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June 27 2010
Summer Solstice - Midsummer Day
in Europe
by Hemantha Abeywardena
On June 21st, it was Britain’s
turn to celebrate the Summer Solstice, which is also known as the Midsummer
in the Northern Hemisphere.
Tens of thousands of revellers gathered at the world-famous Stonehenge
in Wiltshire to celebrate the event in typical style and passion. In addition
to those who worship the Sun, Pagans and Druids, the usual suspects were
also there to make their own contribution to the big event - the Hippies.
Solstice - the combination of Sol and stice, defined in Latin as Sun and
standing still respectively - has been celebrating in Europe, America and
even some parts of Asia since time immemorial. The Christian Church rubbishes
the catalogue of rituals as relics of Paganism, the ancient mode of worshipping
nature or its prominent elements such as the Sun, moon, massive trees and
certain animals, to name but a few.
Astronomically speaking, it was the longest day in Britain - and the shortest
night too; the Sun was at the highest point above Britain and understandably,
it was pretty hot. The folks who were not bothered to take part in the
rituals chose their own ways to spend the day: those who chose to take
a day-off - and then to take clothes off as well, in that order - just
exposed themselves to the celestial giant, the Sun, while rekindling a
ritual that their forefathers practiced during the summer as if they were
keen to extract something from the sunlight, which, well-covered folks
don’t get.
Our forefathers saw the sunlight beyond its optical properties such as
its visible seven colours and the components of the invisible - UV and
Infra Red. They attribute the odour of a flower and the taste of a fruit
to specific, yet unidentified components of the sunlight; the two particular
plants in question, according to them, have just managed to extract ‘their-unique-share’,
exactly like modern-day white men and women do in public parks. However,
at Stonehenge, the atmosphere was different. Exactly at 4.52 am, as soon
as the Sun popped up, the worshippers have gone into a blissful stupor,
according to the seasoned observers who habitually cover the event for
years; loud cheers and intense clapping have reverberated across the ancient
monument, bringing it somewhat back to its former glory in a modern sense.
The weather gods have been on the side of revellers this year; the sky
had been clear, in contrast to, what happened in previous years - the mist
formation or heavy rain. The celebration has been around the Heel Stone
- just outside the famous circle of stone pillars, aligning itself with
the rising Sun.
Meanwhile, by strange coincidence, a 200-foot complex crop circle has appeared
in a wheat field in Wiltshire on the eve of Summer Solstice - and out of
the blue! This particular county is not a stranger to this inexplicable
phenomenon. Although, it has formed next to a giant heart-formation, the
owner of the field is not prepared to offer the other cheek to the would-be
perpetrators as yet; he simply calls it an act of vandalism and does not
want crop-circle enthusiasts to invade the farmland en masse. He even threatens
to mow it down, if they dare to step in without his approval.
Crop-circle enthusiasts, however, take the incident seriously; they say
it carries a code; perhaps, a warning about an impending disaster - may
be another oil spill in the offing or the recession maturing into depression
or Iran developing the much-dreaded bomb.
UFO enthusiasts join in the debate with their own rationale; it is the
work of aliens who have become bolder by the year in recent times; the
celebrated physicist, Dr Stephen Hawking, not only did admit that they
exist, but also warned us not to approach them out of curiosity - or as
an outward manifestation of sheer stupidity.
The cute little-green-men, according to the learned-man, are not that sweet
after all, if we are unfortunate enough to experience an encounter. A Russian
politician recently claimed that he was abducted by them - and dropped
him back on the earth after some analysis. The Midsummer celebrations consist
of dances, bonfires and of course courtship rituals. However, when it comes
to perform the courtship rituals, the British law is much more transparent
than the tailor-made dresses put on for the specific purpose; activities
below waist-line in public are tantamount to crossing the red-line in law-breaking.
So, the provocative rituals just come down in ranking to the league of
innocent gestures - the kind of things Peacocks perform to win peahen.
However, in the rest of Europe, laws and attitudes are relaxed even if
it is not especially for the Summer Solstice.
Summer Solstice is celebrated in the rest of Europe too on a significant
scale. For instance, in Sweden, it is a holiday. After living most of the
year in optical darkness, it is no surprise that Swedes love the Sun. They
indulge in folk dancing in traditional costumes, singing and of course,
drink quite heavily too, to celebrate the day.
Countries such as Norway, Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Finland and Estonia
join in the celebrations too, attaching their own identity to some extent.
Occasionally, troubles break out during Summer Solstice celebrations too:
fighting, settling old-scores and even stabbing may happen, very rarely,
though. The religious element attached to the event, along with long-held
traditions, have in fact, moulded it into a phenomenon that attracts men,
women and even kids by the thousand, who are disillusioned with established
religions; they are no longer fearful of being looked down on by the conservative
elements of the society for their association with the Paganism.
Recent survey has uncovered the number of British servicemen - some of
whom even still serve in Afghanistan - and police officers who openly practise
pagan rituals; some even took part in the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge.
Events of this kind and their corresponding rapid growth, especially in
the light of gradual erosion of church attendance, indicate the danger
of rubbishing the ancient practices just because they are old. Since these
folks know that they won’t go to gallows for holding on to their beliefs,
the tendency of them getting bolder is as certain as next Midsummer will
be more colourful than that of this year.
