Through My Eyes and Mind

Chimney Pot Slot No. 3

2011-07-26T22:37:00.000+01:00

This week's Chimney Pot Slot comes from Valldemossa in Majorca.

Historic and Mysterious Majorca Slideshow

2011-07-26T21:17:00.000+01:00

History and Mystery Show Playlist 19th July 2011

2011-07-19T23:00:00.004+01:00

Ultravox - Vienna
Dick and Dom - The Stoke on Trent Song
Lady Gaga - Teeth
Annie Lennox - Love Song for a Vampire
Birthrite - Goodbye Happiness

Tangerine Dream - Grind (Sorcerer OST)
Daftpunk - Around the World
Voice of the Beehive - Monsters and Angels
Howard Jones - Hide and Seek
OMD - Maid of Orleans

Events Listing for 19th July Show

2011-07-19T22:32:00.000+01:00

Festival of British Archaeology - now to 31st July
http://www.facebook.com/archaeology.for.all
@FestivalofArch

http://www.archaeologyfestival.org.uk

Heritage Open Days 8-11 September - event programme now live
@heritageopenday
http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

Heritage Open Days Blog

RHS Show Tatton 20-24 July
http://www.rhs.org.uk/Shows-Events/RHS-Show-Tatton-Park/2011
http://www.tattonpark.org.uk/
@tatton_park #rhstatton

Ghost Tours are now up bookable for September to Christmas
http://www.historyandmystery.co.uk
http://www.facebook.com/pages/History-and-Mystery-Tours/245741202105202
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Strange-at-Crewe-The-Crewe-Station-Ghost-Tour/115173248549355
@TimPrevett

Chimney Pot Slot No. 2

2011-07-19T22:12:00.000+01:00

This weeks Chimney Pot Slot is from Longport, Stoke on Trent - and is the Chimney Pot Museum. There's a website HERE - though it has never been open in several years of trying to visit. Do you know any more of it?

Dead Good Cemetery No 2 - St John's, Burslem

2011-07-19T22:11:00.001+01:00

The reason for picking this cemetery is for the one grave oriented at right angles to every other grave. Instead of being aligned east - west, it's north - south - and the grave of Molly Lee - 'The Witch of Burslem'.

Stoke on Trent Heritage

2011-07-19T22:00:00.001+01:00

Chimney Pot Slot No. 1

2011-07-16T09:31:00.004+01:00

This week's Chimney Pot Shot comes from Calton Hill in Edinburgh.

History and Mystery Show Playlist 12th July 2011

2011-07-12T09:41:00.001+01:00

Kate Bush - Wuthering Heights
Enya - Book of Days (pre Far and Away OST version)
Crewe Station Tweets
Brad Fiedel - Main Title (Terminator 2 Theme)
Events Listing
Tangerine Dream - Love on a Real Train (Risky Business OST)
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross - Painted Sun in Abstract (The Social Network OST)
Featured Prehistoric Site - Duddo
Mediaeval Baebes - Undrentide
U2 - Mysterious Ways (apollo 440 magic hour remix)
Featured Holy Well - Nantwich Salt Springs
Roxy Music - Oh Yeah
Featured Graveyard - Greyfriars Kirkyard
Hurts - Sunday

Featured Ancient Site No 1 - Duddo Stone Circle, Northumberland

2011-07-12T09:40:00.000+01:00

More information from English Heritage, The Megalithic Portal, The Modern Antiquarian

Events Listing for 12th July Show

2011-07-12T09:39:00.000+01:00

Wednesday July 13
Things that go bump... at York's Guildhall
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=225883340777084
Spooksfest York
@companyofghosts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spooksfest-York/142148345817199
http://www.spooksfest.co.uk/

Weird o' Wonderful Lectures, York
http://www.facebook.com/wowlecturesyork

Saturday July 16
Ghost Tours at Carlisle Citadel Station
@CarlisleStation
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carlisle-Citadel-Train-Station-Tours/184637978227315
http://www.carlisleundercroft.co.uk

Public Day in Llandudno with Roman Tours at Conwy Museum
@RomanTours
http://www.facebook.com/romantours
http://www.romantoursuk.com

This spectacular weekend returns to Kelmarsh Hall, Northamptonshire on July 16 - 17 2011.
@EnglishHeritage
http://www.facebook.com/pages/English-Heritage/173240995747
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
http://www.fesitivalofhistory.org.uk

Festival of British Archaeology
100s of events all over the country
@FestivalofArch
http://www.facebook.com/archaeology.for.all
http://festival.britarch.ac.uk/

The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power
@PageantofPower
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pageant-of-Power/71847194587
http://www.cpop.co.uk

Heritage Open Days in 8 - 11 September - blog and events live from Friday July 15th @HeritageOpenDay
http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

Featured Holy Well No 1 - Salt Springs, Nantwich

2011-07-12T09:37:00.001+01:00

Dead Good Cemetery No 1 - Greyfriars Kirkyard, Edinburgh

2011-07-12T09:33:00.001+01:00

History and Mystery Show Playlist 5th July 2011

2011-07-06T09:27:00.000+01:00

Mike Oldfield - The Man in the Rain
Kraftwerk - The Model
6:40 Chat
Jean Michel Jarre - Equinoxe V
2:55 Chat
Dead Can Dance - Bird
4:44 Chat
Men Without Hats - Safety Dance
Hurts - Stay
2:44 Chat
0:33 Chat
Handel - Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
Dead Can Dance - Saltarello
1:12 Chat
The Buggles - Video Killed the Radio Star
Gary Numan - Cars
0:24 Chat
Mike Oldfield - In Dulci Jubilo

1st RedShift Radio Show

2011-07-06T09:19:00.001+01:00

Last night the first History and Mystery Show was broadcast on RedShift Radio, presented by myself, Tim Prevett.

During the show I was getting to grips with what to do on some of the techie aspects. Uploading music, creating the playlist, editing the playlist. All the while keeping an eye on time remaining of the show, and each component. Making sure jingles and adverts are played at appropriate intervals.

