Introductions
Chief Insp Vic Klinkosz (Hampshire police, Andover)
John Boland (Wiltshire police, Salisbury)
George Firsoff (Secretary)
Roy Gillett (Acting Chair)
Nora Morris (Pagan Federation)
Kasia Morris (Scribe)
Scott Green (National Trust)
Paul Aitken arrived later

Apologies
Clews has external auditors visiting her.
Brian has trouble with his car.
Jerry Wickham.
Mike Brown.
Tim Abbott.

Discussion began about the date of the Managed Open Access in 2003. Some people guided by pagan principle want it on Sunday 22nd June, others are concerned about members of the public arriving the day before. This was illustrated at the Winter Solstice when people had arrived on the 21st demanding access. Clews communicated to Roy and Arthur that she was proposing Saturday morning to the English Heritage Commissioners. George said he would not support nor attend such a gathering.

George proposed opening about 12:30PM to cover the astronomical Noon and the Solstice at 8:10PM and closing the stones for the night but opening again before dawn. Nora said English Heritage had a duty of care to permit our religious observances, under the European Convention of Human Rights. Police are thinly stretched over the weekend and prefer the lightest burden of duty.

A spirited discussion between George and Roy followed. Roy argued that at least it was a step towards daylight access. Extended access would bring fears of a festival locally, said John. Roy said staggered access risked traffic chaos. Police don't want the duty to drive people away on the 21st. Scott said there was a public perception the Solstice is on the 21st. Paul said he would accept the loss of the Solstice Dawn if there was the Solstice Noon instead. The proposed hours are 2AM to 12 Noon on either day. The final decision is expected at the next Round Table meeting. Police said that some hours are needed after the closure of the stones, for people to rest and become sober, before moving from the carpark.

George asked National Trust for clarification on rights of access to their land. People can go anywhere on the grazed fields so long as they do not break the by-laws. Kasia asked what would happen if people gathered on the Solstice Dawn and the stones were not open. National Trust said they would be allowed on the grazed field. George said the National Trust should make a statement, perhaps as part of the Terms and Conditions given to Solstice visitors. Scott agreed. Paul said people need clear information about the by-laws. Could there be a gate directly into the field, George suggested. National Trust were not keen because of vehicles trying to enter. George said what about a narrow gate or stile?

Nora said more provision has to be made for dogs as they cannot be left in vehicles in sunlight. Points at which bags may be searched for excess alcohol and glass, etc., were discussed. Police require the road by Stonehenge Bottom empty for emergency access. Nora asked about Barton Stacey. George said the company for the alternative gathering is not up and running. Roy said that although the Access is not an Event, people can be encouraged to perform spontaneously. There is a limit to numbers, because of the capacity of the carpark.

There was some interest in the BBC Radio 4 broadcast about the Beanfield incident, George will contact the BBC about whether recordings are available. There was a possibility that Mr Lionel Grundy might agree to attend a meeting of the TRC. Paul commented that his story during the broadcast differed materially from the evidence he had given to the High Court.

Date of next meeting 22nd February 2003

Nora said the preferred plan for the short bore tunnel for the A303 has to go through a Public Enquiry. Stonehenge Visitors Centre may be open by 2006.

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