Sunrise at Stonehenge PIC1
Salisbury Journal Thursday June 24 2010 p1
VETOED
Govt pulls plug on cash for £27.5m Stonehenge
visitor centre
by Morwenna Blake
The decision by the Government
to pull the plug on funding for a new £27.5 million visitor Centre
at Stonehenge has been greeted with delight by some and anger by others.
Plans for the long-awaited centre at Airman's Corner were unveiled last
year, and it was vowed it would be open in time for the 2012 Olympics.
But the Treasury announced on Thursday it will no longer be stumping up
a vital £10 million for the development.
Campaigners and local councillors have been calling for the existing visitor
centre, which has been branded a "national disgrace," to be replaced
for decades.
But many local residents have welcomed the news the centre will not be
going ahead as planned, amid doubts about the design and location of the
planned centre and the effect it could have on surrounding villages.
What should be done about setting of the ancient stones and the facilities
on offer there has been the subject of debate for decades, with an estimated
£40 million spent on plans and consultations. A hugely-expensive
£500 million project to replace the centre while also burying a nearby
section of the A303 in a tunnel was ditched by the Government in 2007 after
years of wrangling. The latest plans for the centre got the green light
in January after Government funding was promised in May last year. Now,
the whole future of site is again in doubt. The government announced it
has axed £2bn in funding for 12 projects agreed by the former Labour
administration in 2010. (turn to p3)
Salisbury Journal Thursday June 24 2010 p1
Crowds greet solstice
Full story and pictures: Page
8
Picture: Roger Elliot
The sun rises on midsummer's day DB8032P36 PIC1
Salisbury Journal Thursday June 24 2010 p3
Mixed views following visitor
centre cash axe
by Morwenna Blake
News that the Government has
withdrawn funding for the long-awaited new visitor facilities at Stonehenge
has met with a mixed reaction.
Plans for a new centre with a car park at Airman's Corner, with a land
train to take visitors to the stone circle, were unveiled by English Heritage
last year amid promises it would be ready in time for the 2012 Olympics.
The withdrawal of the £10 million promised by the Government towards
the estimated £27.5 million total cost has prompted dismay from those
backing the project, while being welcomed by many people living locally.
A statement issued by English Heritage shortly after the announcement said:
"Stonehenge is a project of global significance. It is Britain's premier
World Heritage site.
"It was a key feature in Britain's bid for the London Olympics. Transforming
the monument's setting and the visitor experience is vital to Britain's
reputation, and to our tourism industry, especially in 2012 but also thereafter."
Salisbury’s MP John Glen said: "I am extremely disappointed and angry.
"Stonehenge is a World Heritage Site and is up there with the Pyramids
in terms of its significance.
"It is abundantly clear to anyone who has visited Stonehenge that
the present facilities - which were damned 20 years ago by the parliamentary
Public Accounts Committee, as 'a national disgrace' - are in desperate
need of updating."
Under the scheme, the existing visitor centre and parking would have been
removed and the A344 from Stonehenge to the A303 closed off and grassed
over, with cars diverted to the Longbarrow roundabout and along the A360
to Airman's Corner, where a new roundabout would be constructed.
But there are still hopes the project will eventually go ahead, and in
a form more acceptable to people living nearby who were concerned roads
through nearby villages could end up being used as rat runs. Amesbury town
and Wiltshire councillor Fred Westmoreland said: "I am disappointed.
"The existing facilities are an absolute disgrace, but we have to
be aware this country is not in a position to be throwing large sums of
money around and I'm not surprised projects of this nature which have been
waiting 50 years will be pushed down the tube.
"I still believe it is necessary and that it will go ahead eventually,
but I am almost pleased because I don't think it'll do any harm to step
back and think a little bit more over the next few years.
"What is proposed is about 85 per cent right, but we could get something
which is even better."
Councillor Ian West, who sits on Wiltshire's strategic planning committee
and Amesbury Area Board, said: "I think it is the right decision.
The solution as it was would have affected the lives of the people living
in the villages west of Stonehenge.
"It was being hurried to get it for the 2012 Olympics rather than
thinking it through and doing it properly." English Heritage pledged:
"This does not necessarily mean this is the end of the project. "We
will be discussing the withdrawal of government financial support with
the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
"We will be making an announcement as to the future of the project
after the English Heritage Commission meets on June 30."
Salisbury Journal Thursday June 24 2010 p8
Thousands gather to mark midsummer
by Corey Ross
CLEAR skies meant the thousands
of revellers who flocked to Stonehenge got to enjoy a beautiful sunrise
at this year's Summer Solstice on Monday morning.
About 20,000 druids, pagans and revellers from across the country and abroad
travelled to the famous Wiltshire landmark to celebrate the longest day
of the year.
Numbers were lower than last year's record-breaking event, which fell on
a weekend and had a crowd of 36,500, but for the first time in recent years
clouds didn't block the view of the sunrise at just before 5am.
As the sky started to brighten the Widders Border morris dancers performed
several routines next to the Hele Stone, before druids performed rituals
and hailed the sun. Revellers filled the stone circle and the crowd cheered
as the sun came up between the stones.
Druid King Arthur Pendragon said: "I thought this year went exceedingly
well. It was a nice crowd and a nice atmosphere and with a great spirit
of co-operation - how could it not be a successful solstice? Lots of pagans
say they are fed up with the revellers but I don't have that view. Even
if they initially come for the wrong reasons, they return for the right
ones in the end.
"It's the spirit of the place, Stonehenge itself, that draws people
here and even if they don't respect the stones the first time they do by
the next year."