Using the big green 'go' button, fading microphones out and back in, and ensuring the show neither over nor under runs with the balance of music, talk and other content.

Last night's show also introduced some of the features I'd like to bring each week as I construct the programme.

A Facebook page is on the way, and more content relating to the show will appear here - photos to be talked about, links, who's who when I have guests - either in the studio, phone or prerecorded interview.

I'll also be playing very different music much of the time probably not featured much on the radio. I will use this blog to make note of each week's playlist as a reference for past and future listeners.

The History and Mystery Show on RedShift Radio will be something different. It is very exciting to be bringing this together for more people to enjoy.

Tuesdays at 10pm, RedShift Radio - with non-music content available to listen again on the bottom of the show's page on the RedShift Radio website.

Happy Birthday, Alan Turing

2011-06-23T16:47:00.004+01:00

Today would have been Alan Turing's 99th birthday. 10 years ago today, a statue was unveiled of him in Sackville Gardens in Manchester. Who, you may ask, was Alan Turing? He is described as 'Father of Computer Science, Mathematician, Logician, Wartime Codebreaker, Victim of Prejudice'.

An amazingly intelligent man, invaluable in breaking the Enigma Code, original and grounbreaking in his field - and prosecuted for his sexuality, leading to his suicide in 1954. Read lots more about him here on Wikipedia.

Today I went over to his statue in Sackville Gardens in Manchester, and wished him a happy birthday.

Christ Church Crewe

2011-06-20T00:01:00.001+01:00

In the centre of Crewe there is a partially ruined church. Seemingly forgotten by the modern town, the church was for around 140 years a major focus of the life of the town. This text is from the printed guide, and was correct in 2009 in its description of the interior, and very likely is in 2011.

Christ Church was erected by the directors of the Grand Junction Railway in order to meet the spiritual needs of a growing workforce and their families; it was opened for worship on 18 December 1845.

The original building in Moss Square was modest, but as Crewe grew, so the church had additions such as side aisles, the tower, the baptistry and the chancel with its 'morning chapel'.

Following the depopulation of the town centre and the terrible discovery that the nave roof was badly affectd by dry rot, it was decided to save what was still serviceable and turn the nave into a garden. The task of shrinking the church building took two years - services were held in the nearby Hall - and the church was reopened for worship in 1979. Thanks to the labours of the Revd John Malbon and his congregation the church was restored to what you see.

You come in via the 'greenhouse porch' containing the Memorial to those who fell in the Great War of 1914-18 and also the list of vicars dating back to 1846. Glance up to the glass roof to see the architect's intention that the tower could be seen through the clear panes (unfortunately vandalism has necessitated protective mesh over the whole roof which rather spoils the view).

The doors facing the entrance (above them is a wooden plaque commemorating the centenary of the church) lead into the north porch (now the vase room) which used to be the way into the 'morning chapel' (so-called because weekday services would be held there). This is now the main seating area of the church.

Note the original pews with numbers on their sides which date back to the time when most pews were rented; you paid for privilege of attending church! The free seats would have been along the side aisles, and mainly towards the back,

Take time to look at the stone font given by James Atkinson who happened to be the railway doctor and also the first Mayor of this town. The wooden font cover interestingly has the Star of David (two triangles) incorporated into its design.

The fine eagle lectern is of beautifully carved oak. Above it, on the wall,is a memorial to Charles Dodd, a Freemason, who died on the Titanic - a piece of international history in Crewe! Admittedly this memorial was first sited in the redundant church of St Paul, Hightown, which is now a Christian charity dispensing recycled furniture (among its many good works), but it brought here in the mid 1980s.

Intruding into this area is the fine stall, which is used by the officiant at the services and doubles up as a pulpit; originally this stall was on the end of the choir stalls, as you would expect to see in many churches.

On the far wall is a large plaque commemorating Queen Victoria; in the old church it was on the wall of the side aisle, and it has been restored and repositioned to commemorate our hundred and fiftieth anniversary; a small plaque above explains that.

Notice to the right hand side a little brass plate telling you that the altar and reredos were given as a memorial; those items have been repositioned in the church (you may see on the window strut the mark left by the reredos when it was here).

Take time to examine the magnificent stained glass windows in memory of various members of the Atkinson family, including James the doctor (his window is above the font). The glass is typically Victorian, the window spaces are filled with coloured glass so the light level is quite low. The exception is the window depicting Ruth and Dorcas and the quality of the portraiture is not too good! You will understand how this became known as the 'Atkinson Chapel'. Incidentally, one of our greatest vicars, the Revd Walter Bidlake, married into the Atkinson family.

The family favoured the name Mirion as a girl's name, and the former Atkinson residence stands on the corner of Mirion Street.

The chancel has had its furnishings turned round, although you can still see the reredos with its niches which had the old high altar against it. Turn round and you see the new chancel arch wall over the steps where many marriages would have been conducted in the old church. Now both the reredos and chancel arch wall have the fine choir stalls in front: when there is no choir these are part of the general seating area.

These stalls commemorate Frank W. Webb who was Chief Engineer in the all important Railway Works which was the chief employer in our town. That certainly is not the case today.

Above the reredos stalls is a fine window in memory of John Ramsbottom, Webb's predecessor in the Works.

It was said that the Works could tackle any job (besides seeing to Railway affairs), and one of the more unusual was the making of a false leg for a man who had lost his leg in an accident.

Many were the fire irons made during quieter hours in the Works to grace our townsfolk's homes.

On the chancel arch is a fine window in memory of Peter Beames (the son of another Railway worthy) who died in World War II.

Nearby on the organ wall is a plaque to William Bowler who died in the Great War (sadly only a short while before the Armistice).

The organ has a fine case and the instrument is a remodelling of the old Wadsworth three manual by Sixsmith & Co. It is worth listening to if there is an opportunity, although it has shrunk to two manuals and a pedal board.

The altar and its reredos, together with the two wooden candlesticks, make a fine ensemble and will repay close examination, being a good example of late Victorian art.

