Sadness at loss of ancient tree
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| FOCAL POINT: Members of the Dolmen Grove with the 200-year-old beech tree at Winterborne Abbas stone circle |
A 200-YEAR-OLD tree at the centre of worship by druids and witches has been chopped down to size after it became diseased.
The 80ft beech at Winterbourne Abbas has been reduced to a 10-metre stump by English Heritage because of fears it would die and fall over.
The tree has become a dominant feature at the site, famous for the ancient stone circle standing beneath its branches.
Now the Dolmen Grove, a Weymouth-based druid group, will perform a 're-
balancing' ritual in mourning for the loss of the tree and to mark a new beginning for their holy site.
The Arch Druid of the Dolmen Grove, antique-dealer Chris Walsh, will lead the peaceful service and hopes many of the sect's 250 witches, druids, shamans and pagans will attend.
He said: "The tree is part of the history of the area and it was a surprise when English Heritage told us it would have to be cut.
"Lots of local people as well as druids and witches come here and it will be a shock for them to see the tree now because it was such a focal point.
"Its big branches have certainly been useful to us when we have been out here in the
rain.
"But I think that many trees have come and gone in the 3,000 to 4,000 years the stones have been here and we accept there has to be change and renewal in nature."
The Arch Druid said he and the Stag Lord would lead the re-balancing ritual in the next few weeks. He said: "We believe in the spirits of the land and we want to honour the tree by putting it in peace with the elements - a re-balancing of nature's forces.
"We cannot be certain but we believe that ancient people met and worshipped at the stones very much as we do today.
"We're very respectful of the land and anyone who visits the stones and we like to see them maintained."
Chris Bally, regional landscape manager for English Heritage said a number of local
people had made complaints about the tree being cut.
Safety
But he said English Heritage had acted in the interests of public safety and to protect the stones.
He said: "The tree is infected with the
fungus Meripilus giganteus (also commonly known as Polypore) which causes decay to the underground roots of mature beech.
"Once the fungus is established, the tree loses support from its roots and will eventually blow over.
"We are very sad at having to lose the tree but due to the proximity of the A35, the tree had to be made safe before it fell."
11:30am Tuesday 13th March 2007
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Posted by: Albo, Wyke Regis on 12:16pm Tue 13 Mar 07
So sad to see such a beautiful tree lost to disease.
But let us not be downhearted! The wood cut from the tree can be used for a variety of purposes, not least in the burning of witches.
Note to witches: This is a joke. Nobody burns withes in a civilised country these days - we use the ducking stool instead. Far more humane.
So sad to see such a beautiful tree lost to disease.
But let us not be downhearted! The wood cut from the tree can be used for a variety of purposes, not least in the burning of witches.
Note to witches: This is a joke. Nobody burns withes in a civilised country these days - we use the ducking stool instead. Far more humane.
Posted by: Mark, the Net on 2:34pm Tue 13 Mar 07
Is this article for real?
The only sad thing about this article are the people that need a ritual when a tree gets chopped.
Get over it and get a life!
Is this article for real?
The only sad thing about this article are the people that need a ritual when a tree gets chopped.
Get over it and get a life!
Posted by: Tim on 3:09pm Tue 13 Mar 07
Wow! I'm not sure which is more depressing. The loss of this grand, beautiful tree, or the intolerant and ignorant voices that decided to be the first to post here and deride a group of people with a different religion. Do they also laugh when peple mourn the loss of their house, or church, to a fire? Most curious indeed.
On a more positive note, however...I wonder if English Heritage would allow the Duids to pant a new tree here. Prehaps a nice English Oak or omething. Maybe a Yew.
Wow! I'm not sure which is more depressing. The loss of this grand, beautiful tree, or the intolerant and ignorant voices that decided to be the first to post here and deride a group of people with a different religion. Do they also laugh when peple mourn the loss of their house, or church, to a fire? Most curious indeed.
On a more positive note, however...I wonder if English Heritage would allow the Duids to pant a new tree here. Prehaps a nice English Oak or omething. Maybe a Yew.
Posted by: Albo, Wyke Regis on 3:14pm Tue 13 Mar 07
*sigh*
I'm sure these people hear witch-burning and turning-people-into-a-newt jokes every day of their lives. I dare say they crack a few themselves.
If you can't laugh at the world, it's hardly worth bothering, is it?
*sigh*
I'm sure these people hear witch-burning and turning-people-into-a-newt jokes every day of their lives. I dare say they crack a few themselves.
If you can't laugh at the world, it's hardly worth bothering, is it?
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 3:56pm Tue 13 Mar 07
[bold]As one of those 'sad' witches that attended yesterday's event at the Ninestones, I have to agree with you Tim, but there have and always will be intolerant and ignorant people around. The real sadness is that 'Mark' doesn't realise that we follow and celebrate the religion that his ancestors followed tens of thousands of years before those new eastern religions like Christianity and Islam caught on here. But isn't it always the way these days, that anything quintessentially English, is derided and ridiculed by the very people that should be supporting it.
That is the real sadness.
But believe me when I say that no one has a better sense of humour than the Dolmen Grove, a truly wonderful group of human beings, amongst whose ranks I feel honoured to be numbered. It is also the home of THE DOLMEN, the best Celtic Folk band in the world.
Check them out here.
http://www.dolmengrove.co.uk/home.htm[/bold]
As one of those 'sad' witches that attended yesterday's event at the Ninestones, I have to agree with you Tim, but there have and always will be intolerant and ignorant people around. The real sadness is that 'Mark' doesn't realise that we follow and celebrate the religion that his ancestors followed tens of thousands of years before those new eastern religions like Christianity and Islam caught on here. But isn't it always the way these days, that anything quintessentially English, is derided and ridiculed by the very people that should be supporting it.
That is the real sadness.
But believe me when I say that no one has a better sense of humour than the Dolmen Grove, a truly wonderful group of human beings, amongst whose ranks I feel honoured to be numbered. It is also the home of THE DOLMEN, the best Celtic Folk band in the world.
Check them out here.
http://www.dolmengrove.co.uk/home.htm Posted by: sophie on 4:04pm Tue 13 Mar 07
After picking myself up off the floor from laughing so much I think it needs to be said that that man was joking! I was laughing at the fact that some people will go all guns blazing and shouting racism and ignorance ect.. when its just someone making light of something. Its nice that people dont reform to the norm. and enjoy a different religion but my god have a sance of humour!!!
After picking myself up off the floor from laughing so much I think it needs to be said that that man was joking! I was laughing at the fact that some people will go all guns blazing and shouting racism and ignorance ect.. when its just someone making light of something. Its nice that people dont reform to the norm. and enjoy a different religion but my god have a sance of humour!!!
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 4:16pm Tue 13 Mar 07
[bold]I've got an excellent sense of humour Sophie, but would you or he dare to voice the same sentiments about Islam in the present climate ?
Or more to the point, would you be allowed to without the police knocking on your door ?
Anyway, if this type of understanding is not in a person, it probably never will be.
Have a good day. ;-)[/bold]
I've got an excellent sense of humour Sophie, but would you or he dare to voice the same sentiments about Islam in the present climate ?
Or more to the point, would you be allowed to without the police knocking on your door ?
Anyway, if this type of understanding is not in a person, it probably never will be.
Have a good day. ;-) Posted by: Mark, the Net on 4:26pm Tue 13 Mar 07
Midnighter - Please leave my ancestors out of this as people tens of thousands of years ago can be excused for the mistakes they made.
I am sure that even when we did not have the understanding of the world that we do today the majority of the populace did not spend most nights dancing around trees!
I have just had a look at the web page and have the following points:-
Do you ever update your webpage? (as the Winter Solstice 2006 is long gone)
Are the followers of your 'religion' allowed to use computers? I mean they are not made of trees!
You really need to use a spell checker as your webpage!
Midnighter - Please leave my ancestors out of this as people tens of thousands of years ago can be excused for the mistakes they made.
I am sure that even when we did not have the understanding of the world that we do today the majority of the populace did not spend most nights dancing around trees!
I have just had a look at the web page and have the following points:-
Do you ever update your webpage? (as the Winter Solstice 2006 is long gone)
Are the followers of your 'religion' allowed to use computers? I mean they are not made of trees!
You really need to use a spell checker as your webpage!
Posted by: Mark, the Net on 4:32pm Tue 13 Mar 07
Midnighter.
It seems that you are not aware that there is such a thing as free speech. I might not agree with you and you might not agree with me but we both have the right to say what we think (and that goes for talking about Islam too).