No major incidents were reported. Wiltshire Police made 34 arrests - one
on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, two minor thefts, two
for assault, three for possession with intent to supply drugs, one drink
driving, nine drunk and disorderly and 16 possession of drugs. A police
spokesman said they were happy with how the event had gone.
An English Heritage spokesman said together with the police they had delivered
a safe, peaceful and enjoyable Summer Solstice, building on the considerable
success of the celebrations in previous years.
Pictures Roger Elliot
Widders Border Morris Men. DB8032P12 PIC1
Chief Druid, Rollo Maughling, greets the dawn. DB8032P14 PIC2
Hari Krishna devotees at Stonehenge. DB8032P05 PIC3
Assorted mystics. DB8032P08 PIC4
Box: VISITORS to Stonehenge for
the Summer Solstice got to see something a little different this year.
The Ancestor is a 20ft sculpture of a man on his knees with his arms raised
towards the sunrise. It was built by A&R Sculpture at Larkhill and
backed by Durrington Town Council.
Three Scout groups and two schools made banners to go around the base with
images depicting the 12 constellations. Students at Avon Valley College
made the crown.
Man reaches for the sun. DB8032P40 PIC5
The Guardian Tuesday June 22 2010 p9
Sun and shade: Solstice ire over
£10m Stonehenge cut
by Steven Morris
Sometimes the police come in
for criticism, other times it is English Heritage that attracts the ire
of the druids, ravers, hippies and sun lovers who gather at the summer
solstice at Stonehenge. At yesterday's celebrations it was the government's
turn, following news that £10m in funding for a new visitor centre
is to be cut.
Arthur Pendragon, battle chieftain of the council of British Druid Orders,
led the outcry. He said: "I knew the writing was on the wall. I knew
the new government wouldn't stump up the money."
Pendragon has campaigned for 20 years for a new visitor centre at the World
Heritage site and for the closure of at least one of the busy roads near
the stones.
Last year Gordon Brown promised £10m towards a £25m scheme
for a glass and timber centre and to shut the A344. It was expected to
get planning permission soon and to be completed in 2012.
English Heritage, which runs the site, said transforming Stonehenge was
vital for tourism and it would try to find the funding elsewhere. Its site
director, Peter Carson, said: "Maybe there is a way forward. The project
has a great deal of support."
Pendragon added: "Nearly a million visitors come through here every
year. Any investment bank will see that it's a money spinner."
Sky, a pagan from Devon, said: "I bring people here from abroad sometimes.
They're amazed by the stones but also amazed at how crummy the facilities
are. I'd like that David Cameron to come down here and tell us why Stonehenge...
is being treated so shabbily."
PIC1
The Independent Tuesday June 22 2010 p14
IT'S OFFICIAL: SUMMER'S HERE
by Lewis Smith
Thousands of Summer Solstice
revellers gathered at Stonehenge to watch dawn break on the longest day
of the year.
The solstice annually attracts an eclectic mix - Druids, hippies, sun worshippers
and those who are curious to experience the ancient festival. Nearly 20,000
people attended the event, and a Wiltshire Police spokesman said there
were 15 arrests overnight for minor public order offences.
As the sun rose at 0452, a cheer went up from those gathered overnight
at the stone circle on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.
The crowds were treated to clear views of the sunrise - previous years
have seen the spectacle obscured by mist and cloud. Last year a record
36,500 revellers attended, causing traffic chaos and road closures.
It was announced last week that £10 million of funding for a proposed
visitor centre at the prehistoric site has been axed, putting the plans
on hold indefinitely.
photo: Brad Wakefield/SWNS
Picture of the day PIC1
Daily Star Tuesday June 22 2010 p10
20,000 MARK A LONG DAY
by Jamie Grierson
THOUSANDS of revellers gathered
at Stonehenge yesterday to watch dawn break on the longest day of the year.
The summer solstice event annually attracts a weird mix of druids, hippies,
sun worshippers and those who are curious to experience the ancient festival.
As the sun rose at 4.52am, a cheer went up from the 20,000 revellers who
had gathered overnight at the stone circle on Salisbury Plain, Wilts.
ARRESTS
The crowds were treated to clear views of the sunrise.
Recent years had seen the spectacle obscured by mist and cloud.
Police said there were 15 arrests for minor public disorder offences.
The number of revellers was down on last year when a record 36,500 attended,
causing traffic chaos and road closures.
It was announced last week that £10million of funding for a proposed
visitor centre at the prehistoric site had been axed.
SOLSTICE: Stonehenge PIC1
GLASTO'S STINKOS
Glastonbury was yesterday named as the UK's smelliest festival.
The legendary Somerset event won the unwanted accolade in a poll of music
fans.
Its toilets had the worst pong, while its campers had the smelliest body
odour.
A spokesman from the Perfume Shop said: "Glasto is notorious for festival-goers
who go for days without washing."
Daily Telegraph Tuesday June 22 2010 p9
Solstice treat: Sunny Stonehenge
Thousands of Summer Solstice
revellers gathered at Stonehenge yesterday to watch dawn break on the longest
day of the year.
The 20,000 people - an eclectic mix - who attended the event were treated
to clear views of the sunrise. There were 15 arrests.
Matt Cardy/Getty Images PIC1
The longest day: 20,000 flock
to Stonehenge for an all-night party to mark summer solstice
by Daily Mail Reporter
Twenty thousand hippies, druids,
pagans and sunworshippers descended on Stonehenge for an all-night summer
solstice party that culminated with the break of dawn.
