Stonehenge was in the news today voted one of the worlds most dissapointing destinations in a travel survey of British tourists: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6951371.stm . Travel writer Felice Hardy is quoted as describing Stonehenge as "an isolated pile of rocks in a usually muddy field".
Referring to Stonehenge as an 'pile of rocks' is something like referring to Wales as being 'a little hilly', or the river Thames as being 'a puddle', or the city of London as being a 'collection of huts'. Nearly one million visitors a year rather argues against your point of view Felice. Granted, the visitor centre experience is not of quite the same quality as the sight of the stones themselves but talk to the British Government about that, investment is badly needed and proposals are in place to improve the situation.
To get the most from visiting Stonehenge we would recommend that visitors research Stonehenge a little before you visit and learn of its many mysteries. If you then visit Stonehenge, especially as part of an exploration of other sites within the Wiltshire sacred landscape, there is plenty to see and do.
Stonehenge was not built to be tourist 'entertainment' but it is totally amazing.
Many of the regular Stonehenge Druids attended the Assembly rooms in Glastonbury on Friday evening for a benefit gig held in support of those protesting against unnecessary destruction of ancient landscape in TARA (Ireland). Frank and Jim (the Bard), Dave (the Bard) and The Dolman provided a night of music, there were stirring talks on the position now at Tara and the most urgent need to support our Irish kin in their struggle to preserve their heritage and a charitable auction.
There are just 7 brave people camped at Tara in terrible weather conditions and close to starving. They are trying by legal peaceful protest to prevent wanten destruction of ancestral remains and a woodhenge the size of 3 football fields that are all in the path of a new road. Tara is the seat of Irish kings, a druidic centre of legend and home to the Sidhe.
Without the stories told in Ireland of the great peoples of that land so much of current Druid knowledge and native culture would have been lost forever, in kinship and in gratitude we owe the Irish people our support. At first count around £800 was raised for the Tara appeal.
Special ceremony for promotion of Stonehenge in the new7wonders competition. A beautiful ceremony led by Rollo Maughfling included procession with drums, clockwise circle round the Henge and entry from the north, opening of the quarters by Taloch, Blessing of the Couldren, Music by The Dolmen, Music by Handshake, Awen and swords of light, media presentations and interviews, closing of the quarters, procession out from the north. See photos below and please check out these great video links.
Vision News Salisbury
http://www.vision-news.tv/page_single_v1.php?page_id=289&nwsid=548
http://www.vision-news.tv/page_single_v1.php?page_id=289&nwsid=549
CC
With unpredictable weather forecast, 23000 celebrants converged on Stonehenge for the summer solstice.
Druids processed into the circle for the sunset ceremony and in an unusual gesture of welcome the crowds spontaniously parted to let us through and actively participated in the ritual. It was very moving as energy was raised in abundance when 5000 voices joined the Awen! The bardic area saw some excellant performances from musicians poets and other entertainers, something surely that will be repeated in future years as it was a great success. In the early hours of the night the kings drummers appeared complete with flaming torches, dragons head and ladies dancing, it was very impressive. Sunrise itself wasn't spectacular but we did catch a fleeting glimpse of the sun soon after sunrise and the mood this year was very good.
For anyone concerned about the article in the daily mail (22nd June) we will not accept sexist or publicly drunken behavour from those who associate themselves with Druidry. An apology has been sent to the reporter concerned on all our behalf.
On the whole it was a good night for all, where else could so many thousands gather, party, celebrate a sacred occasion and there be such good behavou? For all the media fuss about the 'chaos of summer solstice' it is worth remembering that what goes well rarely gets reported. The average town centre experiences more problems on a friday night. Lots of us had young people asking about Druidry, which from our point of view just added to the sense of our efforts being worthwhile. Many people commented to us that this year saw the best summer solstice ever. We would like to thank all those who attended for their excellant welcome and good spirits on the solstice.
Photo's to follow as they come in. Great photos and video clips can be found at mercury moon (see the links pages) Please feel free to e-mail yours.
With the great tradition of Beltane (Mayday), IN DECLINE, and barely seen outside of some villages today, we decided to show the nation that it can be done anywhere. Where better than in a city, and the great city of Westminster to make this point clear. The Celtic traditions of the year help bring people back into the cycles of mother nature and remind us all through the joy of taking part, that we are part of her natural order, not separate from her.
In this time of climatic and environmental crises, it is crucial not to forget that we depend on living in balance with the natural order.
If you can dance the maypole in the garden of Parliament and in the shaddow of Westminster Abbey then you really can do it anywhere!
We processed through astonished and delighted tourists, past the London eye, its great circle in the sky seeming an appropriate witness somehow to the passing druids of the great circle of Salisbury plain. Celtic drums and flute and whistles from the Dolman Clan reverberated around us making the magic of the earth surround us even here in this concrete place and anouncing our approach. Crossing Westminster bridge beneath Big Ben we paused to honour and salute Boudicca and the Iceni tribe, the tribal banner of the Iceni, of horse jumping the evening star, was held aloft at our ancient Queens monument as the Druids represented by the Banners of the Council of British Druid Orders, and Stonehenge Druids were dipped.
In all the ways that count, the Iceni can never be defeated, their spirit of freedom and defience lives on in our hearts and we will always honour them.
Onto Parliament and crossing to Abbey Gardens, by kind permission of the house of lords, we erected a maypole with all due ceremony led by Tony, Rollo, Frank, Terry, and music from the bard of Avebury, dances started by Zetti and Ellie and eventually involving most of us. 'Twas great fun, and made the serious point that the Beltane tradition is important and we as pagans will not let it die.