The door by the left hand side of the altar leads into the vestry, a spacious room, which is used for meetings, an office and a store for the parish records. Most of our records are housed in the Diocesan Archive in Chester, although we still have some Registers and other interesting items relating to the history of both church and town.

Photographs of the old church line the walls, while a number of interesting items can be seen: look out for the large jug made to contain ale for the thirsty bell ringers after a special event.

Remember that Christ Church contains much of the social history of our town: although small, it still has regular services, concerts and other events.
It is still a house of prayer and a place where people celebrate those special moments in life.

It is also a gem of Victoriana, a treasure house of art and craftmanship, worth preserving and handing on to those who follow us down the corridors of time.

The Difference a Letter Makes

2011-06-13T17:45:00.003+01:00

The Dorset Evening Echo announced Dorchester Crown Court's new hardline sentence for a cannabis dealer on 29th May 2011. Two tears in prison ought to teach 'em!

Ragged University - Talk on Prehistoric and Roman Roads of North Wales

2011-06-12T09:21:00.004+01:00

I'm well chuffed to be giving an illustrated talk to Ragged University in Manchester on Thursday 7th July, 7:30pm onwards. Venue is KRO Piccadilly in the City Cente. Coupled with another talk (details opposite) I'll be speaking on Prehistoric and Roman Roads of North Wales. It's FREE too!

Ragged University:
National Website and National Facebook Page
Manchester Facebook Page
Twitter Feed

Ragged University - Bibliography for Talk on Prehistoric and Roman Roads of North Wales

2011-06-12T09:15:00.000+01:00

This bibliography - split by generality or subject-specific, represents works referred to or consulted during research, and considered of benefit to the reader wishing to research the subject even further. Related websites are given at the end of each section.

Multi-Period and General

Aris, M. "Historic Landscapes of the Great Orme", Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, Llanrwst (1996).
Arnold, C.J., and Davies, J.L. "Roman and Early Mediaeval Wales", Sutton Publishing, Thrupp (2000).
Bagley, J.J. , Cheshire Community Council, Chester, (1972).
Bartlett, W.B. “The Taming of the Dragon”, Sutton Publishing, Thrupp (2003).
Bick, D. "The Old Metal Mines of Mid-Wales - parts 4 and 5 - West Montgomeryshire, Aberdovey, Dinas Mawddy and Llangynog", The Pound House, Newent (1990).
Bingley, W. "North Wales: Delineated from two excursions through all the interesting parts of that highly beautiful and romantic country and intended as a guide to future tourists", first published 1814, Cedric Chivers Ltd, Bristol (1998).
Borrow, G. “Wild Wales”, Collins, London & Glasgow (1862).
Bradley, A.G. "Highways and Byways in North Wales", Macmillan and Co., London (1905).
Breese, G. "The Bridges of Wales", Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, Llanrwst (2001).
Bromwich, R. “Trioedd Ynys Prydein”, University of Wales Press, Cardiff (2006).
Brown, I. “Discovering a Welsh Landscape - Archaeology in the Clwydian Range”, Windgather Press, Bollington (2004
Bryson, B. “Notes from a Small Island”, Black Swan, London, (1996).
Bullock, J.D. "A History of Cheshire Volume III Pre-Conquest Cheshire 383-1066" General Editor ).
Burnham, H. "A Guide to Ancient and Historic Wales - Clwyd and Powys", HMSO, London (1995).
Davies, E. "The Prehistoric and Roman Remains of Flintshire", (Pages Missing).
Dutton, R. J. A. "Hidden Highways of North Wales", Redwood Books, Trowbridge (2003).
Ellis, B. "The History of Halkyn Mountain", Helygain, Halkyn (1998).
Gregory, D. "Country Churchyards in Wales", Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, Llanrwst (1991).
Gregory, D. "Wales after 1536", Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, Llanrwst (1995).
Hainsworth, J. “Llangynog A Village Trail”, St Melangell Centre, Pennant Melangell (2006).
Harris, R. "Walks in Ancient Wales", Sigma Leisure, Wilmslow (2003).
Hughes, W. "Anglesey Past & Present", Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, Llanrwst (1999).
Jenner, L. "Walking in the Vale of Clwyd and the Denbigh Moors", Mara Publications, Helsby (2000).
Jervoise, E. "The Ancient Bridges of Wales and Western England", The Architectural Press, London (1936).
Knowles, D.S., and Parkin, B.E. “Just One Parish - The History of Llanarmon yn Ial”, self publishd and first printed to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Llanarmon yn Ial Women’s Institute in 1973, reprinted for Llanarmon and District Conservation Society (2003).
Lynch, F. "A Guide to Ancient and Historic Wales - Gwynedd", HMSO, London (1995).
Main, L. "The Spirit Paths of Wales", Cicerone Press, Milnthorpe (2000)
Morgan, P. "Wales An Illustrated History", Tempus Publishing Limited, Stroud (2005).
Moore-Colyer, R. "Roads and Trackways of Wales", Moorland Publishing Ltd, Ashbourne (1984).
Morris, J. General Editor, "Domesday Book: A Survey of the Counties Of England Compiled by the direction of King William I Winchester 1086", Morgan, P., editor "Cheshire: Including Lancashire, Cumbria and North Wales", Phillimore, Chichester (1978).
Musson, C. "Wales from the Air: Patterns of Past and Present", Royal Commission on the Ancient & Historical Monuments of Wales, (1994).
Richards, R. "Two Bridges over Menai", Gwasg Carreg Gwalch (2004).
Rogers, B. "The Bank Manager and the Holy Grail: Travels to the Wilder Reaches of Wales", Aurum Press Ltd, London (2003).
Rogers, C. "Walking on the Lleyn Peninsula", Mara Publications, Helsby (1999).
Senior, M. "The Crossing of the Conwy", Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, Llanrwst (1991).
Senior, M. "North Wales in the Making", Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, Llanrwst (2003).
Stuart, R. “Cyclopedia of architecture, historical, descriptive, typographical, decorative, theoretical and mechanical, alphabetically arranged, familiarly explained, and adapted to the comprehension of workmen, etc., etc.”, A S Banres & Co (1854). Available online through GoogleBooks.
Thorpe, L., translated by "Gerald of Wales - The Journey through Wales / The Description of Wales", Penguin Books Ltd, Harmondsworth (1978).
Tucker, N. "North Wales in the Civil War", Gee, Denbigh, (1958). (Details uncertain due to missing pages).
Wright, K.A. "Gentle are its Songs", Sir Gerald Nabarro (Publications) Ltd, Birmingham (1973).
“The Cambrian Journal Volume I”, The Cambrian Institute, London (1854). Available online through Google Books.