At 4.52am this morning, on the longest day of the year, the sun rose to
cheers from the tens of thousands who assemble each year at the prehistoric
monument on Salisbury Plain.
The annual event at Stonehenge, near Salibsury, Wiltshire, is a modern
twist on solstice celebrations which were once a highlight of the pre-Christian
calendar.
Where previous years have seen the dawn obscured by mist and cloud this
year's event took place under clear skies.
The ancient festival concentrates on the the Heel Stone, a pock-marked
pillar just outside the famous circle, which aligns with the rising sun.
The celebrations consist largely of bonfires, maypole dances and courtship
rituals.
'It means a lot to us ... being British and following our pagan roots,'
said reveller Victoria Campbell, who sported a pair of white angel's wings
and had a mass of multicolored flowers in her hair.
The 29-year-old Londoner, who works in the finance industry, also said
that 'getting away from the city' was a major draw to the ceremony.
The solstice is one of the few times access is granted inside the stone
circle, which has been roped off since 1978, following years of erosion
and vandalism.
Gina Pratt, a 43-year-old housewife and a self-described witch, said being
inside the circle as the sun came up gave her 'a kind of a grounding feeling
(of) being in touch with the earth again, and the air we breathe.'
Pratt, who wore a cape of crushed red velvet and wielded an amethyst-tipped
wand, said the event gave rise to conflicting emotions.
'It makes you feel small and insignificant ... but it makes you feel like
you're here for a reason,' she said.
Wiltshire Police were on hand to ensure the event remained peaceful, although
15 arrests were made overnight for minor public disorder offences.
Stonehenge's origins remain a mystery, but theories suggest the grounds
were part of a huge astronomical calendar.
Others say an ancient sun worshipping culture aligned the structure with
the midsummer sunrise and the midwinter sunset. The site was used as a
cremation cemetery since its inception, archaeologists say, but it is unclear
if that was its principal function.
'The truthful answer is we don't know exactly what it was for,' said Amanda
Chadburn, an archaeologist with English Heritage, which manages the site.
Whatever its origins, the construction of Stonehenge - built with massive
stones drawn from up to 150 miles away - gives insight into an ancient
culture.
The World Heritage site was built in three phases between 3000 B.C. and
1600 B.C.
Despite it being one of Britain's most popular tourist attractions, with
more than 850,000 visitors a year, it was announced last week that £10
million of funding for a proposed visitor centre at the prehistoric site
has been axed, putting the plans on hold indefinitely.
A large statue, its hands raised
to the skies, was brought to the fields
to stand beside Stonehenge PIC1
Pagan worshippers, dressed in a multitude of costumes,
were among the crowds who welcomed in the day
PIC2 PIC3
The beautiful early morning sun shines through the giant stones
as the 20,000 solstice followers watch PIC4
Time to go home... the aftermath of the summer solstice
festivities this morning PIC5
Dawn breaks at Stonehenge in Wiltshire as revellers gathered watch
the sunrise
during the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year PIC6
The golden sunrise is captured on camera by some of the 20,000-strong
crowds PIC7
New age: Almost 20,000 revellers gathered at Stonehenge to watch the
sun rise PIC8
Fun in the early morning sun for some, but for other it all got a little
too much
with Wiltshire Police making 15 arrests PIC9
Tradition: Druid King Arthur Pendragon, conducts a Solstice sunset
service PIC10
Summer solstice PIC11
Wilts Gazette and Herald (online) Tuesday June 22 2010
A midsummer's dream
HUNDREDS gathered at Avebury
yesterday to watch dawn break on the longest day of the year.
Every year, the summer solstice attracts a wide crowd of people, from Druids,
to hippies to sun worshippers, to those who simply go along for a new experience.
As the sun rose at 4.52am, a cheer went up from the crowd, who were treated
to clear views of the sunrise, unlike in recent years, when it has been
obscured by mist and cloud.
Sally Martin, from Westlea, travels to Avebury every year for the midsummer
solstice. She said: "The atmosphere was much more chilled out this
year.
"It’s a magical event and makes you feel that the summer has now officially
started.
"I’d describe it as Glastonbury without the bands.
"A group of us travel up and stay there all night and then into the
next day.
"I didn’t see anyone causing trouble at this year’s solstice, but
I suppose you always get idiots who ruin it for others."
At Stonehenge, just over 20 miles from Avebury, nearly 20,000 people turned
up to mark midsummer.
Wiltshire Police said there were 15 arrests at Stonehenge for minor public
disorder.
There were no arrests at Avebury.
A midsummer's dream PIC1
Stuff.co.nz online Tuesday June 22 2010
Solstice sunrise at Stonehenge
Thousands of New Agers and neo-pagans
danced and whooped in delight as the sun rose above the ancient stone circle
of Stonehenge, marking the summer solstice.
About 20,000 people crowded the prehistoric site on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire,
southern England, to see the sunrise at 4.52am following an annual all-night
party.
The annual pilgrimage marks the northern hemisphere's longest day of the
year.
The Heel Stone, just outside the main circle, aligns with the rising sun.
Police described the event as one of the safest in years, although 34 people
were arrested for minor drug offences.
Peter Carson from English Heritage told the BBC said: "It has been
quieter this year but it's been a great solstice.