Obviously you cannot cope with anyone that does not think exactly the same way that you do, which seems strange as if you had real faith in your 'religion' then that faith would be enough and you would not care what others think.
You really need to learn to be more tolerant of other people and their views.
Midnighter.
It seems that you are not aware that there is such a thing as free speech. I might not agree with you and you might not agree with me but we both have the right to say what we think (and that goes for talking about Islam too).
Obviously you cannot cope with anyone that does not think exactly the same way that you do, which seems strange as if you had real faith in your 'religion' then that faith would be enough and you would not care what others think.
You really need to learn to be more tolerant of other people and their views.
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 4:46pm Tue 13 Mar 07
[bold]"Dancing around the trees" ?
Nope, I don't remember anything like that happening yesterday.
Your ignorance really does know no bounds Mark.
As for the Winter Solstice,well it was the last big important ritual to be celebrated and is of interest to other pagans.
Yes, you are correct in just one thing .... computers are not made of trees. There's no fooling you is there mate. ;-)
And no, I don't care what you think at all. But ignorance is always noted.[/bold]
"Dancing around the trees" ?
Nope, I don't remember anything like that happening yesterday.
Your ignorance really does know no bounds Mark.
As for the Winter Solstice,well it was the last big important ritual to be celebrated and is of interest to other pagans.
Yes, you are correct in just one thing .... computers are not made of trees. There's no fooling you is there mate. ;-)
And no, I don't care what you think at all. But ignorance is always noted. Posted by: Bris, Dorset on 5:03pm Tue 13 Mar 07
It would take a most uncaring person not to be saddened by the loss of a 200-year-old tree. It has lived through many human generations and all life should be valued.
It would take a most uncaring person not to be saddened by the loss of a 200-year-old tree. It has lived through many human generations and all life should be valued.
Posted by: silvrwlf, US on 5:23pm Tue 13 Mar 07
I just want to say to the Dolman Grove, that my heart goes out to you. I had a tree in my backyard that I used for my rituals, and it was blown down during Hurricane Katrina. It's painful when something is a part of your religious ceremony and then it is lost. I can't imagine how much more so it must be for you, since this is more than just a personal worship space.
And I have to agree with Tim. When I first read the article, my first thought was, 'I wonder if they would allow them to plant a new tree to be dedicated to the site - endings and beginnings. Best wishes to you all.
And Mark, the fact that you made the statement that the only sad thing about this article is that these people are mourning the loss of part of their religious space - much as Christians would if something happened to a church - and that they need to get over it says that you are the one who needs to be more tolerant. Or at least have more tact than to be a jerk on a public forum. But then, you wouldn't get the attention, would you? Here's a cookie to make you feel better.
I just want to say to the Dolman Grove, that my heart goes out to you. I had a tree in my backyard that I used for my rituals, and it was blown down during Hurricane Katrina. It's painful when something is a part of your religious ceremony and then it is lost. I can't imagine how much more so it must be for you, since this is more than just a personal worship space.
And I have to agree with Tim. When I first read the article, my first thought was, 'I wonder if they would allow them to plant a new tree to be dedicated to the site - endings and beginnings. Best wishes to you all.
And Mark, the fact that you made the statement that the only sad thing about this article is that these people are mourning the loss of part of their religious space - much as Christians would if something happened to a church - and that they need to get over it says that you are the one who needs to be more tolerant. Or at least have more tact than to be a jerk on a public forum. But then, you wouldn't get the attention, would you? Here's a cookie to make you feel better.
Posted by: Gypsy, Weymouth on 5:36pm Tue 13 Mar 07
Mark, you quite rightly state that we have the right to free speech, but you neglect the point that we also have the right to not be harassed or persecuted for our beliefs.
Also I dare say that you hold rituals yourself for many events whether that’s is what you call it or not. Did you have pancakes the other week? Did you celebrate Christmas?
And on a separate note It is sad to see such magnificent trees lost, I haven't been up since the tree was cut but the trees used to create the most amazing atmosphere.
Mark, you quite rightly state that we have the right to free speech, but you neglect the point that we also have the right to not be harassed or persecuted for our beliefs.
Also I dare say that you hold rituals yourself for many events whether that’s is what you call it or not. Did you have pancakes the other week? Did you celebrate Christmas?
And on a separate note It is sad to see such magnificent trees lost, I haven't been up since the tree was cut but the trees used to create the most amazing atmosphere.
Posted by: Vulpine, Dorset on 5:49pm Tue 13 Mar 07
This tree may yet surprise us. It has been cut back rather than down - and is still a good height. It may have disease but I doubt that it is dead - it may cast a shade for some years yet.
This tree may yet surprise us. It has been cut back rather than down - and is still a good height. It may have disease but I doubt that it is dead - it may cast a shade for some years yet.
Posted by: Matthew Hopkins Society, Wherever we find you! on 6:28pm Tue 13 Mar 07
[quote] we also have the right to not be harassed or persecuted for our beliefs.[/quote]
Personally I'm all for persecuting people who wear leather helmets sporting antler horns.
we also have the right to not be harassed or persecuted for our beliefs.
Personally I'm all for persecuting people who wear leather helmets sporting antler horns.
Posted by: Jedi Knight, The Universe on 6:57pm Tue 13 Mar 07
To Jedi Everywhere...
May the force be with you.
To Jedi Everywhere...
May the force be with you.
Posted by: Matthew Hopkins Society on 7:24pm Tue 13 Mar 07
Get lost Skywalker, this is a witch hunt.
Get lost Skywalker, this is a witch hunt.
Posted by: Bill, Dorset on 7:34pm Tue 13 Mar 07
Mark you are a very naive person, age may bring you a little wisdom untill then I sugest try and get as much experience of life as possible and try to remember you are not still in the school playground.
These forums are for grown ups with constructive comments.
On another note its good that there are those who are keeping the traditions of this land and I for one was very sad to see the old tree chopped.
Mark you are a very naive person, age may bring you a little wisdom untill then I sugest try and get as much experience of life as possible and try to remember you are not still in the school playground.
These forums are for grown ups with constructive comments.
On another note its good that there are those who are keeping the traditions of this land and I for one was very sad to see the old tree chopped.
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 7:40pm Tue 13 Mar 07
Thank you for your words Silvrwlf. I have a feeling that 'Mark' may well be [italic]'Mark from the Council Officers'[/italic] , an individual who seems to spend all his time on-line here bickering with folk instead of working at the job he is paid to do.
Ah well, whatever .... not everyone is fortunate enough to tread the path.
Bright Blessings.
Thank you for your words Silvrwlf. I have a feeling that 'Mark' may well be
'Mark from the Council Officers' , an individual who seems to spend all his time on-line here bickering with folk instead of working at the job he is paid to do.
Ah well, whatever .... not everyone is fortunate enough to tread the path.
Bright Blessings.
Posted by: Bill, dorset on 7:51pm Tue 13 Mar 07
When you see a bit more of the world Mark you may hopefully understand things a little bit more.
Untill then I would sugest get out more.
Try not to show how naive you are by using the code of silence perhaps.
When you see a bit more of the world Mark you may hopefully understand things a little bit more.
Untill then I would sugest get out more.
Try not to show how naive you are by using the code of silence perhaps.
Posted by: wykewitch, Weymouth on 7:52pm Tue 13 Mar 07
I for one appreciate Albo's joke! It made me giggle (or is that cackle).
As for Mark... Well, I have to admit for some strange reason about 50% of pagans I know are Dyslexic, (me included… sorry)! Other than that I will ignore him, it’s more than he deserves.
It’s lovely to see that the work us Domineers are doing is appreciated, t accepted, or at least in some way understood by some enlightened individuals. :D
Anyone wanting a witch hunt bring your hounds to Weymouth, and be sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew.
I for one appreciate Albo's joke! It made me giggle (or is that cackle).
As for Mark... Well, I have to admit for some strange reason about 50% of pagans I know are Dyslexic, (me included… sorry)! Other than that I will ignore him, it’s more than he deserves.
It’s lovely to see that the work us Domineers are doing is appreciated, t accepted, or at least in some way understood by some enlightened individuals. :D
Anyone wanting a witch hunt bring your hounds to Weymouth, and be sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew.
Posted by: Even brighter blessings on 7:59pm Tue 13 Mar 07
[quote].... not everyone is fortunate enough to tread the path.[/quote]
You'll know when Mark or anyone else from the Council treads "the path" because there will be lots of sticky labels everywhere warning dog owners that they risk a fine if their dog fouls the footway.
.... not everyone is fortunate enough to tread the path.
