30th June 2008

  SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION AT STONEHENGE 2008
Thirty Four Thousand People ... Drizzle ... Druids ... Robes ... Music and Ceremony around and about including on the Gathering Area, not forgetting of course the Pile of Old Rocks - Click for the Gallery, Videos and Sound Files. Another Photo Gallery to follow.

23rd May 2008

  Well, we've been pretty busy here at Mercury Moon playing 'catch up' with all the News, Round Table Notes, Photos & Video which has happened since the last update. So without further 'ado' here it all is!

  SUMMER SOLSTICE 2008 AT STONEHENGE: THE INFO
Full details including opening and closing times of the car park and monument fields can now be found on the Summer Solstice 2008 Page. This info includes advice on alcohol (which is now limited) plus details of the times (roughly) of events happening during the Solstice Celebration, from the Sunset Ceremony, though acoustic performances at the Gathering area to the King's Drummers and more. Also check out English Heritage 'Conditions of Entry' (Offsite Link).

SUMMER SOLSTICE 2008 - GET INVOLVED:
Performers Click Here :: Be a Peace Steward - Click Here.

  ROUND TABLE NOTES FOR MAY 2008
have now been added to the Stonehenge Discussion Forums. You need to be a member, but it's free to join and no information is required apart from your Email adddress which is never passed on to any third parties. The Round Table Notes from 2005 to the current ones are archived within the Stonehenge Discussion Forums.

  BELTANE AT STONEHENGE 2008
This was the first time Beltane has been celebrated at Stonehenge in many a long year. Unfortunately illness prevented us from attending so we are endebted to Matthew Holbrook of www.handswithenergy.co.uk (Offsite Link) for sending us his fabulous photos so we could turn them into A Gallery. Hopefully this will become an annual event with more participation from the local community.

  BELTANE IN LONDON 2008
OK not 'stonehenge' but its been added to the 'Druidic Section'. This is the second year of Beltane in London, although sadly it was just a tad wet this year which played havoc with the video camera!

  STONEHENGE 'DIG'
Details on the archaeology at Stonehenge from last month (April 2008) can be found on The BBC Web Site. The filming is for a new BBC Programme 'The Healing Stones' based on the theory that the stones were used for healing. Not a bad idea given that the 'Blue Stones' are dolomite which is related to Labradorite and Moonstone which are well known for their healing properties.

  STONEHENGE VANDALISED
"Suspected souvenir hunters broke into Stonehenge and vandalised the ancient monument, English Heritage has said. A hammer and screwdriver were used to take a small chip the size of a 10p piece from the side of the Heel Stone. English Heritage said further damage was prevented by security guards who spotted the two men at the 5,000-year-old site in Wiltshire. Police believe the vandals could be the same two people caught on CCTV acting suspiciously a few days earlier. English Heritage said souvenir hunting was once a legitimate practice and chisels used to be handed out to people visiting the stones. The recent act of vandalism which happened on the evening of 15 May at about 2200 BST is thought to be the first attack on the site for many years": The BBC Web Site with Videos etc.

  FACES IN THE STONES
One of the Stonehenge Discussion Forum members posed this interesting question:-
"Can any one shed any light on these or is it all tricks of light, I have tried in vain to research in to further discoveries of face carvings on the stones but apart from the BBC most places seem deviod of creditable information": Article 1 :: Article 2. We have seen faces in the stones too. We have yet to find the photos though, so if you do have photos of any faces in any stones please either Join the Stonehenge Discussion Forums or

  VISION WORKSHOP: SUMMER SOLSTICE IMPROVEMENTS OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS
A historic Vision Workshop took place in April 2008, which will significantly change the Stonehenge Summer Solstice experience within the next ten years. The Workshop was made up of people from a wide range of backgrounds including English Heritage; National Trust; archaeologists; police; fire and other health and safety advisors; local councillors and residents, druids; pagans; musicians; bards; former-free-festival-goers’ and even ex-convoy members. For many this was the first time they had met face-to-face and it was astounding the amount of common ground between such disparate groups of people.

The visioning attendees worked in eight groups organised so that there was as much variation of interests within each group as possible. This allowed the myths between different individuals/groups to be quickly dispelled and much common ground was found. For example, those representing the local residents said that for many the Summer Solstice MOA spells trouble not just from the older generations who recall the beanfield and exclusion zone years, but also due to the huge traffic problems, they encounter each year.

