SUMMER SOLSTICE 2000

Some of the work that we have been involved in, bringing people together to talk through the issues, is bearing fruit with the achievement of a major goal, which is free access to Stonehenge over the night and morning of the Summer Solstice in 2000. English Heritage have released full details of the access, Here. We want to say how happy we are in the Stonehenge Peace Process to be moving forward to play our part in making this event happy, peaceful and successful, so that the atmosphere relaxes and people can be welcomed even more into this special, and to many, very sacred environment, in the future.

There is a designated car park near Airman's Cross, which is the junction of the A360 and A344 West of Stonehenge. The rest of the A344 is closed to traffic, and people will have to walk from there. Members of the press will receive no concessions but will be treated just the same as other members of the public, they will have to park in the designated car park and carry their equipment just like everybody else. For information about special transport for disabled people, or any other queries, contact the Solstice hotline on 01793-414586.

The carpark will open from about 10:45PM and the stones will be open from 11:30PM on Tuesday June 20th to 7:30AM on Wednesday June 21st. The Solstice moment astronomically speaking, occurs at 2:48AM BST, and this means that the sunrise of the longest day occurs in practise just before 5 AM BST. The theoretical astronomical sunrise assumes a level horizon, but this by long repute is the time that the sun would appear on the actual horizon provided the sky is clear. Often there is a mist near the horizon and the sun is not actually seen until later. This sunrise time is a magical moment for pagans and druids to do their celebrations, and many members of the public also like to attend. The stones themselves were erected in such a way that the ancient people could observe this special moment in the year, among others. So those gathering there, of whatever persuasion, will be following a very ancient tradition.

With this enormous step forward in public access, there come some strict conditions and a warning. There must be no dogs or other animals, no camping anywhere in the vicinity, no amplified music, no fires, no climbing on the stones. Also for safety reasons, you will not be allowed to bring glass bottles or other glass objects onto the site.

The Stonehenge Peace Process fully supports the arrangements for the year 2000 that it has helped in its talks with the authorities, to bring about. It is the best compromise available at the moment and what we all need to do is make it work, so that further progress can follow in the future. Such progress can we hope include, there being legally approved musical and other gatherings, on negotiated sites in the future. This is not within the gift of English Heritage, and probably not of the National Trust. Those who want such an event will have to find a site and negotiate for it and work for it. This also assumes that the communication, the relaxation of nervousness on all sides, and good vibes, can be sustained.

What we therefore appeal for is that people come, respect the arrangements, dispose of their rubbish, do not damage farmers' crops, go away peaceably, so that they may come again next year. We do not want to see confrontations, political arguments, drunken selfishness or any other disturbance marring what is for us a day of great achievement, by no means the end of the road in our dream of peace and reconciliation, but nevertheless a great step forward. We are therefore setting up a network of totally independent voluntary Peace Stewards to help with liaison, mediation, and generally help the event to run smoothly. If you want to learn more about being a Peace Steward in 2000, click onto Peace Stewards

Click on for English Heritage press release

PROCESSION & OPENING CIRCLE
Those wishing to walk to Stonehenge for the time of the opening of the Stones can gather with the Stonehenge Peace Process group at Woodhenge from 9:30PM on June 20th. As there is a blind drove running into the Durrington henge there is plenty of car parking space. National Trust who manage the field are happy if people take care not to block the gates.

At about 10:30PM we will walk in procession along footpaths to Stonehenge where with others who arrive for the opening time of 11:30PM, we will link hands around the Stones for an opening ceremony.

[What actually happened was that due to public pressure, Stonehenge was opened earlier than planned, and the procession arrived to find the stones already open.]

We understand the designated carpark near Airman's Cross will open to the public at about 10:45PM which will allow the public to join this opening ceremony.

[Again what acctually happened, was that due to public pressure, the car park was opened earlier than planned]

OTHER PROGRAM NEWS
Opposition from the fire brigade to plans for drummers and fire jugglers to slowly circle the Stones has been overcome with special safety arrangements including fire blankets etc. another achievement for common sense. They will be doing their thing at 2:30AM to 4:00AM.

Talks are going on today (Friday) between English Heritage and the Krishna people in the hope they may be able to provide free breakfasts for people.

Rinky Dinks who produce low level amplified music by bicycle power are not coming to Stonehenge. Despite their ecological credentials, clarity of purpose rules, the agreement reached with the authorities says, no amplified music, and no amplified means no amplified.

Therefore it is suggested that acoustic buskers may choose to give impromptu non-performances. We may even work them into our program. Watch this site.

Rollo Maughfling will welcome the sun in a five minute ceremony at some time between 4:55AM and 5:10AM assuming this also fits with the organic flow of the moment. Other druid and pagan circles will take place, in the Stones if the public allow it, but otherwise in the field if necessary. As this is the first public access for many years, we all need to feel our way into an understanding of the way to share the access.

The Stonehenge Peace Process will have a round white garden table and chairs loaned by English Heritage as a an informal information point on the A344 near the entrance to the Stones. Come and meet us there. When we've worked out how to have a light without having a naked flame ("Ooeh, get some clothes on that match, Henrrry!") or glass objects, we'll have it lit up so you can actually see the leaflets and publications. We are unfunded, please give generously to the bucket!