You'll know when Mark or anyone else from the Council treads "the path" because there will be lots of sticky labels everywhere warning dog owners that they risk a fine if their dog fouls the footway.
Posted by: wykewitch, Weymouth on 8:53pm Tue 13 Mar 07
I for one appreciate Albo's joke! It made me giggle (or is that cackle).
As for Mark... Well, I have to admit for some strange reason about 50% of pagans I know are Dyslexic, (me included… sorry)! Other than that I will ignore him, it’s more than he deserves.
It’s lovely to see that the work us Domineers are doing is appreciated, t accepted, or at least in some way understood by some enlightened individuals. :D
Anyone wanting a witch hunt bring your hounds to Weymouth, and be sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew.
I for one appreciate Albo's joke! It made me giggle (or is that cackle).
As for Mark... Well, I have to admit for some strange reason about 50% of pagans I know are Dyslexic, (me included… sorry)! Other than that I will ignore him, it’s more than he deserves.
It’s lovely to see that the work us Domineers are doing is appreciated, t accepted, or at least in some way understood by some enlightened individuals. :D
Anyone wanting a witch hunt bring your hounds to Weymouth, and be sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew.
Posted by: Grim, Dorset on 9:18pm Tue 13 Mar 07
Shame people cant see through these actions to what is realy happening.
The Honouring of Nature and the world we live in.
Given that the greatest threat to the world we live in is the actions of Humans surly we need more people who are willing to care.
This is the only course for our continued exsistance.
As to the costums, have you seen your local Vicar at weddings and funerals.
Shame people cant see through these actions to what is realy happening.
The Honouring of Nature and the world we live in.
Given that the greatest threat to the world we live in is the actions of Humans surly we need more people who are willing to care.
This is the only course for our continued exsistance.
As to the costums, have you seen your local Vicar at weddings and funerals.
Posted by: Dove, Weymouth on 9:50pm Tue 13 Mar 07
Isn't it amazing how many rednecks seem to be posting. I had a giggle too at Albo's comments, but some on here have shown disrespect for a group of peoples liberty. I do think that it's sad that we live in such an intolerant society. I regard myself as a caring person, and yes, I too was there, harming nobody.
Isn't it amazing how many rednecks seem to be posting. I had a giggle too at Albo's comments, but some on here have shown disrespect for a group of peoples liberty. I do think that it's sad that we live in such an intolerant society. I regard myself as a caring person, and yes, I too was there, harming nobody.
Posted by: The Dolmen, Weymouth on 10:46pm Tue 13 Mar 07
[quote][bold]Mark[/bold] wrote:
Is this article for real? The only sad thing about this article are the people that need a ritual when a tree gets chopped. Get over it and get a life! [/quote] Is this article real?
Yes it is Mark and so are we.
Do You have a problem with people who choose to recognise British traditions?
Because thats what we do.
We also hold what is called a Moot( a gathering of free thinking people, Pagans Witches Druids etc..) at the Marquis of Granby every 2nd Wednesday of the month
why dont you come and tell us in person why you think us British people to be so Sad.
As it happens that tree has been part of that circle for hundreds of years and has a lot of old memory's, Dolmen Grove have performed rituals there for at least thirty years.
We have held funeral services and handfastings under those dear old branches.
We respect and endeavour to live at one with nature, this does not make us sad.
Or do you have a problem with that?.
The staghorns that are worn dates back in the history and traditions of this country thousands of years, and have always been worn by Witches and Druids.
They represent the Horned God (you will probably relate this to the Devil Mark.) hence why you have the story of Hern the Hunter amongst other aspects.
The Balanceing ritual that will be held in the Stones is open for anyone who wish to attend,all will be explained on the day to those who are there.
details will be given on the dolmengrove.co.uk website.
Mark its very easy to condemn from an article what you do not understand,you have no knowledge of the spirit of this land or you would not.
It is better to be thought a fool than open your mouth and leave no doubt.
Lets hope that when you lose something that is dear to you Mark, you will heed your own words,
'get over it and get a life.'
Mark wrote:
Is this article for real? The only sad thing about this article are the people that need a ritual when a tree gets chopped. Get over it and get a life!
Is this article real?
Yes it is Mark and so are we.
Do You have a problem with people who choose to recognise British traditions?
Because thats what we do.
We also hold what is called a Moot( a gathering of free thinking people, Pagans Witches Druids etc..) at the Marquis of Granby every 2nd Wednesday of the month
why dont you come and tell us in person why you think us British people to be so Sad.
As it happens that tree has been part of that circle for hundreds of years and has a lot of old memory's, Dolmen Grove have performed rituals there for at least thirty years.
We have held funeral services and handfastings under those dear old branches.
We respect and endeavour to live at one with nature, this does not make us sad.
Or do you have a problem with that?.
The staghorns that are worn dates back in the history and traditions of this country thousands of years, and have always been worn by Witches and Druids.
They represent the Horned God (you will probably relate this to the Devil Mark.) hence why you have the story of Hern the Hunter amongst other aspects.
The Balanceing ritual that will be held in the Stones is open for anyone who wish to attend,all will be explained on the day to those who are there.
details will be given on the dolmengrove.co.uk website.
Mark its very easy to condemn from an article what you do not understand,you have no knowledge of the spirit of this land or you would not.
It is better to be thought a fool than open your mouth and leave no doubt.
Lets hope that when you lose something that is dear to you Mark, you will heed your own words,
'get over it and get a life.'
Posted by: Rowan, Weymouth on 11:48pm Tue 13 Mar 07
[quote]Lets hope that when you lose something that is dear to you Mark, you will heed your own words,
'get over it and get a life.'[/quote]
Hear hear!
Blessed Be
Lets hope that when you lose something that is dear to you Mark, you will heed your own words,
'get over it and get a life.'
Hear hear!
Blessed Be
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 11:53pm Tue 13 Mar 07
[bold]He's already lost the things that would have been most use to him .... common sense and pride in his heritage,[/bold]
He's already lost the things that would have been most use to him .... common sense and pride in his heritage, Posted by: AL44, Weymouth on 11:09am Wed 14 Mar 07
Out of interest has this tree actually been cut down or just pollarded?
Out of interest has this tree actually been cut down or just pollarded?
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 11:17am Wed 14 Mar 07
[bold]It's been severely pollarded. Hard to say whether this is actually needed or merely an over-reaction to the Americanisation of our culture through their ridiculous compensation mentality.
The circle used to be hidden and secluded, but now the tree has been butchered, I fear that the vandals and their spray-paint won't be too far behind. :([/bold]
It's been severely pollarded. Hard to say whether this is actually needed or merely an over-reaction to the Americanisation of our culture through their ridiculous compensation mentality.
The circle used to be hidden and secluded, but now the tree has been butchered, I fear that the vandals and their spray-paint won't be too far behind. :( Posted by: AL44 on 12:35pm Wed 14 Mar 07
Sorry Midnighter, but pollarding and coppicing by it's very nature may look brutal but can actually do the tree immense good. Most managed ancient and ornamental woodlands require this to be done and especially with beech the trees once growing again look spectacular. Such practices are also ancient and traditional to this country, where wood was used in shipbuilding.
Sorry Midnighter, but pollarding and coppicing by it's very nature may look brutal but can actually do the tree immense good. Most managed ancient and ornamental woodlands require this to be done and especially with beech the trees once growing again look spectacular. Such practices are also ancient and traditional to this country, where wood was used in shipbuilding.
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 12:47pm Wed 14 Mar 07
Yes I'm fully aware of that AL, but most woods that are pollarded don't have a stone circle visited by members of the public underneath them.
I'm not saying the tree hasn't got a disease, it's just such a big shock to see it now compared to what it once was.
Hopefully in time, it will grow again.
Yes I'm fully aware of that AL, but most woods that are pollarded don't have a stone circle visited by members of the public underneath them.
I'm not saying the tree hasn't got a disease, it's just such a big shock to see it now compared to what it once was.
Hopefully in time, it will grow again.
Posted by: AL44, Weymouth on 12:53pm Wed 14 Mar 07
No, Midnighter, obviously this tree had a unique purpose, but I am sure it will continue to grow and this cut-back will prevent it from storm and disease damage. A lot of ancient trees do have to cut due to public safety and it is difficult for those in charge of woodland to balance public safety and public access. I know of several camp sites where this has been an issue; people want to pitch a tent under a beautiful old oak, but presumably would blame the woodland management if they got squashed by a falling branch!