The recommendations of the working groups are being collated by the independent facilitator for publication to Workshop members in early June. This document is not the end of the Visioning, but is rather the framework for further collaborative effort to achieve the bold and extensive vision for the future.

Initially key problems of current Managed Open Access were identified. These included disrespectful, intimidating behaviour especially by those who were inebriated together with an intolerable level of litter. The general lack of spirituality at the event and the mad crush of people inside and around the stones also caused great concern. Although opening the stones prior to sunset made the 2007 more family friendly it is clear much more needs to be done in this area.

Some improvements rely on the removal of the A344 road that runs from the A303 directly past the Heelstone. Informed opinion is that this will come about within the next ten years and may happen by the Olympics in 2012. This will allow the fences either side of the A344 to be removed, thus opening up the landscape. There are improvements, which can begin before the A344 is grassed over.

Essential key words used at the Visioning for how the Summer Solstice should be celebrated included: Pageant; Eisteddfod; Processions; family-friendly; local community involvement; self-policing, sacred and spiritual. The word, which dare not speak its name, was also uttered … Festival, though this was not envisaged in the ‘free festival’ form of the 20th Century, but rather as a celebration of community, culture and art that the entire country can be proud of.

The principle improvements within the vision are to lengthen and widen the Solstice Celebration, by the establishment of events in the surrounding landscape, towns, and villages including Amesbury now The Home of Stonehenge ideally in a weeklong run-up to the Solstice itself, with the provision of camping locally. In addition, there should be several events at Stonehenge specifically to cater for different interest groups such as a Family Event. The representatives from Amesbury and the surrounding villages are keen that this should start as soon as possible.

It is hoped the development of the Summer Solstice Celebration into a longer, wider community event with more understanding of the significance of Stonehenge and the Summer Solstice will increase respect for both the site and each other to reduce the level of excessive disruptive intoxication. Self-policing by interested groups including local residents will help in this, however, if unruly behaviour does continue then a complete ban on intoxicants is a possibility, which was mentioned.

It is likely that significant changes will take several years to start to take effect. One current obstacle is the limited budget for the Summer Solstice Access and the cost of an Event licence, which is needed if the Summer Solstice Access is to become what we would all like it to be.

One solution is for Stonehenge to be granted an event licence exception, due to its uniqueness. This is credible on two counts.

1) For many it is a sacred place of pilgrimage and worship and a licence for a church event currently stands at just £21.00.

2) King Charles II granted Wiltshire the in perpetuity right to an Eisteddfod and therefore this would be us, the people of England reclaiming our ancient rights.

For the Summer Solstice Celebrations within the Stonehenge and surrounding landscape to become the Nationally acclaimed celebration of British Arts and Culture the Vision aspires to will require the support, dedication and work of as many people as possible, something which has not happened up to now.

The Results of the Vision Workshop will be presented at the beginning of June. Watch this space.

26th March 2008

  SOUND FILES FROM THE SPRING EQUINOX AT STONEHENGE 2008
Six Sound Files recorded by Steve Smyth have been added to the Spring Equinox Pages. They include ones recorded at Sunrise, plus some from Merlin & Mark's Fire in the droveway the night before. These are part of our Stonehenge Photo & Video Archives.

  GOOD STUFF
Recommended Book along with other 'Good Stuff' (CD's etc) can be found in a New Good Stuff at Amazon.co.uk - Check It Out & if your order is £15.00 or more you will get free UK postage.

  LINKS PAGE UPDATED
The Links Page has been updated with a link to Hands With Energy.

24th March 2008

  SPRING EQUINOX 2008 AT STONEHENGE
Three Videos (in two 'weights') plus a Photo Gallery of 74 Photos can be found Here. Sound Files are to follow soon. These are part of our Stonehenge Photo & Video Archives.

1st March 2008

  WINTER SOLSTICE PHOTO GALLERY
Photos taken by our good friend Steve Smyth can be viewed in their own Gallery.

  VERNAL (SPRING) EQUINOX DATE
The Opening Date is on Thursday 20th March and has been listed Here.

  STONEHENGE ROUND TABLE NOTES
The notes for the last meeting (January) can be read on the free-to-join Stonehenge Discussion Forums.

  STONEHENGE VISION MEETING
This is to be held towards the beginning of April (ie.e next month) to look at how different groups of people see the open accesses at Stonehenge* developing and progressing over time.
* The Summer Solstice being the principle one. If you would like to contribute any ideas or suggestions which can be 'collected together' to be taken to the Vision Meeting please join the Stonehenge Discussion Forums and post your suggestions in the 'Vision Meeting' Thread.

