Rural Life Museum has closed until 2016 for huge refurbishment, the new stunning wrought iron gates at the White Spring and ofcourse, our very own Reception Centre is undergoing changes. 

Yesterday the Abbot's Kitchen in Glastonbury Abbey re-opened after being closed to the public since last year. 

The following is from www.glastonburyabbey.com. 

Described by historians as an architectural masterpiece, it is an extremely rare example  and one of the best preserved medieval kitchens in Europe.

Experts say along with the work currently ongoing on the Lady Chapel the conservation is the most significant for a century.

It was closed last year to allow extensive conservation work to be carried out and now the kitchen is being redisplayed to give visitors a better idea of how it was used in the early Tudor period,when Glastonbury Abbey was one of the wealthiest and most influential abbeys in the country.

Janet Bell, Director, said: “Along with the Lady Chapel, this has been the most significant and comprehensive programme of conservation at the Abbey in the last 100 years.

“The Abbot’s Kitchen is surviving evidence of the wealth and influence of Glastonbury Abbey. As head of the richest monastery in England after Westminster, the abbot lived and entertained in considerable splendour.

“The conservation programme was informed by a survey of the kitchen, undertaken in 2013. This was the first detailed survey since AWN Pugin recorded the building in the 1830s. The latest technology was used to produce a three dimensional digital model, which helped us to understand the building’s complex dimensions, volume and structure.

“Vulnerable stonework was identified and required a full programme of stabilisation by professional conservators. Archaeological recording and analysis was also carried out alongside the conservation and  has increased our knowledge and understanding of the building’s history.

“Peter Brears, a specialist in traditional English cookery, has advised on the new display, using historical evidence found inside the kitchen itself and from his extensive knowledge of other medieval kitchens. 

He found that the remains of two stone piers in the north and south walls inside the kitchen suggested there may have been an arcaded gallery from which the Kitchener or head cook could supervise the staff – the Gordon Ramsay of his day.

“A modern gantry has been installed between the piers to indicate the position and size of the gallery. It also carries the lighting and overhead heaters to prevent any damage to the medieval walls. It has not been possible to reconstruct the gallery as it might have been as we have no evidence for its original appearance or construction.  Authentic reproductions of kitchen equipment of the period will be used to illustrate to visitors how and what was cooked.

“The project has been part of a wider programme of conservation which also includes the Lady Chapel, Crypt and Galilee. The work is being funded by the Abbey’s Rescue Our Ruins Appeal,  Viridor Credits Environmental Company and other grants.”

The Star and Dove Tavern in Bristol which specialises in historic dishes has adopted the Abbey’s Rescue Our Ruins Appeal as Tim Denny, joint landlord explains.

“We are a nation built upon foreign empires, colonization, shared culture and a truly international history.

“Our gastronomy is an amalgamation of these events and experiences, which has ensured this exceptionally small Isle is a melting pot of some of the most interesting and culinary diverse fusion cookery in Europe.

“For this reason we deem the rejuvenation of the Glastonbury Abbey kitchen as an essential component in connecting the past with the present and a triumph for not just the South West but all of Great Britain.

“We have been sifting through our books of Middle English, High French and Latin as we have put the finishing touches to our new downstairs tavern menu.

“Every dish has been taken from one of the first registered cook books of Britain "The Forme of Cury, 1390". Incidentally one can only assume that many of the ingredients, flavors and techniques used would have been extremely similar to what would have been delivered at the Glastonbury Abbey kitchens given the close proximity of the era, give or take 20 or 30 years. 

“Dishes include fire roasted mallard (wild duck) with black pudding bread sauce and pheasant cooked with Riesling, pine nuts and dates. These combinations are extremely pleasant to eat and not as alien as one might think.”

A cook book to co-incide with the re-opening of the Abbey has been produced featuring recipes from celebrity chefs including Michelin starred Josh Eggleton, Tom Kerridge and Martin Blunos as well as Rick Stein, the Hairy Bikers, and Michael Caines.

It will be on-sale at the Abbey Shop for £5 with all proceeds to the Rescue Our Ruins Appeal.

Entry to the Kitchen is included in the Abbey’s normal admission price.