No, Midnighter, obviously this tree had a unique purpose, but I am sure it will continue to grow and this cut-back will prevent it from storm and disease damage. A lot of ancient trees do have to cut due to public safety and it is difficult for those in charge of woodland to balance public safety and public access. I know of several camp sites where this has been an issue; people want to pitch a tent under a beautiful old oak, but presumably would blame the woodland management if they got squashed by a falling branch!
Posted by: Hellas32, Dacula, Georgia U.S.A on 1:06pm Wed 14 Mar 07
I agree with you Midnighter on the rediculous compensation mentality of my fellow Americans. We do always seem to want something.
Admittedly, I do not know much about this site refered to in the article, but it sounds beautiful. I seems a shame that such a grand old nature spirit had to be cut so drastically. Hopefully AL44 will prove right, and it will grow back more grand and beautiful than ever.
I'm curious about this rebalancing ritual. I know if I have to severely cut one of my trees, I alway make many offerings of thanks for its service and wish it well for a good regrowth. Is this something similiar?
I find it interesting that you have to deal with your rednecks across the pond as well.
Mark, you belong here in Georgia with the rest of the uncouth inbreads that populate my state. Were use to your kind out here.
I agree with you Midnighter on the rediculous compensation mentality of my fellow Americans. We do always seem to want something.
Admittedly, I do not know much about this site refered to in the article, but it sounds beautiful. I seems a shame that such a grand old nature spirit had to be cut so drastically. Hopefully AL44 will prove right, and it will grow back more grand and beautiful than ever.
I'm curious about this rebalancing ritual. I know if I have to severely cut one of my trees, I alway make many offerings of thanks for its service and wish it well for a good regrowth. Is this something similiar?
I find it interesting that you have to deal with your rednecks across the pond as well.
Mark, you belong here in Georgia with the rest of the uncouth inbreads that populate my state. Were use to your kind out here.
Posted by: ian on 1:21pm Wed 14 Mar 07
Isn't it sad to see that some choose to finally put hand to keyboard over such a matter rather than comment on more serious and pressing issues.
Isn't it sad to see that some choose to finally put hand to keyboard over such a matter rather than comment on more serious and pressing issues.
Posted by: Terry on 1:36pm Wed 14 Mar 07
Why does midnighter feel the need to make everything in his/her posts bold? we can still read them but of course it does make it easier to skip the [bold]'bold'[/bold] comments if you wish to.
Why does midnighter feel the need to make everything in his/her posts bold? we can still read them but of course it does make it easier to skip the
'bold' comments if you wish to.
Posted by: ian on 2:24pm Wed 14 Mar 07
Midnighter stated:
"would you or he dare to voice the same sentiments about Islam in the present climate ?"
Perhaps this is a matter we should be paying a lot more attention to in this country (snd in our press) rather than making comments and mocking our own ENGLISH minority traditions.
Midnighter stated:
"would you or he dare to voice the same sentiments about Islam in the present climate ?"
Perhaps this is a matter we should be paying a lot more attention to in this country (snd in our press) rather than making comments and mocking our own ENGLISH minority traditions.
Posted by: eriu on 2:25pm Wed 14 Mar 07
TO ALL WHO ARE IGNORANT -
What difference does it really make to you that people are paying respect to nature, are you really that small minded that you have to slate people for who they are, nobody has hurt anyone or caused any problems so why are you so upset? As for feeling the need to persecute 'people who dress up and wear antlers and headgear'
GET A LIFE yourselves
and stop being such pig headed idiots.
TO ALL WHO ARE IGNORANT -
What difference does it really make to you that people are paying respect to nature, are you really that small minded that you have to slate people for who they are, nobody has hurt anyone or caused any problems so why are you so upset? As for feeling the need to persecute 'people who dress up and wear antlers and headgear'
GET A LIFE yourselves
and stop being such pig headed idiots.
Posted by: sophie on 3:19pm Wed 14 Mar 07
Well looking on the positive side of things look at all the comments and all the interest this has generated! People will now know a link to veiw the Dolmen site and educate themselves on the religion. And people in the states have replied. Every cloud has a silver lining!
Well looking on the positive side of things look at all the comments and all the interest this has generated! People will now know a link to veiw the Dolmen site and educate themselves on the religion. And people in the states have replied. Every cloud has a silver lining!
Posted by: silvrwlf, US on 4:23pm Wed 14 Mar 07
[quote][bold]ian[/bold] wrote:
Isn't it sad to see that some choose to finally put hand to keyboard over such a matter rather than comment on more serious and pressing issues. [/quote] If it's so sad and there are so much better things, then why did [bold]you[/bold] post here? At least most of the people posting here are saying something worth reading.
What happened? Couldn't understand the "more serious and pressing issues" so you had to make a stink here. You're almost as bad as Mark. Lucky for you, it's almost. You should have a cookie, too.
ian wrote:
Isn't it sad to see that some choose to finally put hand to keyboard over such a matter rather than comment on more serious and pressing issues.
If it's so sad and there are so much better things, then why did
you post here? At least most of the people posting here are saying something worth reading.
What happened? Couldn't understand the "more serious and pressing issues" so you had to make a stink here. You're almost as bad as Mark. Lucky for you, it's almost. You should have a cookie, too.
Posted by: Vulpine, Dorset on 5:08pm Wed 14 Mar 07
On the subject of pollarding - this can be a kind of woodland management but is not commonly carried out on beech trees. The issue here is diseased roots which may not be able to hold up a huge tree which is close to a road. The tree should be able to manage further growth with lighter foliage at its present height. Presumably it will be monitored for stability in the future. If only people could be checked for stability and cut down to size where appropriate.
On the subject of pollarding - this can be a kind of woodland management but is not commonly carried out on beech trees. The issue here is diseased roots which may not be able to hold up a huge tree which is close to a road. The tree should be able to manage further growth with lighter foliage at its present height. Presumably it will be monitored for stability in the future. If only people could be checked for stability and cut down to size where appropriate.
Posted by: ian on 5:59pm Wed 14 Mar 07
I posted here to make the point. I do comment on more serious issues unlike yourself it seems.
I posted here to make the point. I do comment on more serious issues unlike yourself it seems.
Posted by: Matthew Hopkins Society on 7:43pm Wed 14 Mar 07
The primary use of the witch, as many in the middle ages knew, was firewood. In times where wood was scarce, especially in winter, it became very, very cold. The only available resource not required for life were humans (water being the only other option, which was too scarce and valuable to burn). At first, children were used as the means of attaning warmth, and a heat source to cook food. This was soon discontinued, for many reasons:
1) The population was severely diminishing by the second generation.
2) The extremely-high pitched screaming became annoying to the local residents, and it was decided to use older people for the burning process.
The next-most-useless group to society, was that of the witches. All they did was cast pointless spells, and do un-needed things, such as brewing healing potions. One problem that arose, however, was that the children were easily accessible, whereas witches would have to be caught before being exploited. It was not unusual during these times to find groups of people "witch hunting". This became a common pasttime and sport for many of the villagers. Groups of men (and sometimes women) would sneak into witch-warrens, or witch-towers, and capture the sleeping witches. It was soon decided that younger people, who were more energetic, thereby had more energy, therfore would burn hotter, which led to the custom of taking the youngest of the witches (yet old enough for a slightly deeper voice). The young girls were thrown in cages, taken back to the village, and burnt, often to cook steak (see "persecution" for relevance).
[bold]Whiches, Wiches, Wytches and Witches[/bold]
"Whiches" are questions, "wiches" are edibles and "Witches" are magical humanoids. They are absolutely not interchangable despite the the machinations of the orthographically lazy. The term "Wytches" is merely a gender-neutral spelling of "Witches" that arose in the late 1970s when the feminist movement caught on amongst the witch population in the occident.
[bold]Persecution[/bold]
Witches, as a minority were famously discriminated against in nearly all cultures (with the exception of Nigerian culture and fans of the television series Andromeda). In medievel England witches were prosecuted legally and usually forced to eat burnt steak if found guilty. Though not technically lethal in in doses below 560 kilograms, burnt steak is known for it's carcinogenic properties and doesn't taste as well as a properly cooked steak. During the bloody reign of King Edward the one and only, witches were even refused a glass of water to wash the burnt steak down with.
In today's world, witches are usually accepted as equal members of society. The Salem Witch Triathlon is a biannual witch-only sporting event held in Salem, Sweden, to promote Witch awareness to the general public.
[bold]Witch Tests[/bold]
* Burn the supposed witch at the stake. If she burns, she is a witch. Humans cannot burn.
* Throw the supposed witch into a pond. If she drowns, she is a human, if she floats she is a witch.
* Pour a bucket of sulphuric acid over a suspected witch's head. If her hair turns red, she is a witch.
