Introductions
Tim Abbott
Kasia Morris (Scribe)
George Firsoff (Secretary)
Nora Morris
Roy Gillett
Mike (National Trust)
Robert (National Trust)
Carolyn Gillett
Paul Aitken
Penny Wyrd

Thomas Daffern had not arrived to chair the meeting, so George drew up a list of topics for a agenda, which he then facilitated.

Peace Stewards
Nora is the Secretary who should be contacted about volunteering as a Peace Steward in 2003. Her phone is 0845-4589599 (local rate, there is an answer phone). Address: Nora Morris, Tamarisk, Redenham, Andover SP11 9AX. People should send for a form, or print it off the internet. There will be some training and camping arranged for the stewards.

Tim suggested the Peace Stewards should wear an indentifying colour. Roy said they work best if they are seen as part of the crowd. It was suggested they might carry Helium balloons. Penny said the ballons could be environmentally destructive. George said Peace Stewards could also be Peace Artists, if you wanted to dress up, please do so. Tim then suggested identifying lollypops. Paul said lollypops can be seen as aggressive.

Round Table
It was suggested that notices about terms and conditions should be spaced all along the walking route. Nora read part of a statement that a young man had produced, explaining the terms and conditions in accessible language. Some criticism that this included too many negative statements. Roy said that the headings used last year were more positive in tone.

This statement roughly said:
Keep off the stones, including recumbent ones. This is to protect people from falling, and protect the stones and lichens. No amplified music, no fires or candles, drunken and disorderly behaviour is not appropriate. Park sensibly and in a space directed to you. Use designated toilets provided as large amounts of urine represent a health risk. No dogs as animal excrement presents a health risk especially to childen. Do not litter the site. Do not bring any glass, as broken glass represents a danger to the public. No tents or camping equipment. Parents should not leave their children unattended.

The next Round Table will finalise the wording of the Terms and Conditions.

Paul said he didn't like the use of the word "designated" for parking and toilets, it was too officious.

Car park management
Paul mentioned that there is likely to be an influx of people to the carpark during the morning, while some people will be leaving after the dawn, so there will need to be a two way traffic. Important to arrange for incoming people to take up any empty spaces. Are they prepared for this? Roy said he will raise this at the Round Table. The carpark will be open at Midnight and close at 2PM. Lock up facilities will be available both at the carpark and at the stones entrance. Stewards will be briefed as to their locations. Access into the carpark ends at 11AM. Please do not bring dogs to be left in the vehicles as they may die in the heat. The issue was raised that some people might be too tired to drive, when the 2PM deadline comes.

Wrong Day
Penny raised the issue that the access was not on the proper Solstice Dawn. She has heard that some people will turn up on Saturday night for the Sunday Dawn. They are of a militant nature and likely to attempt the fence.

Penny also complained there was less access time than in previous years. Roy stressed that we have daylight access, which is an advantage, and he does not see the lessening of the hours as a conspiracy.

Potential problems
Roy said that astrologically at 4PM the Moon moves into Aries, which can cause over-excitement and impulsive behaviour. Anybody who leaves Stonehenge to go to Avebury is almost certain to be disappointed, as the carparking will be full and will be shut. Police will take decisive action to stop anybody taking up an empty field. Roy said there was maybe less pressure outside the boundaries of Wiltshire.

Use of National Trust land
George asked for a copy of the by-laws so they could be published as information. Tim asked are the guidelines the same as on English Heritage land. Apparently not so, as dogs are allowed, if on a lead or under control. They would have to enter from the Amesbury end, though. All land, except that with crops on, is open for people to walk on. The NT wants to encourage people to do this. George asked for information on this access to be published. The NT said the gates could be indicated on the map that goes with the terms and conditions. George said this would be helpful. There was a worry about people attempting to come on with vehicles, but they would be watching at the access points.

George explained his plan for a procession and circle on the Avenue on Saturday evening, the NT asked how many people were involved. It was difficult to give a number, but it is not possible to hold a circle with more than 200 people. Although gatherings of more than 40 were not allowed normally, the NT was happy with this proposal. Penny suggested however that 2,000 anarchists might turn up that evening. Roy said this kind of action would be counter-productive and might upset the access in future years. Penny asked if Roy could communicate with the people concerned, he said he would try and write something.

History
George also requested information about who was an archivist or historian, that people could contact for research into management of the area around Stonehenge, particularly in the 1970s and 80s. Tim revealed that he had all the correspondance between the farmer and the National Trust in the festival days. He said the decision to stop the festival was made at the governmental level in 1984, but not implemented until the next year, because of the Miners Strike. The National Trust had never been in the forefront of the political decision making, he claimed.

George suggested that there should be a special TRC meeting devoted to historical issues, perhaps in the Autumn.

The Wrong Day
Penny again raised the issue of the wrong day. Roy said it was an extremely complicated decision because there is a very small difference in the Sun's declination between the dawns, while some people think it's always on the 21st. She replied that it isn't good for English Heritage to be dictating to people when they can be at the stones. Kasia suggested that the militants might protest the issue, whichever morning was decided, especially as it is during a weekend.

Long Term Campaigning
Kasia said there is a need for relaxation in laws surrounding events, festivals and gatherings. She is willing to try and start forming a group to lobby on this issue. Penny was interested and suggested that Oxford was a good central point for meetings.

Pagans and Druids
Nora said that Clews had asked for some information to be included in briefing of security staff. She read a paper she had written explaning who pagans and druids were and what they did. A lively discussion followed about whether this was wise. As there were voices opposed to this being published with the consent of the TRC, it was suggested it could be presented as the views of the Pagan Federation. And best not to mention child abuse at all.

It was suggested that others might contribute as well, for instance Tim should write something about the political history and situation.

Next meeting
It was proposed to meet again on Wednesday June 4th.

Collection
£5.60 and a book of stamps, was passed to Nora for her secretarial use.

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