From the Abbot of Alton Abbey
Sir, - I am writing to thank you for publishing your article
"Alton faces austerity" (News, 16 August). Deciding to
make a public statement was an enormous decision for both me and my
Brethren. We have been greatly touched by the outpouring of love
and good wishes from your readers; many of them are old friends of
our Community.
I would like to reassure you and your readers that our retreat
centre is very much open, and we are encouraged for its future
success, as bookings are increased from this time last year, and
the monastery itself is well attended by drop-in visitors.
We have a busy schedule of events planned for the rest of this
year, and, as well as our regular events, our fund-raising group is
working on adding extra lectures and musical events for 2014. We
are particularly looking forward to the Alton Abbey's Got Talent
evening, and more Icon Writing retreats.
Our supply company, Alton Abbey Supplies Ltd (AASL), continues
to produce altar breads for parish churches across the globe, and
we have noticed an increased demand for our Rosa Mystica incense.
This year, we are hoping for greater profit in our wafer production
area of AASL, as we have finally paid off our loan for the new
baking machine.
Thank you, once again, for your interest in our community. We
all look forward to a Friday morning and the arrival of the
Church Times. As I said in our statement, we are asking
for prayer to reinforce our own prayer for what will be an exacting
journey to financial recovery. We have faith that all will be well,
with much hard work.
WILLIAM HUGHES
Alton Abbey
Beech, Alton
Hampshire GU34 4AP