And there I was, thinking April heralded the start of Spring!

As I write, there are proper snowflakes charging past the window and the temperatures have dropped considerably from the balmy sunshine we enjoyed last week. Though I must say, the Farmhouse does look very pretty with snow falling all around it.

April sees us hosting the first of many weddings this year for a lovely couple, which means we’ve been busy checking all our supplies are well-stocked, bar menus written, catering spreadsheets add up and that everything is in place and looking ship-shape. We’re excited to get wedding season underway!

We took delivery of the brand new ‘Extraordinary Escapes’ coffee table book, which complements the Channel 4 series of the same name where Sandi Toksvig pays a visit to the Priory, along with her pal Alison Steadman. It’s quite a beautiful book and features some most inspiring properties and locations. You can order a copy right here.

As well as working hard to ensure our venue is in tip-top shape, we’ve been beavering away on a tantalising new project for a niche activity holiday, with our first trips planned for September this year. We are launching “Suffolk Sandlands” this month which provides a three day metal detecting tour for small groups of detectorists, led by expert guides with talks from local historians and archaeologists. Accommodation will be in Butley Abbey Farmhouse.

If you haven’t yet heard the story, the Butley Seal was discovered in a field by a keen local 10 year old detectorist, George Henderson. It is believed to be around 800 years old and has fetched £4000 at auction – bound to have put a smile on the young lad’s face and that of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, who received 50% of the proceeds.

And with that, we’re delighted and thrilled to announce that the Butley Seal will remain in its rightful home. On hearing of the discovery, Sir Edward placed a bid that secured the return of the Seal to the Priory and we can’t wait to see it!

With perfect timing for our venture, National Trust’s Sutton Hoo (a few miles from us) will be exhibiting the extraordinary and wonderful Staffordshire Hoard from May to October this year. The largest hoard of Anglo Saxon gold and silver was found in 2009 by a metal detector in a farmer’s field. May this bring us luck.

Talking of history, last week we welcomed members of the Ufford Art History group for a tour of Butley Priory. Led by Sir Edward, the members enjoyed a fascinating talk of Priors and Royalty and a tour of the building, before settling down to enjoy tea & biscuits in the Great Hall.