Abandoned Landscapes - A series of walks in North Wales by M M Robinson published online only at
www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=2146412525

Archaeology Data Service / Arts and Humanities Data Service
ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/search/index.cfm

BRITARCH discussion list
www.britarch.ac.uk

British History Online
www.british-history.ac.uk

Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust
www.cpat.org.uk

COFLEIN
www.coflein.gov.uk

Countryside Council for Wales
www.ccw.gov.uk

Gathering the Jewels - The Website for Welsh Cultural History
www.gtj.org.uk

Google Books
books.google.com

Gwynedd Archaeological Trust
www.heneb.co.uk

The Megalithic Portal (Prehistory, Ancient Crosses and Holy Wells)
www.megalithic.info

Northern Earth - Journeys in Living Landscapes
www.northernearth.co.uk

Pastscape
www.pastscape.org.uk

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales
www.rcahmw.gov.uk

Prehistoric

Barber, C, and Williams, G.W. "The Ancient Stones of Wales", Blorenge Books, Abergavenny (1989).
Burl, A. "The Stone Circles of Britain, Ireland, and Brittany", Yale University Press, New Haven and London (2000).
Burrow, S. "The Tomb Builders: In Wales 4000 - 3000BC", National Museum Wales Books, Cardiff (2006).
Cope, J. “The Modern Antiquarian”, Thorsons, London, 1998.
Gibson, A. "Cursus Monuments and Possible Cursus Monuments in Wales: avenues for research (or roads to nowhere?)" published in "Pathways and Ceremonies: The Cursus Monuments of Britain and Ireland", Barclay, A., and Harding, J., Oxbow Books, Oxford (1999).
Green, S. "Ice Age Hunters: Neanderthals and Early Modern Hunters in Wales", National Museums and Galleries of Wales, Cardiff, (1991).
Longueville-Jones, H. “Early British Remains in Wales”, Archaeologica Cambrensis, 1885, 262-270
Lynch, F., Aldhouse-Green, S., and Davies, J.L. "Prehistoric Wales", Sutton Publishing, Thrupp (2000).
McCormack, B. "Prehistoric Sites of Montgomeryshire", Logaston Press, Little Logaston (2006).
Morgan, V & P. "Prehistoric Cheshire", Landmark Publishing Ltd, Ashbourne (2004).
Nash, G. "The Architecture of Death - Neolithic Chambered Tombs in Wales", Logaston Press, Little Logaston (2006).
Senior, M. “Hillforts of Northern Wales”, Gwasg Garreg Gwalch, Learns (2005).

Heather & Hillforts - The Clwydian Range
www.heatherandhillforts.co.uk

The Modern Antiquarian
www.themodernantiquarian.com

Roman

Ainsworth, S. & T. Wilmott. “Chester Amphitheatre”, Chester City Council and English Heritage (2005).
Cantrell, J. & A. Rylance. "Sarn Helen", Cicerone Press, Milnthorpe (1992).
Davies, J.L., and Jones, R.H. "Roman Camps in Wales and The Marches", University of Wales Press, Cardiff (2006).
Hopewell, D. “Roman Roads in North-West Wales (Revision 4)”, Unpublished Gwynedd Archaeological Trust Report 668 (project G1632), (2007).
Hopewell, D. “Roman Fort Environs 2002/2003“, Unpublished Gwynedd Archaeological Trust Report 479 (project G1632), (2003).
Mason, D.J.P. "Roman Chester - City of the Eagles", Tempus Publishing Ltd, Stroud (2001).
Silvester, R.J. "The Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust The Roman Roads of East and North-East Wales - The First Report", CPAT Report No. 527, Welshpool (2003).
Silvester, R.J. "The Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust The Roman Roads of East and North-East Wales - A Second Report", CPAT Report No. 621, Welshpool (2004).
Wacher, J. "Roman Britain", Sutton Publishing Ltd, Thrupp (2001).
Waddelove, E. "The Roman Roads of North Wales - Recent Discoveries", Privately published, Ruthin (1999).
Wilson, R.J.A. "A Guide to the Roman Remains in Britain", Constable & Robinson Ltd, London (2002).

Roman Britain
www.roman-britain.org

This is Deva - Chester Roman Festival 2011

2011-06-07T10:26:00.004+01:00

Had the great pleasure of taking part in the Chester Roman Festival - This is Deva at the weekend. Part of the MBNA Chestival - lots more happening in Chester.

Here's a slideshow of a few of my pictures from the weekend, which saw well over 14,000 attend the event - with a peak of 4,500 watching the events in the amphitheatre.

Talk about Ghosts - in Winsford

2011-05-20T10:41:00.000+01:00

I was delighted to speak to Winsford Ladies Midweek Club on Wednesday evening this week, speaking on the topic of The Ghosts of Crewe and Nantwich. Taking place in the beautiful Over United Reformed Church, the club is part of The National Association of Womens' Clubs.

Covering a variety of different hauntings past and present in the area, the ladies listened with interest, giving occasional friendly heckling. Recounting one haunting where a woman had been 'touched all over by cold, icy hands', much laughter greeted the retort "ooh I've been there".

As the speaker, I can certainly say I enjoyed the evening and left feeling I'd gained 34 new friends.

Talks are always welcome by arrangement.