* Pour a bucket of sulphuric acid over a suspected witch's head. If she develops a welt, she is a witch.
* Use "I" instead of "me" (or visa versa) around the supposed witch. If she corrects you, she is a witch.
* Ask the witch if she knows anyone who is a witch if she says no she is a witch, if she says yes she is also a witch.
* If you ask her to sleep with you and she says no she is a witch.
The primary use of the witch, as many in the middle ages knew, was firewood. In times where wood was scarce, especially in winter, it became very, very cold. The only available resource not required for life were humans (water being the only other option, which was too scarce and valuable to burn). At first, children were used as the means of attaning warmth, and a heat source to cook food. This was soon discontinued, for many reasons:
1) The population was severely diminishing by the second generation.
2) The extremely-high pitched screaming became annoying to the local residents, and it was decided to use older people for the burning process.
The next-most-useless group to society, was that of the witches. All they did was cast pointless spells, and do un-needed things, such as brewing healing potions. One problem that arose, however, was that the children were easily accessible, whereas witches would have to be caught before being exploited. It was not unusual during these times to find groups of people "witch hunting". This became a common pasttime and sport for many of the villagers. Groups of men (and sometimes women) would sneak into witch-warrens, or witch-towers, and capture the sleeping witches. It was soon decided that younger people, who were more energetic, thereby had more energy, therfore would burn hotter, which led to the custom of taking the youngest of the witches (yet old enough for a slightly deeper voice). The young girls were thrown in cages, taken back to the village, and burnt, often to cook steak (see "persecution" for relevance).
Whiches, Wiches, Wytches and Witches
"Whiches" are questions, "wiches" are edibles and "Witches" are magical humanoids. They are absolutely not interchangable despite the the machinations of the orthographically lazy. The term "Wytches" is merely a gender-neutral spelling of "Witches" that arose in the late 1970s when the feminist movement caught on amongst the witch population in the occident.
Persecution
Witches, as a minority were famously discriminated against in nearly all cultures (with the exception of Nigerian culture and fans of the television series Andromeda). In medievel England witches were prosecuted legally and usually forced to eat burnt steak if found guilty. Though not technically lethal in in doses below 560 kilograms, burnt steak is known for it's carcinogenic properties and doesn't taste as well as a properly cooked steak. During the bloody reign of King Edward the one and only, witches were even refused a glass of water to wash the burnt steak down with.
In today's world, witches are usually accepted as equal members of society. The Salem Witch Triathlon is a biannual witch-only sporting event held in Salem, Sweden, to promote Witch awareness to the general public.
Witch Tests
* Burn the supposed witch at the stake. If she burns, she is a witch. Humans cannot burn.
* Throw the supposed witch into a pond. If she drowns, she is a human, if she floats she is a witch.
* Pour a bucket of sulphuric acid over a suspected witch's head. If her hair turns red, she is a witch.
* Pour a bucket of sulphuric acid over a suspected witch's head. If she develops a welt, she is a witch.
* Use "I" instead of "me" (or visa versa) around the supposed witch. If she corrects you, she is a witch.
* Ask the witch if she knows anyone who is a witch if she says no she is a witch, if she says yes she is also a witch.
* If you ask her to sleep with you and she says no she is a witch.
Posted by: silvrwlf, US on 8:04pm Wed 14 Mar 07
Don't flatter yourself, silly. You don't know anything about me. Just because I post on a human interest story you think....wait! I know! You're a psycho...I mean psychic! Wow, can you tell me how my stock portfolio is going to look next quarter? How should I invest differently?
Making assumptions about people who you only have contact with on a single comment board makes you look more ridiculous than your first post. No more cookies for you.
Don't flatter yourself, silly. You don't know anything about me. Just because I post on a human interest story you think....wait! I know! You're a psycho...I mean psychic! Wow, can you tell me how my stock portfolio is going to look next quarter? How should I invest differently?
Making assumptions about people who you only have contact with on a single comment board makes you look more ridiculous than your first post. No more cookies for you.
Posted by: ian on 9:08pm Wed 14 Mar 07
Oh dear resorting to name calling. No cookies for you either.
Oh dear resorting to name calling. No cookies for you either.
Posted by: silvrwlf, US on 9:55pm Wed 14 Mar 07
Hmm....I guess some people still haven't discovered the meaning of sarcasm.
Hmm....I guess some people still haven't discovered the meaning of sarcasm.
Posted by: ian on 11:01pm Wed 14 Mar 07
hmm resorting to sarcasm eh, thats a cookie you owe me !
hmm resorting to sarcasm eh, thats a cookie you owe me !
Posted by: wykewitch, Weymouth on 12:12am Thu 15 Mar 07
If your baking cookies, could you send me some?
If your baking cookies, could you send me some?
Posted by: Vulpine, Dorset on 7:37am Thu 15 Mar 07
Cookies? Who said Cookies?
Cookies? Who said Cookies?
Posted by: StormRavn, US-Arizona on 7:53am Thu 15 Mar 07
It is sad when any part of nature is destroyed, either by disease or design. When any of the beauty of nature is lost, we all lose. Hopefully the cutting back of this tree will help restore it once again to its full glory. If not, I hope that a new tree will be planted, and as the phoenix, new life will rise from the ashes of death. I am even more saddened by those who feel the need to to cause conflict over something that causes others sorrow. To those I can only say, you must really have a horrible existence if the only way you can feel good, is to get your kicks from other peoples pain.
Blessings to all
It is sad when any part of nature is destroyed, either by disease or design. When any of the beauty of nature is lost, we all lose. Hopefully the cutting back of this tree will help restore it once again to its full glory. If not, I hope that a new tree will be planted, and as the phoenix, new life will rise from the ashes of death. I am even more saddened by those who feel the need to to cause conflict over something that causes others sorrow. To those I can only say, you must really have a horrible existence if the only way you can feel good, is to get your kicks from other peoples pain.
Blessings to all
Posted by: ian on 11:45am Thu 15 Mar 07
Peoples pain? a tree, living a horrible existence for having a sense of humour?
For that you deserve this !!
http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/South/04/21/offbeat.big.cookie/index.html
Peoples pain? a tree, living a horrible existence for having a sense of humour?
For that you deserve this !!
http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/South/04/21/offbeat.big.cookie/index.html
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 12:55pm Thu 15 Mar 07
I use bold [bold]because I can[/bold] so sue me.
[bold]Silvrwlf, I have a friend coming over here to stay in a few weeks and he's from Georgia too.
Guess what ? Mark from the council didn't turn up at our meeting last night. :-)[/bold]
I use bold
because I can so sue me.
Silvrwlf, I have a friend coming over here to stay in a few weeks and he's from Georgia too.
Guess what ? Mark from the council didn't turn up at our meeting last night. :-) Posted by: The Dolmen, Weymouth on 1:29pm Thu 15 Mar 07
[bold]Joking aside Were you the one responsible for spraying Anti Witch coments on our van.MATHEW HOPKINS SOCIETY?
And was it you that left a dead bird with a noose around its neck on the windscreen with die witch typed on a piece of paper stuck to it?[/bold]
Many a sicko hides behind a smile,Mathew Hopkins Society.
We feel very suspicious of you.
Very Suspicious
Joking aside Were you the one responsible for spraying Anti Witch coments on our van.MATHEW HOPKINS SOCIETY?
And was it you that left a dead bird with a noose around its neck on the windscreen with die witch typed on a piece of paper stuck to it?
Many a sicko hides behind a smile,Mathew Hopkins Society.
We feel very suspicious of you.
Very Suspicious
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 2:06pm Thu 15 Mar 07
[bold]A coward is a coward and will never be anything else.
They're probably from some ultra-christian group with so little belief in their own arguement that they have to resort to what they would see as scare tactics.
They don't know us very well do they. ;-)[/bold]
A coward is a coward and will never be anything else.
They're probably from some ultra-christian group with so little belief in their own arguement that they have to resort to what they would see as scare tactics.
They don't know us very well do they. ;-) Posted by: silvrwlf, US on 2:29pm Thu 15 Mar 07
Actually, Midnighter, I'm from Mississippi - still in the south surrounded by rednecks and [bold]CRAZY[/bold] Christians - but it's close enough. ^__^ And yes, I was giving out cookies to those who were trying to get attention by being mean. Instead I'll pass out cookies to those who aren't. ^__^
Oh, and Ian, no I didn't resort to sarcasm, it's just a natural gift. I was trying to make a point, but - obviously - you missed it. I'm not going to argue with you.
