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CHRISTMAS TOUR OF QUARR ABBEY

This Christmas, Quarr Abbey, near Ryde, on the Isle of Wight, is giving local people and visitors the chance to learn more about life at the Island’s monastery.

The specially-organised Christmas tour on Wednesday 16 December will be led by Father Luke Bell, who has written a book about the monks’ daily routine, A Deep and Subtle Joy:  Life at Quarr Abbey, available from the abbey bookshop. 

The original abbey founded in 1132, was the centre of life on the Island until its dissolution by Henry VIII.  The stone was used for building castles including the one in Yarmouth.  The monks returned in 1907 and a new abbey of glowing Flemish brick rose in its place.  These days, bookbinding and bee-keeping play a major part of the economic life of the monastery.

Although Quarr has always welcomed pre-arranged visits from interested groups, this is the first time that individuals have been invited to form a group to tour the abbey, which will include parts of the building not usually seen.  

Father Luke said: “This Christmas tour will take in the pilgrim chapel and full extent of the church, which is not normally open to the public.  There will be a commentary on the origins of Benedictine life, the history of the community at the abbey, the architecture of the church and the monks’ daily routine.  

“This is an opportunity for visitors to see daily life in this working abbey and to ask questions during the tour.”  

If successful, further abbey tours will follow with one planned during the council-organised walking festival (8-23 May 2010, www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk).  

Cllr George Brown, Isle of Wight Council Cabinet Member for the economy, tourism, leisure and planning said: “The eastern part of the Island attracts many people to the Island because of its established coastal resorts, but not many realise that they are passing this spectacular red-brick Benedictine monastery on the road to Ryde.

“Visitors are becoming increasingly interested in the culture and heritage of a destination and I am therefore delighted that Quarr Abbey is developing in this way.”

The Christmas tour at Quarr Abbey on Wednesday 16 December will last around 50 minutes – please meet outside Quarr Abbey bookshop at 11am.  Places are limited to 40 people and should be pre-booked by e-mailing quarrabbeyvisits@gmail.com  If the 16 December tour is over-subscribed, a waiting list will be drawn up for possible future tours.  There is no charge for the tour but donations are invited. Please note, visitors should be decently dressed for visiting the church.

The abbey tea shop and bookshop are open most days in the run up to Christmas and will be open on 16 December.  For more information about Quarr Abbey, visit www.quarrabbey.co.uk