Quakers Coppice in Crewe

2011-05-16T11:07:00.005+01:00

On the south east side of Crewe, there's a very special woodland. Whatever the weather, whichever season, it's a wonderful place to visit. It feels ancient, vibey. Never go without your camera - whether it's the trees, the mood, the wildlife, the fungi - there's something worth looking at and marvelling over. A new facebook group has been set up HERE, and below is a slideshow of some of my photos from visits over the last few years. If you want to visit, it's situated just to the right of the 'A' on this map.

Cala St Vincenc Necropolis, Majorca

2011-05-13T21:40:00.002+01:00

Our time at Cala St Vincenc was a time of happy surprises. We did not know entirely what to expect by ‘prehistoric caves’ by the road signs, so the sense of discovery was very acute.

Knowing that there was a talaiotic column just on entering the village, we approached the village carefully watching the signs and avoiding the huge groups of cyclists which render slow and attentive driving particularly necessary quite frequently on Mallorca.

The signs directed us to the right, and almost immediately we observed the megalith on the left hand corner of Carrer de Joaquim Sorolla and Carrer Dionis Bennassar. Pulling over on to the left side of the road, and crossing over, we found a very aged and weathered interpretation panel in Spanish, German and English. The text was worn and not entirely legible but the map was invaluable for working what was where.

Some 11 caves form the necropolis. Cave 1 was across the road by some distance and not accessible as far as we could work out. Cave 5 was immediately across and down from caves 6, 7 and 8. What remains of caves 2, 3, and 4 is not given.

Cave 5 is quite disappointing - its cross section revealed by standing on the bank across the road, as there is no roof, so it is an overgrown hole, essentially. For the rest of the caves a torch will be an enormous help.

Caves 6, 7, 8 form a cluster immediately next to each other and are quite delightful to explore. Number 6 is high enough to walk in to and recesses some distance, with a long thin rectangle cut into its centre.

Cave 7 is a squeeze to enter. Muddy hands, knees and shins will be gained! Two small rectangular apertures linked by a small passage give entry to a very long carved out chamber, with a long thin rectangle cut into the centre, and a circular pit about three feet deep at the furthest end. My sun hat fell into the pit, and I had to climb in to retrieve it. I didn’t particularly relish that, but it had to be done. There is a ledge on either side of the cave, and a smaller chamber on either side near the entrance, giving it something of a phallic plan layout. The ceilings were curved too - wondering if that’s related to the boat shaped graves on other built graves on the island?

Cave 8 would have had two apertures as cave 7, except the ceiling above the first aperture and linking passage has been removed. A small chamber midway along on the right and another long thin rectangular depression help define the interior.

The whole area in front of caves 6, 7 and 8 looks like it was once part of the complex, so the entrances to each may well have been longer and several feet more recessed than they are now.

Cave 9 is just a little further around on the left, an exposed passage like cave 8, a long thin rectangular inset, with four smaller chambers - one on the far left, one opposite the entrance at the far end, and two on the right hand side at the end furthest from the entrance.

Cave 10 is a more typical cave shape, a wide walk in entrance, and looked like it may have been used for habitation long after any use for burials.

Cave 11 is the furthest on the left from the megalithic monument, and is a smaller version of cave 10 - a walk entrance and not much (obvious) detail to look at.

Photos and content copyright Tim Prevett.

Ragged University - Ragged Talks

2011-05-12T08:18:00.000+01:00

"Everyone has something to teach us. Everyone spends their lives learning from their friends, family and colleagues. The Ragged University brings people together to share their knowledge and learn from each other."

Last night I went to my first evening of hearing talks with The Ragged University which holds the sharing of knowledge from everyone as one of its core values. It's not really a university - the talks do not give accreditation but intend to stimulate the grey matter in a sociable environment. There's some discussion as to whether it will remain as The Ragged University (Ragged Talks or Ragged Project are also in use) - but whatever the label, the content will remain the same.

The name is a reference to the Ragged Schools of the Victorian era, providing free education for those not able to receive it at cost. While the target audience may have changed in its demographic (destitute waifs and strays originally), the principle of being able to learn about things free of charge (except the price of drinks through the evening) remains.

In this current climate where education is set to cost an awful lot more, the opportunity to receive (and give) knowledge for free is commendable. It is a lot more interactive than a night in front of the telly. It's also more interactive than Facebook and Twitter. (Yes, really).

Last night's talks were very appealing for me. The organisers deliberately pair two very contrasting subjects so that those attending are likely to hear about something different to their existing interests. That assumes that people don't arrive late to miss a talk or leg it having heard the talk which interests them most.

Seeing the phrase "Reading the historic environment, both here and elsewhere, is a very enjoyable pursuit" grabbed my attention and then a talk title "Into the Vortex: when Western Medicine met Divine Healing - a talk by Zahra Patel" compounded it.

The first speaker was Ken Moth -"I am an architect specialising in the conservation and re-use of historic buildings. For 40 years I have been campaigning against the unnecessary mutilation or demolition of historic buildings (and am a great fan of excellent modern buildings). I am fascinated by all aspects of history (especially social, local, technological, architectural and maritime) which teach us what it is to be human."

When I have chance and the light is good, I do wander around Manchester with my camera, photographing and gawping in wonder at its (mainly) stone and concrete tapestry of built heritage. To hear more about this stimulating mix was great. Ken was obviously very proud of Manchester. Numerous references to the city's lead in many things and its greatness. "What Manchester thinks today, the world thinks tomorrow" is a phrase to remember.

The other talk concerned a discussion on alternative therapies. Zahra Patel gave a very honest and innervating account of her encounter with a 'vortex healer', giving her a strange experience and jar to her western medical training.

Zahra writes, "I’m a third year medical student and am very curious about the place of alternative therapy in the healing process. To me and many, it reveals the failure of Western medicine to address important aspects of health in the treatment process. These deficiencies in Western treatments can be an important trigger for reconstructing our ideas of health for the better."

The discussion was provoking and intelligent, and I was glad for having gone along. With my background in theology and having been interested in peoples' beliefs - especially those deemed 'alternative', it was another talk quite up my street.

It gave an opportunity for learning new things, remembering some things I'd forgotten, interacting with new folk and enjoying the resulting discussion. Not bad for a free evening. No licence fee needed. Not even a wifi signal.