Dolmen Grove, you will be in my prayers and I will have my friends put you in theirs as well. No one should put up with the harassment that you've endured, but they will get theirs. If it was a Christian group, I'd love to be a fly on a cloud when they get to the gates. On that day, they'll know how it feels to be treated like they don't belong. Only difference - they really won't.
Brightest blessings to you all.
Actually, Midnighter, I'm from Mississippi - still in the south surrounded by rednecks and
CRAZY Christians - but it's close enough. ^__^ And yes, I was giving out cookies to those who were trying to get attention by being mean. Instead I'll pass out cookies to those who aren't. ^__^
Oh, and Ian, no I didn't resort to sarcasm, it's just a natural gift. I was trying to make a point, but - obviously - you missed it. I'm not going to argue with you.
Dolmen Grove, you will be in my prayers and I will have my friends put you in theirs as well. No one should put up with the harassment that you've endured, but they will get theirs. If it was a Christian group, I'd love to be a fly on a cloud when they get to the gates. On that day, they'll know how it feels to be treated like they don't belong. Only difference - they really won't.
Brightest blessings to you all.
Posted by: Matthew Hopkins Society on 2:55pm Thu 15 Mar 07
[quote][bold]The Dolmen[/bold] wrote:
[bold]Joking aside Were you the one responsible for spraying Anti Witch coments on our van.MATHEW HOPKINS SOCIETY?
And was it you that left a dead bird with a noose around its neck on the windscreen with die witch typed on a piece of paper stuck to it?[/bold]
Many a sicko hides behind a smile,Mathew Hopkins Society.
We feel very suspicious of you.
Very Suspicious[/quote] That anyone should actually go out of their way to hassle you seems rather silly - probably some of the “rednecks“ referred to by a poster above. For myself I merely think you revel in the [bold]idea[/bold] of being a ‘persecuted victim’ for your beliefs. A ‘persecution fantasy’ cultivated to hark back to an arcane world view when people had a genuine belief in and feared the ‘magical’. Why anyone now would find your beliefs threatening I can’t imagine, although I dare say it might give you a vicarious thrill and in so doing augment the mystique you imagine surrounds you if you suppose that they just might.
The Dolmen wrote:
Joking aside Were you the one responsible for spraying Anti Witch coments on our van.MATHEW HOPKINS SOCIETY?
And was it you that left a dead bird with a noose around its neck on the windscreen with die witch typed on a piece of paper stuck to it?
Many a sicko hides behind a smile,Mathew Hopkins Society.
We feel very suspicious of you.
Very Suspicious
That anyone should actually go out of their way to hassle you seems rather silly - probably some of the “rednecks“ referred to by a poster above. For myself I merely think you revel in the
idea of being a ‘persecuted victim’ for your beliefs. A ‘persecution fantasy’ cultivated to hark back to an arcane world view when people had a genuine belief in and feared the ‘magical’. Why anyone now would find your beliefs threatening I can’t imagine, although I dare say it might give you a vicarious thrill and in so doing augment the mystique you imagine surrounds you if you suppose that they just might.
Posted by: The Dolmen on 3:08pm Thu 15 Mar 07
[bold]Matthew Hopkins Society.
You have answered exactly the way we thought you would.
You do not understand anything about us Witches Druids etc..
But you help us understand alot about You.
Were you part of the lot that only a couple of months ago made national press by attacking pagans in Glastonbury by any chance.
Dont avoid the question by being a smart Alec.[/bold]
Matthew Hopkins Society.
You have answered exactly the way we thought you would.
You do not understand anything about us Witches Druids etc..
But you help us understand alot about You.
Were you part of the lot that only a couple of months ago made national press by attacking pagans in Glastonbury by any chance.
Dont avoid the question by being a smart Alec.
Posted by: silvrwlf, US on 3:10pm Thu 15 Mar 07
So is that a yes?
To pretend that harassment doesn't exsist or that it's a "persecution fantasy" makes you look unintelligent or guilty. With the hateful things you've said on this bored, I'd say guilty. You've been harassing here, why wouldn't you do it in real life?
Don't get high and mighty when their suspision of you is well founded - and I only know of what you've said on here! But by coming to this board and making the comments that you did, that is "go[ing] our of [your] way to hassle [them]" How odd, how odd.
So is that a yes?
To pretend that harassment doesn't exsist or that it's a "persecution fantasy" makes you look unintelligent or guilty. With the hateful things you've said on this bored, I'd say guilty. You've been harassing here, why wouldn't you do it in real life?
Don't get high and mighty when their suspision of you is well founded - and I only know of what you've said on here! But by coming to this board and making the comments that you did, that is "go our of way to hassle " How odd, how odd.
Posted by: Matthew Hopkins Society on 3:30pm Thu 15 Mar 07
[quote]Were you part of the lot that only a couple of months ago made national press by attacking pagans in Glastonbury by any chance.
Dont avoid the question by being a smart Alec. [/quote]
[quote]With the hateful things you've said on this bored, I'd say guilty.[/quote]
Blimey; what is this a Witch trial??
Were you part of the lot that only a couple of months ago made national press by attacking pagans in Glastonbury by any chance.
Dont avoid the question by being a smart Alec.
With the hateful things you've said on this bored, I'd say guilty.
Blimey; what is this a Witch trial??
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 3:39pm Thu 15 Mar 07
[quote][bold]Matthew Hopkins Society[/bold] wrote:
[quote]Were you part of the lot that only a couple of months ago made national press by attacking pagans in Glastonbury by any chance. Dont avoid the question by being a smart Alec. [/quote] [quote]With the hateful things you've said on this bored, I'd say guilty.[/quote] Blimey; what is this a Witch trial?? [/quote] Nah, sounds like some idiot with more time on their hands than is good for them and who has decided to fill it up with making inane comments about a group of well-meaning and singular people who have forgotten more than you'll ever know.
Matthew Hopkins Society wrote:
Were you part of the lot that only a couple of months ago made national press by attacking pagans in Glastonbury by any chance. Dont avoid the question by being a smart Alec.
With the hateful things you've said on this bored, I'd say guilty.
Blimey; what is this a Witch trial??
Nah, sounds like some idiot with more time on their hands than is good for them and who has decided to fill it up with making inane comments about a group of well-meaning and singular people who have forgotten more than you'll ever know.
Posted by: Sally on 4:37pm Thu 15 Mar 07
[quote]with more time on their hands than is good for them [/quote]
This point of view seems to be come up quite often on these comment boards. I wonder why the people posting it think their own time has been so much better employed than that of others?
with more time on their hands than is good for them
This point of view seems to be come up quite often on these comment boards. I wonder why the people posting it think their own time has been so much better employed than that of others?
Posted by: Matthew Hopkins Society on 5:08pm Thu 15 Mar 07
Who would assume that a regional newspaper comments board is worth more than a few idle quips or observations.
For most of us it's hardly time consuming, merely an interlude of light entertainment.
Who would assume that a regional newspaper comments board is worth more than a few idle quips or observations.
For most of us it's hardly time consuming, merely an interlude of light entertainment.
Posted by: Moonlight, Weymouth on 5:15pm Thu 15 Mar 07
[bold]Witch Finder General you're a few centuries behind the times and your ignorance shows. Why not allow these good people, i.e. the Dolman Grove and people who have respect for nature and our heritage to enlighten you a little?
Even the witches persecuted for being who they were in history often did a lot of good. Where do you think many of the basis for modern medicines come from?
If you're in Dorset then you are surrounded by ancient sites, sites of pagan rituals and the worship of nature. I suggest you be careful of those ley lines while out on your witch hunts though.
Blessings to all who have the enlightenment of tolerance and acceptance. :) [/bold]
Witch Finder General you're a few centuries behind the times and your ignorance shows. Why not allow these good people, i.e. the Dolman Grove and people who have respect for nature and our heritage to enlighten you a little?
Even the witches persecuted for being who they were in history often did a lot of good. Where do you think many of the basis for modern medicines come from?
If you're in Dorset then you are surrounded by ancient sites, sites of pagan rituals and the worship of nature. I suggest you be careful of those ley lines while out on your witch hunts though.
Blessings to all who have the enlightenment of tolerance and acceptance. :) Posted by: Matthew Hopkins Society on 5:26pm Thu 15 Mar 07
You're certainly not averse to digging yourself in deeper if for a bit of dramatic rhetoric,I'll give you that.
PS I shouldn't carry on assuming you speak for anyone but yourself, I'm sure there are a few people who wouldn't thank you for it.
You're certainly not averse to digging yourself in deeper if for a bit of dramatic rhetoric,I'll give you that.
