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WINTER SOLSTICES
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SUMMER SOLSTICES IN THE UK.
Here in rainy old England, we do get a few Summer Solstices that actually allow us to see the age old sun rise. I’ve been recording Summer Solstices since 2001 and you may view some of my photo collections here. I am lucky enough to be able to have time to travel and take the photos. I reckon they should make the Summer Solstices, and Winter Solstices, national holidays. I reckon the longest and shortest days of the year make more sense than Christmas or Easter. Better timing too.
This Summer Solstice photo was taken at dawn on 21st June 2001 from the top of Chanctonbury Hill in Sussex where there was a Pagan circle of trees until they got knocked down by a hurricane in the late 80’s. People often come here to celebrate the Solstice. There were about 25 people on this particular occasion, all marvelling this spectacular solstice. I must emphasise that getting there and back was quite a treacherous ordeal.
The Solstice of 2002 at the ever so famous Stonehenge was a flop; rain, drizzle, and mist. This photo is about the best photo I could get. What made this Solstice special, though, was that it was the first time the Stones had been open to the public since 1985. Before 1985 Stonehenge had been the plantation of British free festivals, with hell’s angels and others alike travelling many miles to camp, take acid, and listen to way out music, all in the name of the British Summer Solstices. In 1985, for monetary reasons involving law of the land, Margaret Thatcher decided to stop people having fun and banned anyone from venturing within half a mile of the stones, especially on the Solstices. There were protests and riots each year, of which I was once apart. Being allowed back into the stone circle in 2002 was magic. It was a bit cold and there must have be a couple of thousand people there. There was one cafe, and one fire for all. It was cold and miserable, and as soon as I got my photo I was out of there, back to Brighton by 11am to sit in front of my telly in the warmth and watch the Germany v England football
The Summer Solstice 2003 had more meaning to me and my family rather than anyone else, although I think I got a fantastic shot. This was taken from my mum and dad’s place in Battle, East Sussex where I used to often visit whilst in need of a freshen up from my travels. It was the last solstice before my folks sold the place and moved to a smallish town in Sussex called Lewes.
The Solstic 2004 was taken in Whiltshire from a hill called Silbury Hill. Although a very small hill, I nearly killed myself climbing it too fast. At the top it took 20 minutes to catch my breath. There were about fifty people up there, playing songs and frolicking around. The views were lovely.
The Solstice 2005 I celebrated at the Rollright Stones, a very strange name I think but some Saxon or somebody obviously thought not. I discovered these stones on invitation earlier in the year to celebrate with a naming ceremony of one of my favourite friend’s baby. We all stood around a circle of stones, drank red wine and ate cakes and stuff, with a sorceress and a wizard in the middle. These stones are located near Banbury in Oxfordshire and are in a little bit of a dull position, that is; not much of a view, although I think it was a marvellous sun rise on this particular solstice.
Barmouth 2009. I camped fifteen miles south-