6th October 2007

  STONEHENGE ROUND TABLE NOTES
They can no longer be called 'Minutes' after Brian (Viziondanz) Felstein objected and it was agreed at the RT that they should be called 'Notes'. All the Round Table Notes are now published and archived at their New Permanent 'Home' within the Stonehenge Discussion Forums.

These forums have been set up specifically to discuss how to make the Managed Open Access at Stonehenge Better in the 21st Century. They are Free-to-Join with no obligation to Post. You can simply join if you wish to keep informed. Those who would like to get involved in any way with the Open Accesses are especially welcome :-) For more information about the Aims and Objectives of these forums Click Here.

  WINTER SOLSTICE DATE
The Opening Date for the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge is now Listed Here.

29th September 2007

  AUTUMNAL EQUINOX AT STONEHENGE 2007
Our Six Videos (all in two 'weight' wmv files, plus a DivX Version), with a Brief Write Up, plus an 118 page Photo Gallery by Steve Smyth have now been added to THEIR OWN PAGE - CLICK HERE, as part of our STONEHENGE PHOTO & VIDEO PAGES. We hope you enjoy them. Many Thanks to Steve Smyth not only for the photos but also for supplying the Audio for the Videos which were shot using two Video Cameras.

  AUTUMNAL EQUINOX DATE
Our apologies that we were unable to update this site with the date of the Autumnal Equinox before it happened! We will try to ensure that the dates of the Equinoxes and Solstices are listed Here, in future.

14th July 2007

  CHECK OUT STEVE SMYTH'S WEB SITE
His Site has been updated with some interesting Photos & Scans from the Stonehenge 'Free' Festival - 1984 including scans of the two page leaflet. www.steve.mercury-moon.co.uk.

  ROUND TABLE NOTES
These will be completed as soon as possible this week. The meeting lasted over Three Hours, so the Lap Top battery went flat and the hand written notes of the rest of the meeting have to be transcribed, before the page can be html formatted and uploaded. I aim to have them completed ASAP.

7th July 2007

  'NEW SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD' RESULTS ANNOUNCED TONIGHT
THE UK GOVERNMENT LET STONEHENGE DOWN! The other contestants were supported by their Own Governments. But what did the Minster for Culture (& Sport) here in the UK DO for Stonehenge? Diddly Squat! To everyone who tried - We Did Our Best Guys & Gals. I'm so sorry the UK Goverment didn't do a tenth as much. A N7W spokesperson said: "We got in touch with all governments but the British Government was not responsive."

6th July 2007

  STONEHENGE 'NEW SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD' VOTE PROMOTION
Our Second Video (in two sizes: 480x360 & 640x480) can now be viewed. This is of the band Handshake. Simply Click Here. More Videos to Follow Soon :-)

  STEVE SMYTH'S AUDIO SECTION
Now with three extra Sound Files all from Stonehenge.Visit Steve Smyth's Audio Section Here. More to Come!

4th July 2007

  STONEHENGE 'NEW SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD' VOTE PROMOTION
Our First Video (in two sizes: 480x360 & 640x480) can now be viewed. Simply Click Here. More Videos to Follow Soon :-)

  STEVE SMYTH'S AUDIO SECTION
This New Section contains Sound Files, from the Summer Solstice 2007 recorded by Steve Smyth along with three of Steve's Favourite Summer Solstice Photos from 2001, 2003 and 2005. Visit Steve Smyth's Audio Section Here.

3rd July 2007

  2007 SUMMER SOLSTICE AT STONEHENGE
All the Videos: A Total of Fifteen (all in two sizes: 480x320 & 640x480) are now on the 2007 STONEHENGE SUMMER SOLSTICE Page. A Write-Up & Some More Photos to follow ASAP.

Second Update of 30th June 2007

  2007 SUMMER SOLSTICE AT STONEHENGE
Two More Videos - making Nine in Total (all in two sizes: 480 x 360 & 640 x 480) have been added to the 2007 STONEHENGE SUMMER SOLSTICE Page including one 'Compilation' from the Gathering Area, including a Short Song by Daniel of Bloodstone Arts based in Brighton, plus Inside the Stones at 1:30 am. We've also added a link to a Video produced by VISON-NEWS-SALISBURY, along with their original text. More of our Videos to follow ASAP.

