Witches concoct a gentle brew at first market (From Thisisdorset)

Witches concoct a gentle brew at first market

12:00pm Monday 2nd October 2006 in

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BELLY dancing and a talk on the real' Robin Hood livened up a witches market in Dorchester.

Stalls selling ceremonial gowns, tarot cards and crystals were set up at the Corn Exchange.

Part of the day's events included a talk from Professor Ronald Hutton of Bristol University about an outlaw who lived in Yorkshire in 1220 and made his name by helping a knight who was being taken advantage of by local clergymen.

Some people believe he was the real Robin Hood.

Practising pagan and market organiser Chris Walsh said the day was about having fun and encouraging newcomers to take part.

He said: "It's the first time we've held this market in Dorchester and people have been really enthusiastic about it.

"We've had people coming in off the streets to have a look around."

He added that profits from the market will be split between local animal care charity Dorset Wildlife Rescue and the Coranieid land fund.

The fund is hoped to gather around £50,000 for local pagans to buy land to hold meetings on.