Post by jadedsage on May 25, 2004 16:01:16 GMT -5
A SLEEPY Pendleside village could be rudely awoken by the unwelcome arrival of a Pendle Witch Camp.
News of the camps arrival has disturbed many of the areas public figures, who have no idea what to expect when it rolls in to Roughlee on June 18th in preparation for the summer solstice.
We dont want another Glastonbury here. Im no kill-joy, but we need better safeguards in place, said Coun. Colin Nutter.
The only information available about the event, to be held on a field next to the Noggarth Ice Cream Shop, can be found on Internet websites.
The sites offer details of a camp on a wonderful hilltop site in the shadow of Pendle Hill, including talks, workshops, a sweat lodge, stalls, entertainment, the burning of the hoppy and greeting the sunrise on the longest day of the year. For witches and pagans, this sacred day symbolises the power of the sun, which marks an important turning point on the Great Solar Wheel of the Year.
It is the traditional time when witches harvest magical herbs for spells and potions, for it is believed that the power of herbs are strongest on this day.
Entry to the camp will cost 25 for adults and 10 for children and admittance is limited to 300.
Pastor Matt Butler, of Wheatley Lane Inghamite Church, Fence, said he would prefer to see more Christian spirituality in the area and added he could not condone such an event.
The chairman of Roughlee Parish Council, Mr James Starkie, said: Roughlee Parish Council is aware of the proposed solstice event within our village.
Residents will be concerned about noise levels, public health matters, disruption and traffic issues. We have sought advice from the various authorities and await their responses.
A spokesman for Barley Parish Council added: We are certainly not happy about having this in our area, which is renowned for its beautiful and peaceful surroundings.
As well as the nuisance, there will be traffic congestion problems. these are bad enough at weekends without another 300 people or more here.
We are concerned to find that neither the local authority nor the police know anything about this event.
Pendle Council Secretary and Solicitor Mr Philip Mousdale said the council would be seeking to discuss any legal requirements with the organisers.
It could be that they require an entertainments licence for the proposed music and dance listed as part of the event.
While the council looks into the entertainment side, the police will be seeking information about access and potential nuisance. They will then decide whether police action is required.
The event organisers did not wish to make any comment and the landowner was not available before we went to press.
21 May 2004