The origins of the charity goes back to 1978, when a Dutch couple, Willem and Helene Koppejan bought retail properties at the foot of Glastonbury High St, which they converted into a complex of shops and function rooms called The Glastonbury Experience. The shops had an arts and crafts focus originally, although over the years this was to change, reflecting Glastonbury's development as a centre for contemporary spirituality. Willem, sadly, was to die before the couple's dreams were fully realised.

The Glastonbury Experience operated at a loss for several years, much of which was paid for from Helene's private funds. In 1987, Helene met Barry Taylor, a management and financial consultant with a strong interest in spirituality. Barry put in place a management plan that turned the business around. Glastonbury Courtyard Ltd was formed in 1994 to own and manage the Glastonbury Experience with the shares owned equally by Barry and Helene.

In 1992 Barry and Helene set up a charity, The Glastonbury Trust, whose objects were to benefit the public through the advancement of religion and education. In 1997, Barry and Helene made an agreement that in the event of either of their deaths, Glastonbury Courtyard Ltd and the ownership of the Glastonbury Experience would pass to the new charity. They stated in the agreement that the Glastonbury Trust should pursue a policy of offering help, guidance, teaching, training and healing on all aspects of spiritual growth and ecological awareness . As part of the work, the Isle of Avalon Foundation, the Goddess Temple and the Library of Avalon were established within the Glastonbury Experience. All three organisations continue to this day and receive support from the Glastonbury Trust in the form of rent rebates.

Helene died in February 1998 and the Glastonbury Experience passed into the ownership of The Glastonbury Trust. The present incorporated charity, The Glastonbury Trust Ltd was registered in 1999 to receive all the assets of The Glastonbury Trust.

Over the years the charity has funded both ecological and spiritually oriented projects in the Glastonbury area, including sustainable housing, organic horticulture and spiritual development. Our Donations History gives a more detailed account of projects we have supported in the last decade.

Since 2004, trustees have adopted a policy of supporting spirituality and emotional well-being within schools. This has been achieved by the promotion of basic 'spiritual practice' in the classroom in the form of time for reflection, stilling, meditation, breathing and relaxation exercises. We have a particular emphasis on promoting outdoor curriculum activities as a source of spiritual, physical and emotional well-being.

In 2009 the Charity Commission approved an expansion of the Trust's objects to include the Promotion of Citizenship and Environmental Protection. This reflects the original desire of the founders to promote community cohesion, and projects that advance sustainable lifeways.

TRUSTEES

 Our present Trustess are Godfrey Bishop (retired headteacher ), Mike Jones (local publisher), Sheila Martin (Community Learning Partnership Coordinator for Glastonbury & Street), Gareth Mills (local businessman), Susan Strong (Education Officer for Glastonbury Abbey), Robin Weelen (local solicitor). The Rev. Judith Lawrence has recently retired as a Trustee and we hope to be announcing a new Trustee in the near future.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 Chris Trwoga is the current executive officer of the Trust, following on from Mike Jones, who stepped into Barry Taylor's role on his retirement. Mike remains as one of our trustees. Chris has recently completed 30 years as a teacher of Religious Studies and Media Studies, is a qualified Mountain Leader and Forest School Leader. He is the author of two books with themes relating to spirituality and landscape.