PS I shouldn't carry on assuming you speak for anyone but yourself, I'm sure there are a few people who wouldn't thank you for it.
Posted by: silvrwlf, US on 5:41pm Thu 15 Mar 07
If I ever find myself on that side of the pond, I will definitely have to look you guys up (Dolmen Grove), especially if you have an open gathering going on. And I will certainly have to have a look at your place. I'm facinated by it and now trying to convince my fiance that we have to take a trip sometime in the near future. ^__^ Until then, brightest blessings to you all.
Yes, even you, Matthew Hopkins Society. May you be blessed with an opening of your mind.
If I ever find myself on that side of the pond, I will definitely have to look you guys up (Dolmen Grove), especially if you have an open gathering going on. And I will certainly have to have a look at your place. I'm facinated by it and now trying to convince my fiance that we have to take a trip sometime in the near future. ^__^ Until then, brightest blessings to you all.
Yes, even you, Matthew Hopkins Society. May you be blessed with an opening of your mind.
Posted by: Matthew Hopkins Society on 5:57pm Thu 15 Mar 07
[quote]Don't flatter yourself, silly. You don't know anything about me.[/quote] [quote]Making assumptions about people who you only have contact with on a single comment board makes you look more ridiculous than your first post. No more cookies for you.[/quote]
[quote]You're certainly not averse to digging yourself in deeper[/quote]
Don't flatter yourself, silly. You don't know anything about me.
Making assumptions about people who you only have contact with on a single comment board makes you look more ridiculous than your first post. No more cookies for you.
You're certainly not averse to digging yourself in deeper
Posted by: Dove, Weymouth on 10:51pm Thu 15 Mar 07
It's a shame that what was meant to be about a group of peoples respect has turned into a sickening display of hatred by some. I wish this board could be closed as it's mainly hateful and negative.
It's a shame that what was meant to be about a group of peoples respect has turned into a sickening display of hatred by some. I wish this board could be closed as it's mainly hateful and negative.
Posted by: Gypsy, Weymouth on 11:03pm Thu 15 Mar 07
[quote]left a dead bird with a noose around its neck on the windscreen with die witch typed on a piece of paper stuck to it?
[/quote]
This is sickening, truly vulgar, how can anyone do this?
Why can't people accept others for the way they are?
Why has a simple article about the loss of a tree special to some turned into a mass of hate?
left a dead bird with a noose around its neck on the windscreen with die witch typed on a piece of paper stuck to it?
This is sickening, truly vulgar, how can anyone do this?
Why can't people accept others for the way they are?
Why has a simple article about the loss of a tree special to some turned into a mass of hate?
Posted by: Unbalanced Mower, Garden Shed on 11:56pm Thu 15 Mar 07
It might seem strange, but it is a true and salutary tale: I have been cutting my lawn for the last twenty years and have never had a re-balancing ceremony; now my lawn is all lumpy.
It might seem strange, but it is a true and salutary tale: I have been cutting my lawn for the last twenty years and have never had a re-balancing ceremony; now my lawn is all lumpy.
Posted by: The Dolmen on 1:55am Fri 16 Mar 07
[bold]Bullies, Tyranist and just plain stupid beings quite often ridicule and seek to persecute that which they do not understand,like its the only way they can say they are afraid or need a bit of attention.
Quite often they sit back in denial of their actions and what's worse they even try to be witty,
which makes them either blind or just plain stupid. Maybe they are scared to face personal issues they have managed to manifest.
If these ridiculers ever took the time to study or even discover a little of what Pagans are about before speaking, it would be something to behold.
But quite often they just go straight in knuckles draging by their sides unknowing that we are the oldest religion in this country and also the first to establish schools of education in this country.
Our traditions have survived down through centuries against all odds, persecution invasion and individuals who have no pride in their heritage.
The Dolmen Grove welcome all Druids Witches Pagans Heathens,and peace loving people who may not go under a title but share the same values.
We celebrate life, Nature, our Earth and our Gods.
If we wish to perform a ritual for any of these reasons be it to balance an energy or to welcome the seasons we shall, just like our people have done over thousands of years and will continue to do so.
Bright Blessings to you Silverwolf if ever you come over the pond you will be welcome.[/bold]
Bullies, Tyranist and just plain stupid beings quite often ridicule and seek to persecute that which they do not understand,like its the only way they can say they are afraid or need a bit of attention.
Quite often they sit back in denial of their actions and what's worse they even try to be witty,
which makes them either blind or just plain stupid. Maybe they are scared to face personal issues they have managed to manifest.
If these ridiculers ever took the time to study or even discover a little of what Pagans are about before speaking, it would be something to behold.
But quite often they just go straight in knuckles draging by their sides unknowing that we are the oldest religion in this country and also the first to establish schools of education in this country.
Our traditions have survived down through centuries against all odds, persecution invasion and individuals who have no pride in their heritage.
The Dolmen Grove welcome all Druids Witches Pagans Heathens,and peace loving people who may not go under a title but share the same values.
We celebrate life, Nature, our Earth and our Gods.
If we wish to perform a ritual for any of these reasons be it to balance an energy or to welcome the seasons we shall, just like our people have done over thousands of years and will continue to do so.
Bright Blessings to you Silverwolf if ever you come over the pond you will be welcome.
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 8:51am Fri 16 Mar 07
Whilst on the subject of the Dolmen Grove, try checking out the link to the best Pagan Celtic Folk band on planet earth, a partially hidden gem of this area.
[url]C:Documents and SettingsS VineDesktopYouTube - Dolmenisation.mht[/url]
Whilst on the subject of the Dolmen Grove, try checking out the link to the best Pagan Celtic Folk band on planet earth, a partially hidden gem of this area.
C:Documents and SettingsS VineDesktopYouTube - Dolmenisation.mht
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 8:54am Fri 16 Mar 07
And if I put the right link up, you might even be able to view it. :(
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cImlm3TlDiY[/url]
And if I put the right link up, you might even be able to view it. :(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cImlm3TlDiY
Posted by: wyrdwych on 8:59am Fri 16 Mar 07
What better evidance is there for the existance of the same old bunch of intolerant, ignorant people that used to have more power available to them in days gone by. Thank the gods that we are alive in this time where pagans can openly practise and can stand up to these ingrates .
What better evidance is there for the existance of the same old bunch of intolerant, ignorant people that used to have more power available to them in days gone by. Thank the gods that we are alive in this time where pagans can openly practise and can stand up to these ingrates .
Posted by: wykewitch, Wyemouth on 11:17am Fri 16 Mar 07
[quote][bold]Sally[/bold] wrote:
[quote]with more time on their hands than is good for them [/quote] This point of view seems to be come up quite often on these comment boards. I wonder why the people posting it think their own time has been so much better employed than that of others? [/quote] Did you see what was written Sally? It was mildly funny stuff which could be interpreted as threatening, with no perpose or real comment on the artical. That was why the above comment was made.
Sally wrote:
with more time on their hands than is good for them
This point of view seems to be come up quite often on these comment boards. I wonder why the people posting it think their own time has been so much better employed than that of others?
Did you see what was written Sally? It was mildly funny stuff which could be interpreted as threatening, with no perpose or real comment on the artical. That was why the above comment was made.
Posted by: Common Sense man, dorset on 1:07pm Fri 16 Mar 07
We are a Christian Country remember the vast amount of the population are christian why give such publicity to a minority such as this?
Lets talk about what the church is doing not talk about some misguided souls.
Not get a life so much as get a religion.
We are a Christian Country remember the vast amount of the population are christian why give such publicity to a minority such as this?
Lets talk about what the church is doing not talk about some misguided souls.
Not get a life so much as get a religion.
Posted by: Harry, Missouri, USA on 1:39pm Fri 16 Mar 07
Back to the topic of the Tree.
I'm sorry that such a wonderful old tree had to be cut.
I don't know how much of the tree was cut or How the Disease effects it. But It may regrow until the disease kills it.
Would it be possible to take a cutting and start a new tree from the Old one? You'll have to take a few cuttings so that you'll have multiple choices to pick the best growing one from.
Then in a sense You'll be continuing the tradition of worship around the same tree.
Isn't this how the Druids maintained their Groves And started New ones?
Back to the topic of the Tree.
I'm sorry that such a wonderful old tree had to be cut.
I don't know how much of the tree was cut or How the Disease effects it. But It may regrow until the disease kills it.
Would it be possible to take a cutting and start a new tree from the Old one? You'll have to take a few cuttings so that you'll have multiple choices to pick the best growing one from.
Then in a sense You'll be continuing the tradition of worship around the same tree.
