Glastonbury Pilgrim Reception Centre ::About Us

Glastonbury reached its peak as a centre of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages with the needs of pilgrims being met by the monks of the Benedictine Abbey. With the destruction of the monastery, pilgrimage lapsed. Today in the twenty-first century, there is a re-awakening of interest in the town as a centre of pilgrimage. But now, instead of a centre of Christian pilgrimage, it is emerging as a centre that recognises and honours all faiths and beliefs.

In recent years, the growth of this pilgrimage has made it increasingly clear that there is no longer a monk at the gate to receive these pilgrims, and the town's Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is not equipped to answer the, often esoteric, questions of the pilgrim visitor.

In 2007 a group of local residents decided to explore how a specialised service might be supplied to pilgrim visitors, which would be complementary to the services offered by the town’s TIC. Hence, Glastonbury Pilgrim Reception Centre (PRC) was set up as a not-for-profit association. The PRC has grown steadily from this early start and now has a Centre at 10B High Street, offering all the services that are outlined in this website.

The PRC is run a Board of Management and assisted by over 25 volunteers, all of whom have experience in meeting the needs of pilgrim visitors. We are funded entirely from our own activities plus the donations of visitors and the local community. We receive no support from any private trusts or public funds. If you feel like helping us with this worthwhile work, you will find details of how to make a donation at: Support the PRC

Introducing the Board

Elisabeth Tham - CHAIR

Elisabeth has a background in office administration, languages, counselling, supervision and training. She first became involved in the idea of a Pilgrim Reception Centre in 2005 and admits that from time to time she has had doubts about whether it would be possible to establish a sustainable Pilgrim Reception Centre.

She feels that her doubts have always been overcome by the help received from the Angel of Glastonbury, particularly with so many talented, committed and energetic helpers and supporters, who have come forward, not only those directly involved with running the PRC, but also in the Community at large.

She says: "Ever since I arrived in Glastonbury in 1991, I have been part of a number of small groups, mainly concerned with exploring and sharing different spiritual paths. It has been a fascinating, although at times disconcerting experience. Initiating the PRC is perhaps a natural progression on my path".

Morgana West - CO-ORDINATOR

Morgana consciously began her spiritual journey in her late teens, training to third degree in Wicca but she also learned and studied many other differing belief systems and Mystery Schools.

Her knowledge and understanding of the environs of Glastonbury naturally progressed to welcoming and serving pilgrims of all faiths, without prejudice, to this sacred place.

Morgana was born and raised in Yorkshire where she lived for 40 years. She was, amongst many things, a pub manager, a foster parent and a student/teacher of the Chinese Cultural Arts (Taoist Arts). She moved to Glastonbury in 1999.

She says: "My own personal belief is that whilst each and every one of us might be on differing spiritual paths, we are all on the same mountain heading for the same summit. By sharing our journey and walking alongside other people, growing in wisdom, knowledge and understanding, we are better able to realise our full potential".

Pauline Ross - BUYER

Pauline initially trained as a secretary and then did a BTEC in care-work and worked with various client groups.

She has been a spiritual healer for over 25 years and is qualified in Aromatherapy, Reflexology, NLP, EFT, crystal healing and various types of massage.

She moved to Glastonbury in 2006, having run a small therapy centre in Bedfordshire.

She says: "I am semi - retired or so I like to think and got involved in the PRC not long after I moved here. I am loving every minute of it and hope to see it go from strength to strength".

Jane Sanders - WEB CO-ORDINATOR

Jane has lived in Glastonbury since 1988, bringing up four children and since then has been working as a psychotherapist.

She currently manages the Glastonbury Natural Health Centre and is one of the co-ordinators of the Transition Glastonbury Heart and Soul group.

The latest version of this website has been designed with ergonet, a local web-design company and lots of help from Morgana West. Local photographers and artists have also donated their work.

She says: "I've learnt so much from working on this project. It has given me a new sense of the wealth of talented people we have in our Glastonbury community".

Anthony J. Kennish - GENERAL ROUSTABOUT

Tony has worked in Electrical Engineering Design all his working life and for the last 50 years has developed his personal and spiritual life through many areas, particularly Christian Mysticism.

He co-founded The Jung Society, The Psychosynthesis Institute and The Australian Transpersonal Institute.

He has lived in Glastonbury for the last 11 years, and is a dowser, researcher, writer and author of the Glastonbury Chronicles and Earth Chronicles. He holds all things as sacred.

He says: "I love working with people, so joining the PRC has given me the opportunity to be of service to Pilgrims from all over the world, whilst growing in wisdom and understanding, with a wonderful team of dedicated people".

Alison Sutton

Alison has explored varied and different forms of spirituality on her path, all of which she says have contributed to her personal spiritual growth, but she will always remain rooted in Wicca. Called in 2009 to live in Glastonbury, Alison is committed to being part of the open hearted community of Avalon and is honoured to be able to add her energy and enthusiasm to the Pilgrim Reception Centre. She has worked for nearly 30 years as an Interior Designer and currently runs a design practice merged with the principles of Feng Shui, as well as witchcraft and shamanic courses with her partner.

She says: "Glastonbury gets under your skin and won’t give in until you yield to it. It is my privilege to join with the team to provide service to all who wish to gently journey into its mysteries."

Become a Volunteer

We are very grateful to everyone who has helped us to get this far and would like to say an especially big thank-you to all our wonderful volunteers, without whom we would not be here.

If you have knowledge of Glastonbury and experience in supporting people on a spiritual journey in Glastonbury (we do offer support and some training) you might like to join our team.

Volunteers are asked to give a regular commitment of two or four hours once a week or fortnightly. Contact us if you would like to find out more.