Stonehenge Revellers at Stonehenge:
The sun rises behind the Stonehenge monument in England,
during the summer solstice shortly after 4.52am. AP PIC1
Revellers attend the annual summer solstice. Reuters PIC2
Sun rises over the ancient stones at Stonehenge in Wiltshire. Reuters PIC3
A Druid walks past the ancient standing stones at Stonehenge. AP PIC4
People raise their hands meditating during the summer solstice shortly
after 4.52am at the Stonehenge monument in England. AP PIC5
he sun rises over the ancient stones of Stonehenge. AP PIC6
Guardian online Monday June 21 2010
(a longer version of the article published on 22nd, above)
Sun and shade: Solstice ire over
£10m Stonehenge cut
Steven Morris
Sometimes the police come in
for criticism, while at other times English Heritage attracts the ire of
the druids, ravers, hippies and sun lovers who turn out for the summer
solstice at Stonehenge.
At today's celebrations there was a political target - David Cameron and
the coalition government - following the announcement that government funding
for a visitor centre at the ancient monument was being cut.
The outcry from solstice revellers was led by the unmistakeable figure
of Arthur Pendragon, a druid who believes he is an incarnation of the once
and future king.
Pendragon, who rejoices in the title of battle chieftain of the council
of British druid orders, said he was not surprised that the £10m
funding was dropped.
"I knew the writing was on the wall. I knew the new government wouldn't
stump up the money. It's no surprise but, still, it's a disgrace. This
wouldn't happen anywhere else in the world."
Pendragon has campaigned for 20 years for a new visitor centre at the World
Heritage site and to close at least one of the busy roads that surround
the stones.
Tourists are often shocked at the state of the centre and amazed that traffic
is allowed to roar past so close.
Last year Gordon Brown promised £10m towards a £25m scheme
to build a glass and timber centre and to shut the nearby A344. The scheme
was expected to win planning permission soon and the project was due to
be completed in 2012 to coincide with the staging of the Olympics in the
UK.
Last week the government announced the funding would be pulled. English
Heritage, which manages the site, said it was "extremely disappointed",
arguing that transforming Stonehenge was "vital to Britain's reputation
and to our tourism industry". It said it would try to find the funding
from elsewhere.
Pendragon said he was worried about how the shortfall would be met: "I
don't want to see them making up any shortfall with a public-private partnership.
I don't want to see Americans going home with T-shirts reading: 'I've been
to McDonald's Stonehenge'.
"All they've got to do is go to an investment banker with a decent
proposal. Nearly a million visitors come through here every year. Any investment
bank will see that it's a money spinner.
"It's not as if they aren't good for the money. Being English Heritage,
they've got a castle or three they can put up as collateral.
"We've been 20 years waiting for this visitor centre, faffing about.
They can borrow the money and build the bloody visitor centre. That's what
I intend to make sure they do."
Rollo Maughfling, archdruid of Stonehenge and Britain, greeted the rising
of the sun with a blast on his trumpet - which sounded not unlike a vuvuzela.
"It's been a wonderful, warm night," he said.
Around 20,000 people turned up to mark the solstice and by dawn there had
been 30 arrests for minor offences. It was also the first time the solstice
sun had peeped from behind the clouds since 2003.
While campaigning tends to be left to Pendragon, Maughfling said it was
a druid's duty to get involved in politics when the need arose - and it
had now arisen.
"You have to tangle with politics to make sure that, for example,
our national shrines and temples are looked after," he said.
"Look at any of the stories of druids in ancient British literature
and ancient Irish literature, there have been times when the security of
the land has been in the hands of druids as well as kings. Druids have
taken sides in all kinds of matters. We can't stand apart from it all."
Peter Carson, head of Stonehenge for English Heritage, said he was pleased
at how the solstice went but disappointed at the withdrawal of funding.
"But it's not over yet," he said. "Let's see what we can
do. Maybe there is a way forward. The project has a great deal of support.
It will ensure a suitable setting for Stonehenge and it will upgrade considerably
the very poor facilities we currently have."
Sky, a pagan from Devon, broke off from a drumming session to explain how
crucial it was that Stonehenge was improved. "It's the most wonderful
place and it's a disgrace that we're still waiting for a new visitor centre
and for improvements to the roads. I bring people here from abroad sometimes.
They're amazed by the stones - but also amazed at how crummy the facilities
are. I'd like that David Cameron to come down here and tell us why Stonehenge,
our national treasure, is being treated so shabbily."ORD crowd, estimated
at 35,000 people, celebrated at Stonehenge when the sun rose at 04.58am
this morning.
So many turned up that the huge car park at Airmen’s Cross was full by
3am and Wiltshire Police advised people to stay away.
The A303, the main road between Andover and the south west, was closed
for a short time in both directions but police said it was fully re-opened
by 7am.
As the sun rose patchy rays of sunlight peaked through the clouds and a
weak cheer went up as dawn broke.
Police arrested about 30 people on charges including drug offences, assault
and drunk and disorderly conduct, but said the event was largely peaceful.
The Independent online Monday
June 21 2010
(this PA story was published on 22nd above, and used
in Daily Star online and Salisbury Journal online on 21st)
also:
AP:Thousands of revellers gathered at Stonehenge
for the summer solstice PIC1
ThisisWilts online Monday June 21 2010
The sun comes up on the solstice
in Wiltshire
By Gazette Reporter
Thousands of revellers were at
Stonehenge and Avebury to mark the Summer Solstice, each hoping to see
the sun as it rose above the ancient stone circles at dawn.