For many years, visitors to the White Spring have entered through doors to gain access into the building. The morning of February the 14th of this year saw a violent act of vandalism destroy the doors with great force. 
The stone dragon at the doorway was shattered, yet the shrines were all untouched and the Brigit flame inside left burning. 

Today a new gateway was fitted, thanks to those who donated and raised funds for a place they love. Instead of doors, stunning new wrought iron gates, made by Millstream Forge, will open tomorrow.

The design allows, for the first time, the energies to flow out, even whilst closed. 

 Great job everyone! Wonderful symbolism in the design. Well done. 

Since 2007, the Pilgrim Reception Centre, a not-for-profit organisation, has been supporting and welcoming people to Glastonbury.  Recognised
 as being open to all paths, we have been described as a 'living bridge' that connects across the spiritual and secular communities; we feel that spreading a harmonious message is an important part of our role and we are constantly looking at new ways of responding to  the positive flow of energy.

As you might be aware,  we recently launched an appeal.  Our working model and the difficult economic climate had taken us to a point of no longer being able to continue. Our imminent closure in April pushed us into exploring alternative ways of operating; on a spiritual journey, this period is often described as a 'dark night of the soul'.
The PRC has been an organic organisation since its conception and our work over the last few years has taken us beyond the originally envisaged purposes. As in any spiritual journey, life for the PRC and all those involved with it, has been a voyage of discovery, adventure and challenge. 

With this in mind, responding to the energies around us and the recognition 
of our organisation as being a place that supports all those on a spiritual journey, we feel now is the time in which to create a space that offers not only practical support and information but also a special place created not from any one faith or religion and where real spiritual encounter might also be experienced. 

We had only a short window of time in which to present the idea, launch the appeal and gauge reaction but the responses and the comments have been very heartening indeed. The vibrant flow of new and supportive, pro-active energy means we feel confident enough to move into the future.  Our warm thanks are extended to all those who have encouraged and inspired us onwards.  

We shall now continue the process of transformation by creating within our premises a special sanctuary space that is not affiliated to any one belief and where Glastonbury residents, pilgrims and visitors can relax in a gentle atmosphere that celebrates and inspires our Unity through Diversity. The services we have previously offered to our visitors and residents – information, support and the opportunity to share experiences - will all continue. We have listened to all the feedback being offered to us and have responded to as much as we can within our resources. 

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers and to those who have supported us this far with your support over the years. Without you, none of this would have been possible.
Read more. . .

 Paul Be of Glastonbury has just completed a mammoth pilgrimage walking the Michael Line from Norfolk to Cornwall.

A feat many have undertaken but the unique aspect of Paul's journey is that he did it on STILTS!  His journey was undertaken  to raise up the spirit of Harmony and Togetherness and to raise funds for Shelter, a charity that helps homeless people. 

Before undertaking the journey, Paul said;
"I am an Ex Royal Marine commando and in 2007 found myself without a home. The pain, suffering, loneliness and struggles that I felt through those years, I wish personally for no one else to ever have to experience. I eventually realized I had been deeply depressed, and it took me until the end of 2011 to finally get my life back on track and find my feet again.  I found my way back into society through a number of spiritual awakenings. Certain people were able to give me hope, and the nature was my main guiding principle and medicine. 
I aim to raise awareness for the spirit of the Earth and to call for the need to return towards a state of harmony with nature and each other."

Paul began his journey on the 29th September and completed it today. Before he set off, Paul came into the Centre and Morgana West lit a tea light from the Glastonbury Unity Candle and together with a simple blessing was given to Paul to carry with him on his journey.

Paul's journey has been followed by many on his Walk for Harmony Facebook page where you can find many stories of the places he visited, the people he has met and a wonderful photographic record of his journey. 

The final leg of his journey ended at the altar in the Chapel on St Michael's Mount where he lit and placed the small tealight, carrying the light and the message from the Unity Candle. The chapel had been especially opened by Lady St Levan so that Paul could complete his pilgrimage.

Well done Paul - an amazing an incredible journey. 

If you would like to show support of Paul and help in his work to raise money for Shelter, you can donate here...