Isn't this how the Druids maintained their Groves And started New ones?
Posted by: Lorn on 1:50pm Fri 16 Mar 07
[quote][bold]Unbalanced Mower[/bold] wrote:
It might seem strange, but it is a true and salutary tale: I have been cutting my lawn for the last twenty years and have never had a re-balancing ceremony; now my lawn is all lumpy.[/quote] I only have a small allotment but each year my harvest is plentiful. I always try to rebalance for what I take from the earth. We sow the seed to grow the seed but we must give thanks for Natures bounty.
Don’t give up hope on your lawn but give thanks and I am sure you’ll find that your garden improves.
Unbalanced Mower wrote:
It might seem strange, but it is a true and salutary tale: I have been cutting my lawn for the last twenty years and have never had a re-balancing ceremony; now my lawn is all lumpy.
I only have a small allotment but each year my harvest is plentiful. I always try to rebalance for what I take from the earth. We sow the seed to grow the seed but we must give thanks for Natures bounty.
Don’t give up hope on your lawn but give thanks and I am sure you’ll find that your garden improves.
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 2:03pm Fri 16 Mar 07
[quote][bold]Common Sense man[/bold] wrote:
We are a Christian Country remember the vast amount of the population are christian why give such publicity to a minority such as this? Lets talk about what the church is doing not talk about some misguided souls. Not get a life so much as get a religion.[/quote] If you're going to call yourself by that user-name, at least try to resemble it in some samall way.
The national religion of the UK may well be Christianity, but the majority of folk in it adhere to no religion at all. just look at church attendances for proof.
Who are you calling 'misguided' you pompous cretin ? I have more sense in my scrotum than you have in your head.
Your church does nothing but what it has always done. Try to control the feeble-minded, non thinkers and the scared, whilst squeezing as many hypocritical slips into a day as possible.
Common Sense man wrote:
We are a Christian Country remember the vast amount of the population are christian why give such publicity to a minority such as this? Lets talk about what the church is doing not talk about some misguided souls. Not get a life so much as get a religion.
If you're going to call yourself by that user-name, at least try to resemble it in some samall way.
The national religion of the UK may well be Christianity, but the majority of folk in it adhere to no religion at all. just look at church attendances for proof.
Who are you calling 'misguided' you pompous cretin ? I have more sense in my scrotum than you have in your head.
Your church does nothing but what it has always done. Try to control the feeble-minded, non thinkers and the scared, whilst squeezing as many hypocritical slips into a day as possible.
Posted by: Sally on 2:19pm Fri 16 Mar 07
[quote] Who are you calling 'misguided' you pompous cretin ? I have more sense in my scrotum than you have in your head.
Your church does nothing but what it has always done. Try to control the feeble-minded, non thinkers and the scared, whilst squeezing as many hypocritical slips into a day as possible.[/quote]
Midnighter, you seem very intolerant of others. The poster may not understand your point of view but he didn't resort to personal insults. Why must you?
Who are you calling 'misguided' you pompous cretin ? I have more sense in my scrotum than you have in your head.
Your church does nothing but what it has always done. Try to control the feeble-minded, non thinkers and the scared, whilst squeezing as many hypocritical slips into a day as possible.
Midnighter, you seem very intolerant of others. The poster may not understand your point of view but he didn't resort to personal insults. Why must you?
Posted by: Lorn on 2:40pm Fri 16 Mar 07
Sorry Unbalanced Gardener,I got so carried away back there I forgot to mention Monty Don is doing re-balancing on Gardeners World tonight. Don't miss...!
Sorry Unbalanced Gardener,I got so carried away back there I forgot to mention Monty Don is doing re-balancing on Gardeners World tonight. Don't miss...!
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 2:54pm Fri 16 Mar 07
[quote][bold]Sally[/bold] wrote:
[quote] Who are you calling 'misguided' you pompous cretin ? I have more sense in my scrotum than you have in your head. Your church does nothing but what it has always done. Try to control the feeble-minded, non thinkers and the scared, whilst squeezing as many hypocritical slips into a day as possible.[/quote] Midnighter, you seem very intolerant of others. The poster may not understand your point of view but he didn't resort to personal insults. Why must you?[/quote] Calling someone 'misguided' [bold]IS[/bold] a personal insult. I'm old enough and have enough experience of the world, to make an informed choice for myself and don't need telling that I've got it wrong by a total stranger.
Sally wrote:
Who are you calling 'misguided' you pompous cretin ? I have more sense in my scrotum than you have in your head. Your church does nothing but what it has always done. Try to control the feeble-minded, non thinkers and the scared, whilst squeezing as many hypocritical slips into a day as possible.
Midnighter, you seem very intolerant of others. The poster may not understand your point of view but he didn't resort to personal insults. Why must you?
Calling someone 'misguided'
IS a personal insult. I'm old enough and have enough experience of the world, to make an informed choice for myself and don't need telling that I've got it wrong by a total stranger.
Posted by: Sally on 3:20pm Fri 16 Mar 07
Having read through the comments on this board, I think you and a number of the other posters claiming to share similar views have done a disservice to Paganism and other like beliefs. Whenever anyone has expressed a point of view at variance with yours you have attacked them and have resorted to crude insults and accusations. If you think you have served your religion well then I would also consider you misguided.
Having read through the comments on this board, I think you and a number of the other posters claiming to share similar views have done a disservice to Paganism and other like beliefs. Whenever anyone has expressed a point of view at variance with yours you have attacked them and have resorted to crude insults and accusations. If you think you have served your religion well then I would also consider you misguided.
Posted by: Midnighter, Weymouth on 3:33pm Fri 16 Mar 07
Well that, I would imagine, depends upon what your idea of what a pagan is.
If you think we are all, to coin a phrase, 'tree-hugging' hippies, then I think you will be disappointed madam.
Back in the real world, people disagree and on occasion, slightly stronger words are used. If this upsets you as much as it seems to, then may I suggest that you do not frequent message boards, forums and the like, because time and again I'm afraid, you are going to come up against folk who are going to be prepared to fight their corner.
I am one such person and may I remind you that the first insults were proffered bt non-pagan people.
Not to respond to this bullying is not in my and many others' make up.
I make no apology for having a bit of spirit.
Well that, I would imagine, depends upon what your idea of what a pagan is.
If you think we are all, to coin a phrase, 'tree-hugging' hippies, then I think you will be disappointed madam.
Back in the real world, people disagree and on occasion, slightly stronger words are used. If this upsets you as much as it seems to, then may I suggest that you do not frequent message boards, forums and the like, because time and again I'm afraid, you are going to come up against folk who are going to be prepared to fight their corner.
I am one such person and may I remind you that the first insults were proffered bt non-pagan people.
Not to respond to this bullying is not in my and many others' make up.
I make no apology for having a bit of spirit.
Posted by: Midnighter on 3:58pm Fri 16 Mar 07
Actually Sally, apart from Common Sense Man, could you kindly furnish me with examples of exactly where I have "attacked people and used crude language" please.
I'm sure you'll be able to do this as you seem so sure of your case.
Actually Sally, apart from Common Sense Man, could you kindly furnish me with examples of exactly where I have "attacked people and used crude language" please.
I'm sure you'll be able to do this as you seem so sure of your case.
Posted by: Sally on 4:34pm Fri 16 Mar 07
[quote]Back in the real world, people disagree and on occasion, slightly stronger words are used. If this upsets you as much as it seems to, then may I suggest that you do not frequent message boards, forums and the like, because time and again I'm afraid, you are going to come up against folk who are going to be prepared to fight their corner.
[/quote]
I think I'd prefer to take your advice above and avoid this worldly fighting.
Back in the real world, people disagree and on occasion, slightly stronger words are used. If this upsets you as much as it seems to, then may I suggest that you do not frequent message boards, forums and the like, because time and again I'm afraid, you are going to come up against folk who are going to be prepared to fight their corner.
I think I'd prefer to take your advice above and avoid this worldly fighting.
Posted by: ian on 4:51pm Fri 16 Mar 07
Might as well they will only start censoring the posts as they have on the fat lady story I see. Not politically correct I suppose? Yawn.
Funny how they are selective on what stories can be commented on too.
If you want to make longer comments try the message board that was suggested in another thread:
http://www.weymouth-town.net/viewforum.php?f=6
Might as well they will only start censoring the posts as they have on the fat lady story I see. Not politically correct I suppose? Yawn.
Funny how they are selective on what stories can be commented on too.
If you want to make longer comments try the message board that was suggested in another thread:
http://www.weymouth-town.net/viewforum.php?f=6