  STONEHENGE 'NEW SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD' VOTE PROMOTION
Links to Two Videos by VISON-NEWS-SALISBURY have been added to Our Coverage of this Event Page, along with the associated text.

30th June 2007

  STONEHENGE 'NEW SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD' VOTE PROMOTION
BBC NEWS COVERAGE from Thursday has been added to the Main Page: Click Here. Our own Videos to Follow Soon :-)

  2007 SUMMER SOLSTICE AT STONEHENGE
Two More Videos (both in two sizes: 480 x 360 & 640 x 480) have been added to the 2007 STONEHENGE SUMMER SOLSTICE Page. These are both of The Dolman performing at the Gathering Area.

  UPDATED New Links and New Sections have added to our LINKS PAGE. Check them out. They all open in New Windows so you can view these sites as their site designers intended them to be viewed. They include links to the New Stonehenge Druids Web Site, plus other 'Spiritual' Web Sites including the Pagan Federation, plus a New Section for Artists who played at the Summer Solstice this Year. These include: Bloodstone Arts, Bard of Avebury - Jim, The Dolman, Cool Banana, Handshake & more!

  UPDATED Following on from the Success at this Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, the Get Involved - Participate page has been updated as we all look forward to the Summer Solstice 2008 at Stonehenge, with an Improved Gathering Area :-)

  NEW As we have a number of pages which contain Video & Photos of Druidic Ceremonies away from Stonehenge, we have moved these to their own page Own Page.

29th June 2007

  STONEHENGE 'NEW SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD' VOTE PROMOTION
A PHOTO GALLERY of Thirty Five Photos from the Promotion Event for Stonehenge to be One of the 'New 7 Wonders' at Stonehenge yesterday can be viewed Here.

28th June 2007

  2007 SUMMER SOLSTICE AT STONEHENGE
The First Five of our Videos (each in two sizes: 480x320 & 640x480) are now on our 2007 STONEHENGE SUMMER SOLSTICE Page. More to follow ASAP. Many Thanks to Steve Smyth for recording the Sound Track for our Video Footage and for taking the time to Digitally Master it too :-)

22nd June 2007

  2007 SUMMER SOLSTICE AT STONEHENGE
Well, apart from a few spots the 'threatened' rain kept away and the reports coming in so far are that this was the Best Managed Open Access for the Summer Solstice since Access restarted :-)
  2007 SUMMER SOLSTICE AT STONEHENGE - PHOTO GALLERIES
The First of our Photos plus a Gallery of 98 Photos by Steve Smyth can be seen Here. See if you can 'spot' yourself in Steve Smyth's Gallery! A proper 'Write-Up', More Photos from throughout the Event. Plus Videos to follow soon.

18th June 2007

  IF YOU LIVE IN THE UK - PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION
There is a move to de-register Stonehenge as a 'World Heritage Site' because of the extremely poor visitor conditions at this unique and special site. Permission for a New Visitor Centre to be built a suitable distance from the stones has already been approved, but only if a New Road Scheme goes ahead. The New Road would also allow the Fences Around Stonehenge to Come Down, so it can be seen in it's Rightful Setting, (i.e. as it was before the internal combustion engine changed the face of Salisbury Plains!
So what's the problem? The Goverment won't dip its hands into their pocket and fund the road scheme which will remove the road which runs right up the side of Stonehenge.Therefore this is a petition to keep Stonehenge as a World Heritage Site, which means doing what it takes (i.e. building the New Road) to allow the New Visitor Centre to be Build, and allow the fences to come down!
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/StonehengeWHS

PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO ALL YOUR UK FRIENDS AS ONLY UK RESIDENTS CAN VOTE.

The petition reads:
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to continue to protect Stonehenge as a World Heritage Site and give this ancient monument the proper respect it deserves for future generations.The MP for Salisbury, Mr Keys, wants Stonehenge to be declassified as a World Heritage Site.  Stonehenge is an ancient monument and should be given the proper care and respect that it deserves.  It is part of our culture and heritage and should be preserved for future generations.

8th June 2007

  STONEHENGE ROUND TABLE NOTES
The Minutes for the Stonehenge Round Table held on Wednesday 6th June 2007 can now be read Here.