Police described the events as some of the safest in years although 31
people were arrested for minor drug offences.
Sunrise, marking the longest day of the year north of the equator, occurred
over the circles at 0452 BST.
The Heel Stone, just outside the main circle at Stonehenge, aligns with
the rising sun.
Victoria Campbell, 29, said: "It means a lot to us... being British
and following our pagan roots."
The Londoner, who works in the finance industry, also said that "getting
away from the city" was a major draw.
On Sunday police chiefs said they had planned for "all eventualities"
ahead of the event.
Last year a record 36,500 revellers attended, causing traffic chaos and
road closures.
The solstice in Avebury today
PIC1
USA Today (online) Monday June 21 2010
Thousands celebrate summer solstice
at Stonehenge
By Andrew Khouri, Associated Press Writer
SALISBURY, England - Thousands
of New Agers and neo-pagans danced and whooped in delight Monday as a bright
early morning sun rose above the ancient stone circle Stonehenge, marking
the summer solstice.
About 20,000 people crowded the prehistoric site on Salisbury Plain, southern
England, to see the sunrise at 4:52 A.M. (1152EST), following an annual
all-night party.
The event typically draws thousands of alternative-minded revelers to the
monument, as they wait for dawn at the Heel Stone, a pockmarked pillar
just outside the circle proper, which aligns with the rising sun.
Unlike previous recent years, when the sunrise has been obscured by cloud
- the bright sun bathed the monument in orange and gold on Monday.
"One time in maybe 10 we get a decent sunrise, and that was a good
one," said Simon Banton, a 45-year-old education volunteer for English
Heritage, the body that manages the site.
As the sun rose, a woman climbed a rock in the circle center and blew a
horn, welcoming in the longest day of the year north of the equator. Drums,
tambourines, and cheers reverberated in the background.
"It means a lot to us ... being British and following our pagan roots,"
said Victoria Campbell, who watched on, wearing a pair of white angel's
wings and had a mass of multicolored flowers in her hair. The 29-year-old
Londoner, who works in the finance industry, also said that "getting
away from the city" was a major draw.
"It is stunning," said Stewart Dyer, a 43-year-old National Health
Service worker and dancer on his first trip to the solstice celebration.
"To actually be able to dance amongst the stones, to be able to touch
the stones, to be that close to such an ancient monument is unbelievable."
The annual celebrations at Stonehenge, about 80 miles (130 kilometers)
southwest of the capital, are a modern twist on solstice celebrations which
were once a highlight of the pre-Christian calendar. They survive today
largely in the form of bonfires, maypole dances and courtship rituals.
Andy Barrett, a 62-year-old restaurant owner from Kent, said he has been
coming to solstice celebrations at Stonehenge for decades.
"It's amazing. The wonderful thing is all these people experiencing
it and wondering what this was all for trying to work out in their own
minds - what was it all?" he said.
Stonehenge's origins remain a mystery, but theories suggest the grounds
were part of a huge astronomical calendar. Others say an ancient sun worshipping
culture aligned the structure with the midsummer sunrise and the midwinter
sunset. The site was used as a cremation cemetery since its inception,
archaeologists say, but it is unclear if that was its main function.
"The truthful answer is we don't know exactly what it was for,"
said Amanda Chadburn, an archaeologist with English Heritage, which manages
the site.
Whatever its origins, the construction of Stonehenge - built with massive
stones drawn from up to 150 miles (240 kilometers) away - gives insight
into an ancient culture, Chadburn said.
The World Heritage site was built in three phases between 3000 B.C. and
1600 B.C. It is one of Britain's most popular tourist attractions with
more than 850,000 visitors a year. The solstice is one of the few times
access is granted inside the stone circle, which has been roped off since
1978, following years of erosion and vandalism.
Stonehenge was closed during the solstice after clashes between police
and revelers in 1985. English Heritage reopened it to midsummer celebrations
in 2000, and the event has remained largely peaceful.
Police said Monday they had made 34 arrests, the majority for drug possession,
and reported no serious problems.
A crowd celebrates at Stonehenge
as the sun rises on the
summer solstice. By Carl Court, AFP/Getty Images PIC1
The Sun online Monday June 21 2010
Sun Worship at summer solstice
By STAFF REPORTER
THOUSANDS of hippies descended
on Stonehenge to watch the sun come up heralding the summer solstice today.
Revellers marking the start of the longest day of the year included druids,
hippies and sun worshippers.
Nearly 20,000 people attended the event which was only tarnished by 15
arrests overnight for minor public disorder offences.
The sun rose at 4.52am to cheers from the crowds on Salisbury Plain, Wilts.
Previous years have been ruined by mist and cloud but views this morning
were crystal clear.
The turnout was down on last year when a record 36,500 people caused traffic
chaos and road closures.
The site has just lost out on £10million of funding for a new visitor
centre which was one of the first projects axed by the coalition government
as it attempts to balance the budget.
Sun spot... sunlight glints through
the ancient stones PIC1
BBC online Monday June 21 2010
Revellers watch the sun rise over Stonehenge
About 20,000 revellers were at
Stonehenge to mark the Summer Solstice, each hoping to see the sun as it
rose above the ancient stone circle at dawn.
Police described the event on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire as one of the
safest in years, although 34 people were arrested for minor drug offences.
Sunrise, marking the longest day of the year north of the equator, occurred
over the circle at 0452 BST.
The Heel Stone, just outside the main circle, aligns with the rising sun.