"The Ragged University provides free, entertaining education for everyone. The classrooms are pubs and cafés and the teachers are you and me." It looks set to grow, and should you wish to learn more these are the links to follow up:

National Website and National Facebook Page
Manchester Facebook Page
Twitter Feed

Don't Give Up

2011-05-11T09:20:00.002+01:00

This quote from twitter in recent days is very encouraging. Something I need to hear!

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm." - Winston Churchill (no source cited).

Event for Christ Church Crewe

2011-05-08T19:38:00.001+01:00

An event I put together for Christ Church in Crewe in July 2008...

A very rewarding day was had in Christ Church's participation with National Archaeology Week, drawing around 100 visitors throughout the day. Some stayed all day. 25 people took part in the two guided tours, many consulted the registers of marriage and baptisms from 1912 onwards, and browsed the displays from Christ Church folk. Slideshows were shown (though due to a disc error not all the material prepared was shown!), displays from the Family History Society and Crewe Historical society as well as sketches of the memorials removed in 1964 were all perused. The human element was very enjoyable, with many memories jogged down the proverbial lane and old acquaintances renewed and lost ones remembered.

Mrs O'Brien, who was eldest daughter of Mr Charles Kelson - himself the Christ Church organist and choirmaster in the late 1940s and early 1950s; Mr Peter Healey was a choirboy from 1948 to 1956, with Mrs O'Brien's brothers, Charles (junior) and Stewart.

Church Wardens flanking another hardworking regular, looking over a display; slideshow in the background - showing local artist Harry Watson at work in Christ Church in 1987

Finding her husband's baptism in the register...

Displays in the church hall...

Dressing up for the Victorian Working Class Sunday School, courtesy of Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum of Primitive Methodism

Guided tour in the Nave cum Garden - demolished between 1977 and 1979 due to dry rot

Mr R Flood (left) who was a long serving Church Warden at Christ Church to Reverends Bill Pears, Ken Povey, David Johnson, John Malbon and Bill Foss, and one of the two Church Wardens who steered Christ Church through the immense problems of the building in the 1970s, talking with Margaret Taylor (nee Riley, second left) daughter of Bill Lester Riley, also a Church Warden and secretary to the PCC in the 1960s, with Bill Riley's grand daughter, Catherine Taylor. The Taylors had travelled from Hampshire and West Yorks respectively to attend the NAW event at Christ Church.

Mr R Flood beneath the plaque bearing his name - and Christ Church's open door; thanks to his efforts and of the vicar and PCC at the time, the door is indeed still open...

Mother and Daughter, Margaret and Catherine Taylor. Margaret was married at Christ Church in January 1971. During a run through of pictures of Christ Church folk from at least 1858, Margaret identified her father in a Sale of Work in the mid 1950s (Bill Riley - gentleman with glasses to left of projected image), and her younger sister Helen (the little girl, bottom left) who sadly passed away aged 11 in 1963. The woman on the left of the projection is Mrs Doris Beech, the Vicar (centre) is Rev. Gentry; the gentleman next to him with the tie is Mr Edward Beech. Do you recognise any others?

With thanks to all who helped make this National Archaeology Week event :

The Award Winning Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum of Primitive Methodism

Diane Dyer /South Cheshire Family History Society

Pam Minshall / Crewe Historical Society

Edleston Road School (Joseph Nadin plaque)

Frank Morton and The Bell Ringers

Crewe Blog

The Churchwardens and Regulars

Council Works Department (mowing grass and weedkilling on the paths in advance)

Eurovision Song Contest 2011 - Recommendations and Reminiscences

2011-05-05T16:46:00.005+01:00

If like me, you grew up watching the Eurovision Song Contest most years, sat as a family watching the songs and culture of a range of European countries with the backdrop of changing fashions, then this competition is something to cherish like a long lost friend who comes back each year with fresh surprises to marvel or moan about.

If you want to see my thoughts on the 8 songs I like the most for 2011, page down. If you're happy to read my reminiscences, read on.

The year I may have first heard something of it, would have been in my mother's womb, listening to The New Seekers' "Beg Steal or Borrow" in 1972, or Cliff Richard in 1973 with "Power to All our Friends" (by the way, does the orchestra's seating arrangements remind you of the opening to The Muppet Show? No comparisons intended. Honest. )

My first concrete memory was The Brotherhood of Man "Kisses for Me" when I was three years old. I'd never realised this song's punchline could have applied to me - because at the time I would have been three. I don't recall the performance, but the song is etched into my being. Not sure if I should find that disturbing. This song won the contest in 1976. Hairy chests (on men), medallions and flared trousers all being socially acceptable at the time.

Now, it's 30 years since we saw some more as Bucks Fizz ripped off the ladies' skirts in a memorable performance, which is most definetly the first show I can remember watching. Narrowly beating Germany by 4 points (that must have been a dramatic votes count to watch) - and Germany also being represented by a 'Lena' in 1981, too, this launched Bucks Fizz career. Shelley Preston who replaced a member of the group after a fall out in 1985 won what was something like a proto-X Factor competition for 800 young hopefuls. She went to the same comprehensive school as me, incidentally.

Another memorable year was 1982 with Nicole winning for Germany with "Ein Bisschen Frieden" (A Little Peace - begins 5 mins in, after the elegantly adorned albeit somewhat confused Jan Leeming). Nicole's entry is an example of Schlagermusik - a sweet, sentimental 'easy listening' genre of European music. Which is lovely. In small doses. It was the young 1960s and 1970s Germans' choice of Schlagermusik versus English speaking imports which gave rise to 'Krautrock' - something completely new and different. So, in some ways we have Schlagermusik to thank for the likes of Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk. Suits me. Electronic and dance music would have evolved differently without Kraftwerk.

Big gap in my following the Eurovision song contest. 1998 Dana International just pips the UK to the top spot in a nail biting vote which went down to the last moment. There's a tiny mistake in the scores in the BBC Eurovision History... UK has 166 points on the BBC record, this clip a few seconds in shows 167 points!

