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Wiltshire,
Key EH - English Heritage NT - National Trust MOA - Managed Open Access Attendance etc EH reported that 18,700 visitors had been counted
in by The police reported that the numbers of people
arriving in vehicles early in the hope that the traffic build up would 'force'
the car park to open earlier than the published time of 8:00 pm was noticeably fewer
this year suggesting that the message that the car park would not open before
8:00 pm was 'getting through'. In addition the 'managed traffic system' which
tended to send early arrives to go round in circles prevented large static
'jams' to build up. The attendance was lower than in the previous few
years it was suggested the World Cup may have kept some away. In addition
Susanna thought that the 'Sunrise Festival' held in 'Customer Comments' EH reported that they received dozen of positive
comments however they had also received some feedback from people who did not
like the attitude of some of the visitors to the MOA with people reporting
being asked for or offered drugs. EH reported they had received no adverse
comments about the catering. Waste Management EH reported that litter is an issue. Paul commented
on the labelling of the bins which caused confusion and needs to be improved.
The term 'landfill' may have been confusing as these bags had recyclable things
in them. 'Landfill' is used at places such as the Big Green Gathering, but the
people who attend there are more 'clued-up' on this sort of term. Some reported
plastic 'glasses' used by the caterers being a problem and suggested that only
paper cups should be used by the caterers, however for many the big issue was
the amount of glass bottles this year. Glass in the Stones Field Fee raised the issue that there seemed to be a
greater number of glass bottles at the Summer Solstice this year than in
previous years. Steve (The Torch) also reported this as a very bad 'step
backwards' and something which must be addresses. It was also brought to Peter's
(EH) attention that the amount of rubbish in the centre of the stones was
definitely more than last year, although Peter said he hadn't noticed an
increase. Behaviour of Visitors Tim said he didn't think behaviour was getting
worse. Arthur recounted one example of someone who climbed the stones two years
ago actively stopping someone doing the same this year, so some of those who
cause problems one year can learn. However, Frank reported feelings of some
visitors that they felt 'personally threatened' and also cited examples of
being offered drugs and said that if we are going to be tougher (on bad
behaviour) then this needs to be tighter in the initial stages so that people
who are intoxicated/loud/causing other peoples' enjoyment to be disrupted/etc
should be removed quickly. Peter (EH) said it wasn't that easy. Suggested
way to improve the behaviour of visitors - EH Security Paul reported that there needs to be an improvement
in the effectiveness of the EH security (more 'on the ball') with regard to 'intoxicated'
visitors either as they enter the site, or later and also towards people
entering the Stones field or seen once inside with glass bottles. This was in response
to EH's comments that people may drink a large amount of alcohol before they
walk through the 'gates' and therefore would not appear to be intoxicated at
that time. Suggested
way to improve the behaviour of visitors - A Sign Steve (The Torch) again raised the possibility of a
sign at the entrance stating "This is a Sacred Site - Please respect it'. Again
this issue raised objections regarding cost/looking official/Health and Safety/etc/etc.
Talk of who could design it and the shape were briefly tried, however this
topic will be discussed again and the minutes of these future discussions will
be recorded in full rather than here. What is
allowed in uniformity of 'criteria' It was stressed to EH that there has to be uniformity
of 'criteria' for what can and cannot be brought in at each of the 'gate
check-points' because people were still reporting being allowed to take items
through the gates out of the car park field, only to be turned away when they
got to the Monument Field 'check point'. This is frustrating for all these
people who have to them either 'sign in' their item(s) or walk all the way back
to their vehicle and then walk all the way back again. Steve (The Torch) raised one example which had been
brought to him which was of a lady refused admission of her baby in the 'baby
carrier'. She was told that this classed as 'a quilt' and as such was not
allowed! Behaviour of EH Staff/Police Morgan commented that some security staff has given
a "blank stare" when greeted with a smiling 'Happy Solstice' or other
greeting. Peter (EH) said that new staff can be a bit 'overwhelmed' rather than
having 'an attitude'. It was suggested to EH that the message given to all EH
staff should be to remember that it is a celebration and a religious event for
many. Brian (EH) reminded the RT that although most visitors are nice, some are
also 'nasty'. Frank asked about the background of the police
offers on duty for the solstice and why they were there. The police reported
that the reasons are varied and they could not give an 'over view'. We were
told that the officers had been 'briefed' to respect 'lifestyles' and Susanna
said that some officers do specifically ask to work at the Solstice because they
do enjoy it. Steve (The Torch) reported that he had made a point of talking to
police officers on the day and did find that they are getting better. Tim
thought it was good that there were less police and more Stewards. Statistics Lucy gave a breakdown of the Visitor Survey,
however, to save time and as most were similar to those from 2005, these will
be uploaded here as images as soon as they have been received from EH. One
thing which was brought to EH's attention was that at least one of the usual
10% of those surveyed who are 'followed up' to ensure that the survey had been
done correctly had been offered 'financial services', which is unacceptable. Public
Transport Roy who contacted Wilts & Dorset busses
reported that 1,400 visitors used the special busses to travel to the Solstice
with 1,300 travelling back. This was an increase of 350 (average) on the 2005
figures, which is very positive. Wilts & Dorset busses reported that many
people left very early so that when the busses started running from the stones
they were full. This was possibly due to the rain which fell quite heavily at
around that time. Monument
Field Lighting Again this was discussed. In 2005 the 'filters'
fitted were 'aqua' which is no longer available so for 2006 blue lenses were
used. "Horrible" said Tim to a great many peoples' agreement. There
was discussion of the other colour 'filters' available, however the whole 'issue'
of the lighting will be discussed at future meetings and will be reported in
full detail then. The
King's Drummers Brian (EH) said that it went well, which everyone
agreed it did and it was decided that a longer rope for next year would allow
the Drummer's and Dancers more room for their performance - particularly the
fire juggles. The Media Rebecca (EH) reported that in general the media
coverage went pretty well. Frank commented that there had been a lot especially
on TV including Rollo on the 'Heaven and Earth' programme. Several papers
(Daily Telegraph and 'Metro) used photos of a climber on the stones even though
he was only there for a few minutes around Forthcoming
Dates Autumnal
Equinox 2006 occurs at Winter
Solstice 2006 occurs at Summer Solstice for 2007 The Summer Solstice for 2007 is one of the years
when for many MOA will be on the 'wrong day'. Solstice occurs at The Next RT Meeting The Next Meeting of the RT will be on Love, Light and Peace Fee (Mercury Moon) Warner BACK TO THE TOP |