Peter Carson from English Heritage said: "It has been quieter this
year but it's been a great solstice.
'Monday morning'
"It's an improvement on the last few years - the last time I remember
seeing the sun rise was in 2003 - so it's great to see the sun has put
in an appearance.
"This year there are about 20,000 people and last year it was about
35,000 - so that is quite a bit down which has meant the operation is a
lot easier. "
He said two years ago the solstice happened early on a Saturday and about
30,000 people attended.
He added: "I think the days of the week do make a considerable difference
to the number of people who come along - this year it's a Monday morning.
Pagan roots
"The people who are streaming out now - a lot of them are going
to work."
Victoria Campbell, 29, was among those marking the solstice.
She said: "It means a lot to us...being British and following our
pagan roots."
The Londoner, who works in the finance industry, added "getting away
from the city" was a major draw.
On Sunday police chiefs said they had planned for "all eventualities"
ahead of the event.
Last year a record 36,500 revellers attended, causing traffic chaos and
road closures.
National Geographic Daily News Monday June 21 2010
Solstice Celebration Circle
Followers of Slavic neo-pagan religious movements
gather in a Russian forest for a summer solstice 2010 celebration on Saturday.
The summer solstice is recognized and often celebrated in many cultures
around the world—in both the past and present, experts say. For instance,
Stonehenge in the United Kingdom has been associated with the winter and
summer solstices for about 5,000 years.
Photo by Konstantin Zavrazhin,
Getty Images PIC1
Druid King at Stonehenge
A man dressed as Druid King Arthur Pendragon conducts
a summer solstice 2010 sunset service near Stonehenge in the United Kingdom
on Sunday.
Observers in the center of the standing stones can watch the summer solstice
sun rise directly over the Heel Stone, which stands just outside Stonehenge's
famous circle.
Photo by Matt Cardy,
Getty Images PIC2
Cloudy Summer Sunrise
Thousands of druids and revelers witnessed a cloud-obscured
sunrise Monday at Stonehenge on summer solstice 2010.
Many people make an annual pilgrimage to the ancient site, on England's
Salisbury Plain, to celebrate the first day of summer.
Photo by Kieran Doherty,
Reuters PIC3
Andover Advertiser online Monday June 21 2010
Sun at Stonehenge Solstice - and a giant ancestor
AN estimated 20,000 revellers
were at Stonehenge to mark the Summer Solstice, each hoping to see the
sun as it rose above the ancient stone circles at dawn.
But it was a new phenomenon that caught the eye - the giant ancestor.
The 20ft tall metal statue weighing in at six tons was at the western end
of Stonehenge for the rare sunny solstice sunrise but will eventually grace
Solstice Park, which is next to the A303 between Amesbury and Andover.
Police described the event as one of the safest in years although 31 people
were arrested for minor drug offences.
Sunrise, marking the longest day of the year north of the equator, occurred
over the circles at 0452 BST.
The heel stone, just outside the main circle at Stonehenge, aligns with
the rising sun.
Victoria Campbell, 29, said: "It means a lot to us... being British
and following our pagan roots."
The Londoner, who works in the finance industry, also said that "getting
away from the city" was a major draw.
Commuters faced considerable delays this morning as the thousands of vehicles
left the site and mixed with the usually busy Monday morning traffic.
Police kept the A345 road, which runs north of the stones, closed during
the rush hour and westbound traffic was further encumbranced by part of
the A303 carriageway being coned off.
Delays averaged around 15 minutes eastbound, with the most tight jams at
the Longbarrow roundabout.
BBC online Sunday June 20 2010
Stonehenge prepares for Solstice celebrations
Police chiefs say they have planned
for "all eventualities" ahead of the annual Summer Solstice celebrations
at Stonehenge in Wiltshire.
Last year a record 36,500 revellers arrived for the event, causing traffic
chaos and road closures.
Ch Supt Steve Hedley said: "If you want to enjoy Stonehenge and the
Solstice, you are more than welcome. But it must be enjoyed peacefully."
Sunrise is at 0452 BST on Monday, with good weather predicted.
Last year there were 37 arrests for minor disorder and drugs offences.
A National Trust spokesman said the car park and camping areas are already
full, although an overflow car park would be opened later on Sunday. [?at
Avebury]
Radio Netherlands Worldwide online Sunday June 20 20109
Crowds converge on Stonehenge for solstice
Thousands are again expected
to converge on Stonehenge on Monday, 21 June, to mark the summer solstice.
Every year, the prehistoric site in southern England draws large crowds
eager to celebrate the year’s longest day with music, dance and other revelry.
Among them are tourists, curious onlookers as well as followers of spiritual
sects. The event also attracts modern-day druids, followers of the Iron
Age Celtic priest who used the much older site for their nature cult.
Solstice
A solstice happens twice each year, when the Earth’s axis is most tilted
toward or away from the Sun, causing it to be seen at its northernmost
or southernmost extreme. In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice
occurs around 21 June, the winter solstice around 21 December.
Megaliths
The World Heritage Site is located in the English county of Wiltshire,
some 130 kilometres southwest of London. A complex Neolithic and Bronze
Age monument, it is composed of earthworks surrounding a circular setting
of large standing stones.
It is thought to have been built some time between 3000 BC and 1600 BC.
According to the latest research, the stone monument dates back to 2300
BC. Some of the stones weigh up to 45,000 kilos. How these megaliths were
transported and erected remains a mystery. They are believed to have been
carried there from Wales over a distance of some 250 kilometres.