Then in 2000 it was The Olsen Brothers of Denmark who won. This was one I actually voted for, and recall Terry Wogan introducing it with "I think you'll like this". Fly on the Wings of Love went on to be covered by XTM featuring Annia (not DJ Sammy!). Though is that Fenella the Witch from Chorlton and The Wheelies about 2:10? With a tan?

Maybe it's my children getting older and I'm wanting to embed the Eurovision tradition in their minds too, but I've gotten more dedicated to enjoying the competition in recent years. With the advent of social media, enjoying the atmosphere has become even more easy. So here I am.

For the first time this year I've listened to the entries in advance, and below follows my 8 favourites of the first 43.

Belgium do a retro beatbox sound,"With Love Baby" performed by Witloof Bay. This is very good, very original - though I am not sure it's punchy or uplifting enough to be a winner. No instruments apart from the human voice used!
8/10

Germany ,"Taken By A Stranger" performed by Lena who won 2010's competition is really very excellent. Very listenable to. Love the bass. Feels very good. Production quality is high. Slightly dark tone, though again not sure it's the right type to be a Eurovision topper.
8/10

Hungary do a dance anthem of the Ian van Dahl sort with "What About My Dreams" performed by Kati Wolf. This could be my personal favourite. Of all the songs I've given high marks, this is the one I've returned to the most. I really like it. 8/10

Iceland's "Coming Home" performed by Sjonni's Friends, has a good sound! I'd say it feels quite like a Take That song from recent years. The song's writer unexpected death in January adds a subtle melancholy tone to an otherwise uplifting, affirming song. 8/10 Very very good.

Israel has"Ding Dong" performed by Dana International who won for them in 1998. A big sound, dance anthemic. Should be popular in the clubs even if it doesn't win. 8/10

Norway's "Haba Haba" performed by Stella Mwangi is very, very different! If you like Paul Simon's Graceland album or the Lion King soundtrack this may get you going. Catchy, tap feet along to. Memorable. Gets more likeable the more you go along. It's not what I'd associate with Norway; a techno sleigh ride might seem more predictable, but it's the surprise of this one that I like.
8/10

Sweden's "Popular" performed by Eric Saade is good! I like it. Compelling rhythm. Though that's surely a sample from Boney M's "Night Flight to Venus" in the drum and slapping sound? Listen to the opening bars of the song, then on this link on YouTube once the drum loop is fully established at 58 seconds. An up beat Europop, dance anthem.
8/10

Switzerland's "In Love For a While" performed by Anna Rossinelli really reminds me of Fairground Attraction. Acoustic set up of a simple, happy song. Sunshine twinkles in the notes. The lead singer can sing very well, it's an uplifting song. Very good, and I'd like to see it do well.
8/10

As for Ireland, "Lipstick" performed by Jedward is very good for Eurovision - it's likeable, though if you grew up singing in choir at school, you may grimace at the sliding notes repeated often. I think it will do well, and their quirky quiff factor may count for something!
7/10

Nantwich Historic Tour for Visit Chester & Cheshire & Cheshire East

2011-03-31T08:00:00.001+01:00

These are links to websites of businesses, places and events mentioned on the Visit Chester & Cheshire and Cheshire East tour put together for Friday 1st April:

The Crown Hotel
Audlem Online
Congleton - Bear Town
St Mary's Church
Holly Holy Day - Battle of Nantwich Reenactment
Beeston Castle
Boot and Shoe
Churches' Mansion
Sweet Briar Hall - Bower Edleston Architects
Little Moreton Hall
Nantwich Museum
The Residence
Malpas Motte and Bailey Castle remains
Nantwich Bookshop and Coffee Lounge
Footage of the Brine Spring next to the mill pool
Well Dressings - dates for 2011 - across Derbyshire and parts of Cheshire and Staffordshire
Derby Bridge Chapel (Chapel of St Mary)

The happiest bits of 2010

2010-12-31T17:29:00.006Z

For me, 2010 has two outstandingly happy moments.

Early in January 2010 we unexpectedly had some (for Crewe) heavy snow, which fell at the right time for me and my kids to go out with the sledge in the deserted streets and have a couple hours of hilarious fun. I would say not only one of the happiest moments of 2010, but of my life. Complete magic, totally unforgettable.

The second happiest highlight of 2010 was in late August. My partner and I had been in Helsinki, Finland for a few days. On the Friday we caught a ferry across the Baltic to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.

Arriving at our hotel quite late in the day, we were hungry and walked briskly to find some suitable food. I was completely awestruck at the beauty of the the Old City - and we ended up returning to Old Hansa - a mediaeval themed restaurant.

With no apparent electrical lights, just stepping over the threshold of the property we were immediately transported into the past. The candlelit interior, smell of spices, scent of good food and wondrous ale with an atmosphere of a lot of people having a really good time (mainly Estonian, Russian and German it seemed) gave an instantly delightful experience.

The service was friendly, with staff in period costume, efficient and quick. The food was so delicious I found myself eating things I wouldn't usually consider eating. The ale. Oh my, the honey ale (served in half, or one litre ceramic jugs) was the best ale I have ever had. I got very happy with that ale.

Tallinn is The European Capital of Culture 2011, and Estonia enters the European Single Currency this. We remained in the amazing Old City for the weekend, and returned a further two times to Old Hansa.

Old Hansa gave a very definitive, positive experience for the whole weekend, and I would recommend it to anyone. English was fluently spoken by all staff who served us and welcomed us. I can't wait to get back. Should you want to visit, the website is HERE.

UFO tape released after 30-year mystery but fails to explain phenomena - Telegraph

2010-11-03T12:14:00.000Z

UFO tape released after 30-year mystery but fails to explain phenomena - Telegraph
Rendlesham Forest incident - Tape recordings of US military personnel investigating a suspected UFO landing have been released 30 years later.