  2007 SUMMER SOLSTICE OPEN ACCESS 'CONDITIONS OF ENTRY'
At the RT Meeting (see above) we were all given the this eyars, 'Conditions of Entry' which includes a Jolly Useful Map on the Reverse. You can view them using the two links below & there is a 'Print' option if you'd like to print out copies before you arrive.
Side 1: Information
Side 2: Site Map showing the locations of Food, Toilets, Gathering Area, Sacred Soap Box, Fire Braziers, First Aid etc.

4th June 2007

  STONEHENGE IN THE NEWS
Three TV Programme 'Features' about Stonehenge & One News Article including the 'New 7 Wonders'. Essential Viewing! Click Here.

10th May 2007

  ROUND TABLE NOTES
For the meeting on Thursday 3rd May, 2007 are now online Here.

  SUMMER SOLSTICE - CONDITIONS OF ENTRY & USEFUL INFORMATION
You can access the English Heritage 'pdf' Information for this year's Summer Solstice Here (opens in a new window). This is Essential Reading, particularly if you haven't been before.

  DO YOU WANT TO MAKE THIS YEAR'S SUMMER SOLSTICE BETTER?
Then GET INVOLVED! For the First Time as well as having Access for the Sunset as well as the Sunrise we also have an Illuminated matted 'Gathering Area' where Acoustic Musicians; Bards, Poets, Face Painters, & other Performers & Entertainers are WELCOMED, as are Spiritually Based Groups. Obviously it will help our organisation if we can get an idea of who will be coming to participate :-) If you'd like to know more Click Here.

  BELTANE IN WESTMINSTER
A Photo Gallery with a 101 Images plus Six Videos from this Historic Event can be found Here. A Brief Report of this Event was given to the Round Table by Susanna on the 3rd May, 2007 which can be read Here.

8th April 2007

  ROUND TABLE NOTES
For the meeting on Wednesday 4th April, 2007 have been transcribed into our 'archives'. Click Here to Visit the RT Minutes Index Page.

22nd March 2007

  PEACE STEWARDS FOR THE STONEHENGE SUMMER SOLSTICE
Peace Stewards have played a key part in the success of the Summer Solstice universal access to Stonehenge for the every year since 2000.
Without any authority,or responsibility they volunteer to wear the Peace Stewards Badge & help ease communication between visitors, organisers & everyone else involved.
Some also attend the Round Table Meetings that meet regularly to organise the access. Others have wide experience of positive facilitating at many kinds of green / alternative gatherings.
If you feel your experience would help, please email brief details about yourself to both Catherine Hosen at silverbirchmoon@ntlworld.com & Roy Gillett at roy.gillett@ntlworld.com & we will get back to you with more information.

  VERNAL (SPRING) EQUINOX @ STONEHENGE 2007 PHOTO GALLERY
A Large Photo Gallery from yesterday can now be seen Here (There may be a slight delay before the Photo Gallery Loads). As we were unable to go (at the very last minute) we'd like to thank Steve Smyth for sending us the photos :-)

  FEBRUARY ROUND TABLE NOTES
We would like to apologise for the fact that there are not any Minutes for this meeting at present. Unfortunately the A27 was closed from 8:00 am due to a 'suspect package' (i.e. a 'Bomb Scare') at the A27/M3 Junction & the entire road was closed both ways causing rush-hour chaos, while the 'Bomb Squad' for called in. We were not aware of the closure until we had reacted the 'point of no return' & were stuck in a Six Mile Tail Back with nowhere to get off or turn round on the duel carriageway. So although we left home as usual at 9:30 am for the 100 mile drive we didn't arrive in Salisbury at 11:00 to 11:30 am as we usually do. In fact in Three Hours we actually managed just 6 miles so by the time we got to a point where we could get off the A27, the meeting was almost over :-( We are hoping that we will be able to get a summary of the minutes to put up at the same time as we upload the April Meeting Minutes.

12th January 2007

  ROUND TABLE NOTES
For the meeting on the 10th January, 2007 have been transcribed into our 'archives'. Click Here to Visit the RT Minutes Index Page.

  NEW 7 WONDERS
If you haven't voted for Stonehenge as oe of your own personal 'Top Seven' then please visit their web site & vote Now. Don't forget to tell ALL your family, friends & work mates to do it too! Click Here to Visit www.New7Wonders.com

  NON-STONEHENGE NEWS
The Legendary Pink Fairies Gig at the Roundhouse on the 22nd January, 2007 has been postponed to an unspecified date. :-( Visit www.PinkFairies.co.uk for all the 'gen'.

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