Significance
There is no scientific agreement as to the monument’s origin and function.
Some see is as a temple, others as an astronomical calendar. Others say
the site was used to worship the sun. In view of the 350 burial mounds
in its vicinity, the theory considered most convincing regards it as a
burial site. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1986. Until 1918
it was owned by a local resident, who donated it to the state.
Attraction
One of Britain’s most popular sites, Stonehenge attracts some 750,000
visitors every year. Visitors are only allowed to wander among the stones
and touch them during the summer solstice.
Incidents
Last year’s summer solstice was marred by a number of minor incidents.
Around 25 people were arrested for creating a disturbance or using drugs.
The organizers stress that drugs are illegal but allow visitors to bring
some beer or wine. Following confrontations between police and hooligans,
the site was closed between 1986 and 2000. Last year’s summer solstice
was attended by a record 36,000 visitors.
-Dutch Stonehenge-
In 1990, Dutch archaeologists discovered a similar structure in the east
of the Netherlands. Though its two nearly identical circles are marked
by wooden poles rather than stones, its geometric principles are the same
as those used at Stonehenge. It’s thought the poles served as a sowing
and harvesting calendar or to observe the solstices, which were accompanied
by various rituals and festivities.
Daily Mail Friday June 18 2010
Stonehenge funding axed as raft
of new government cuts begin
By Sarah Gordon
One of England's most famous
World Heritage Sites has had £10m of public funding axed as part
of drastic cutbacks by the new government.
Stonehenge, the eerie prehistoric monument visited by tourists from all
over the world, will have to put plans for a new visitor centre and a nearby
road closure on hold after the funds promised by the last government were
dramatically withdrawn.
The stones - one of the most substantial examples of Neolithic and Bronze
Age monuments in Europe - already has two major A-roads nearby which somewhat
detract from its ancient grandeur.
Plans to place the traffic-laden A303 in a tunnel to reduce its effect
on the site were withdrawn in 2007.
But just months ago, the Labour government agreed to part-fund a project
to improve the area allowing a new timber and glass visitor centre to be
built 1.5 miles away from the stones and the closure of the A344 which
runs close to the site. But the coalition government has put those plans
on ice by withdrawing its part of the funding for the project, which was
to help elevate the 5000-year-old site's status as an international tourist
attraction.
English Heritage, which owns Stonehenge and was putting forward the additional
£15m for the project along with the Heritage Lottery Fund and other
private sources, has said it is 'very disappointed' at the decision.
'Stonehenge is a project of global significance. It is Britain's premier
World Heritage Site. It was a key feature in Britain's bid for the London
Olympics,' a spokesperson said in a statement.
'Transforming the monument's setting and the visitor experience is vital
to Britain's reputation, and to our tourism industry, especially in 2012
but also thereafter.'
Offering condolences to those involved in the project, tourism and heritage
minister John Penrose said everyone had to accept trade-offs in the current
climate and that the project remained a priority.
'I recognise the disappointment that everyone in the heritage community
feels at today's announcement,' he said.
'But I hope that they, and others, will understand why this has come about
- the costs and benefits of this project had to be considered in the light
of the current financial picture.'
Visitor numbers to Stonehenge have increased year-on-year and it is a popular
spot to celebrate the summer and winter solstice.
It is still shrouded in mystery as nobody is sure how or why the giant
boulders were transported hundreds of miles to be constructed at the site.
Surrounded: Two major roads are close to the
ancient site PIC1
ThisisWilts online Thursday June 17 2010
Historic sites prepare for summer
solstice revellers
By Kelly Woolford
Revellers are preparing to mark
the summer solstice at historic sites in Wiltshire.
This year there is less land available for camping at Avebury stone circle,
as the National Trust has only arranged for a camping field with space
for just under 100 tents - half the size of the field made available last
year.
National Trust Avebury head warden, Hilary Makins, said: "We have
looked at many alternatives, but since Avebury is a World Heritage Site,
land options are very limited.
"We want to encourage people to come and enjoy a peaceful solstice,
but also consider using some of the official campsites nearby."
The campsite, at the far end of the main public car park in Avebury, will
open at 9am tomorrow and close at 2pm on Monday.
Meanwhile, thousands of people are expected to flock to the Stonehenge
monument from Sunday night.
Revellers will be allowed into the neolithic stone circle from 7pm on Sunday
until 6am on Monday.
Last year more than 40,000 people attended the celebrations, including
druids and white witches.
Salisbury Journal online Tuesday June 15 2010
Doctor Who to visit Stonehenge
By Morwenna Blake
A TIME Lord will be descending
on Stonehenge this weekend as an iconic figure leaves the stars behind
to explore the ancient stones.
Salisbury’s best known landmark will take a starring role in one of the
country’s most-loved television shows on Saturday as the BBC’s Doctor Who
visits Wiltshire.
The stone circle will join other great British landmarks including Tower
Bridge, the Millennium Stadium, Shakespeare’s Globe and the Palace of Westminster
in featuring in the series, which has caught the imagination of viewers
ever since William Hartnell first took on the mantle of the man from Gallifrey
in the black and white days of 1963.
Stonehenge site director Peter Carson said: "Stonehenge continues
to be one of the country's most recognised historic monuments. We’re delighted
to be a part of one of Britain’s best-loved and most iconic TV series,
and think it’s a great way to introduce Stonehenge to new audiences." (from
elsewhere) PIC1
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