THE BUTCHER,THE BAKER AND THE CRYSTAL SELLER

Glastonbury’s many long-standing independent businesses found ways to pull out all the stops during the coronavirus pandemic, discovers CATHERINE COURTENAY

- CATHERINE COURTENAY

A thriving high street is crucial to the wellbeing of our towns. It supports people and the economy with services and jobs, but also provides a centuries old experience. Towns give locals somewhere to connect with others, to see familiar faces and enjoy a feeling of belonging.

This need to connect has intensified over the coronavirus lockdown and although towns became bereft in so many ways, some of those businesses that operate in them were able to provide a lifeline.

Glastonbury has a body of well- established ‘essential’ shops. This may come as a surprise - isn’t Glastonbury the home of the New Age gift shop? Yes it is, it has a wealth of creative and unusual shops selling everything from crystals and spells, to incense and artwork – but it also has the butcher and the baker (and no doubt a candlestick maker).

Stephens Butchers have been open throughout lockdown. Situated near the market cross, it’s renowned, not only for its high-quality meats, but also for its excellent deli.

Owner Steve Henderson has been a butcher since 1976, working for others, then in his own shop on Windmill Hill in Glastonbury, before taking over what’s now Stephens. His team prepares meat on-site; beef and lamb come from a few miles away and the pork is reared near Taunton.

Steve, who’s also a town councillor, says Glastonbury is ‘thriving’ compared to other towns; almost all independents, any empty shops quickly become filled. Those living here are a colourful mix of ‘old Glastonians’, newcomers to the town and the thousands of visitors from all over the world. Everyone is vital to its success, he says.