From SchNEWS 222, Friday 30th. July 1999

SUMMER SOLSTICE 2000 (June 21 2.45 am)
The authorities seem to be getting all steamed up about what might happen at Stonehenge next year. According to the Salisbury Journal a reclaim our culture flyer posted on the internet, is being seen "as possibly a thinly coded invitation for a mass breach of the security cordon". Its so thinly coded SchNEWS could hardly understand the message - Stonehenge 2000 biggest ever free party summer solstice Wednesday June 21st. The police, who blamed this summers invasion on, yep you've guessed it "a hardcore of troublemakers", reckon next year "the potential for violence and disorder will be incalculable." Which it no doubt will, if the cops turn up in riot gear with dogs, horses and nasty looking batons again. But don't worry, the Journal informs us that "Already a dedicated intelligence team...based in Devises are monitoring all forms of underground communication to try to stay one step ahead." Basically, the rub is the authorities aren't too pleased with their four mile exclusion zone being ruled illegal, letting all those oiks get near to the stones, even touch them, without paying a bloody penny. We need new laws screams local MP Robert Key because "the police must have adequate powers to prevent a tiny minority ruining it for everyone else." Now where has SchNEWS heard that one before? There are regular Stonehenge Campaign meetings 2nd Sept and 10th Nov at 99 Torriano Ave, Kentish Town, London NW5 2RX 8 pm (send SAE to same address for their newsletter)

From SchNEWS 261, FRIDAY 2nd JUNE, 2000

OPPORTUNITY ROCKS
Its official! After years of riot police, roadblocks and barbed wire, people will be 'allowed' to celebrate at Stonehenge during this years summer solstice.  Under English Heritage terms and conditions the Stones will be open to everyone from midnight to 7am. The change of heart from English Heritage comes on the fifteenth anniversary of the infamous Battle of the Beanfield when the authorities put a stop to the Stonehenge Peoples Free Festival with tactics described by one ITN news reporter as "break(ing) new grounds in the scale and the intensity of its violence." (see SchNEWS 172/3) The cost of the police operation over the years has run into millions, and last year the European Court made a ruling that the right to gather laws in the Criminal Justice Act were in fact illegal. Years of meetings between the authorities and Stonehenge campaigners also seem to have finally paid off. Andy from Festival Eye magazine told SchNEWS "Its our best opportunity since 1984. I'm looking forward to going without fear of any trouble or arrest." It should be a self-policing event, but there will be no dogs, fires, camping or climbing the stones in the centre circle. And one of the London to Stonehenge walkers told us "The big crunch will come at 7 am. If people don't leave then it could be back to square one with the Stones once again being heavily policed and only those with tickets allowed in." 

* The annual walk to Stonehenge has already begun. If you want to join them call 07947 787628

  Festival Eye Website

* For a copy of the Stonehenge Campaign newsletter send SAE to c/o 99 Torriano Avenue, London, NW5 2RX
  Stonehenge Campaign Website

Published in Brighton by Justice? - Brighton's Direct Action collective

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