BBC - South Stack lighthouse rates high in AA ghost guide

2010-09-29T18:57:00.000+01:00

BBC - South Stack lighthouse rates high in AA ghost guide
A Holyhead lighthouse and an old Llŷn Peninsula manor have been rated as some of the spookiest buildings in Britain, according to a new guidebook.

Brooklands Cemetery, Sale

2010-09-20T19:10:00.000+01:00

Brooklands Cemetery, Sale

Southern Cemetery, Manchester

2010-09-19T21:07:00.000+01:00

Southern Cemetery, Manchester

2010-09-19T04:30:00.000+01:00

Southern Cemetery, Manchester

2010-09-18T20:00:00.000+01:00

Southern Cemetery, Manchester

2010-09-18T08:59:00.000+01:00

Southern Cemetery, Manchester

2010-09-17T18:50:00.000+01:00

Southern Cemetery, Manchester

2010-09-17T00:47:00.000+01:00

Southern Cemetery, Manchester

2010-09-16T19:09:00.000+01:00

Southern Cemetery, Manchester - spot the orbs and flash of light out of the grave!

Southern Cemetery, Manchester

2010-09-16T18:38:00.003+01:00

Southern Cemetery, Manchester, September 2010

Photographer of the Year 2010 Entries

2010-09-15T11:31:00.000+01:00

Photographer of the Year 2010 | PhotoRadar

I found out about this competition on Monday, which closed at 4pm Tuesday... managed to find some time to put in some entries; difficult to think of winning, but if you don't try, you'll never know.

Flame of Hope

2010-09-14T09:07:00.000+01:00

Hautausmaa Hietaniemi Helsingfors / Helsinki Cemetery

Feel the Rain

2010-09-13T09:10:00.000+01:00

Hautausmaa Hietaniemi Helsingfors / Helsinki Cemetery

Angel

2010-09-12T09:03:00.000+01:00

Hautausmaa Hietaniemi Helsingfors / Helsinki Cemetery

BBC News - Today - Britain's brainiest cemetery

2010-09-11T12:06:00.000+01:00

BBC News - Today - Britain's brainiest cemetery

It's one of Cambridge's best kept secrets - scarcely known to local people, let alone the thousands who visit the city each year. Perhaps it's best kept that way, to preserve its special charm and peacefulness.

Please

2010-09-11T08:59:00.000+01:00

Hautausmaa Hietaniemi Helsingfors / Helsinki Cemetery

Aura

2010-09-10T08:37:00.002+01:00

Crosby Beach, Merseyside - Anthony Gormley's "Another Place" installation.

Break in the Clouds

2010-09-09T20:44:00.000+01:00

Russian Orthodox area in Hautausmaa Hietaniemi Helsingfors / Helsinki Cemetery

Romania attempts to tax witches and fortune tellers - Telegraph

2010-09-09T16:09:00.001+01:00

Romania attempts to tax witches and fortune tellers - Telegraph

I do like this - "The politicians who had drafted the new law claim it is because they feared they would be cursed if they passed the plans.". Reminds me of Nancy Regan allegedly relying on horoscopes.

Alone

2010-09-09T08:35:00.001+01:00

Crosby Beach, Merseyside - Anthony Gormley's "Another Place" installation.

'Ghost train' hunter killed by train in North Carolina - CNN.com

2010-09-07T08:24:00.000+01:00

'Ghost train' hunter killed by train in North Carolina - CNN.com
Don't forget health & safety (and common sense) on paranormal vigils... thanks to Deb for this http://ghosthuntersofasheville.blogspot.com/

Käpylä Hiidenkirnu - Devil's Kettle, at Käpylä, Helsinki

2010-09-05T12:30:00.003+01:00

During my recent trip to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, I found out about these Hiidenkirnu - large holes created during the time of the Ice Age. Much research unlocked potential visits around the outer areas of the city - free things to do, which are actually really interesting. Well, I think so!

I did eventually find one of the glaical rock-bore holes; in Finnish folklore they are attributed to giants, goblins, and are entrances to the otherworld - places of liminality and to be approached, if at all, with care. (Assuming I've got the understanding of the Finnish translation correct from using Google Translate!).

It's a few minutes walk from the bus stop , in the Käpylä area of Helinski , east of Tuusulantie, Vaakalinnuntie, Tursontie, Louhentie, and off the corner of Louhenkuja and Ilmatarvägen, behind a school and what was once a ski slope.

This is my YouTube clip from the hole - about 1 metre deep and 1.4 by 1.7 metres across.

Residents phoned 999 dozens of times over 'ghost and UFO worries' - Telegraph

2010-09-04T09:27:00.000+01:00

Residents phoned 999 dozens of times over 'ghost and UFO worries' - Telegraph

Ghostly figure could be Grand National earl - Telegraph

2010-08-17T10:27:00.000+01:00

Ghostly figure could be Grand National earl - Telegraph
Paranormal activity is being investigated at an historic country house, said to be haunted by a former Earl of Sefton.

Ghostly 'white lady' sparks hunts by spirit hunters - Telegraph

2010-08-16T15:49:00.000+01:00

Ghostly 'white lady' sparks hunts by spirit hunters - Telegraph

Cars have been lined up nose to tail every night for the past three weeks as news of the vision on the Mullaghmoyle Road, near Coalisland, has spread.

Bees make shape of cross outside cathedral - Telegraph

2010-08-16T15:40:00.000+01:00

Bees make shape of cross outside cathedral - Telegraph

Finnish poltergeists

2010-08-15T12:11:00.000+01:00

Trip to Finland and Estonia coming up... notes on respective hauntings for Helsinki and Tallinn:

Finnish poltergeists

Haunted Tallinn in - Estonia In Your Pocket city guide - essential travel guides to cities in Estonia

2010-08-15T11:02:00.001+01:00

I'm really looking forward to visiting Tallinn in Estonia soon... must see / do places include a Tallinn Ghost Walk in the atmospheric old town. Details here but for the moment, there's some in depth spookiness at this link:
Haunted Tallinn in - Estonia In Your Pocket city guide - essential travel guides to cities in Estonia

Thoughtful Bit

2010-06-02T12:59:00.000+01:00

"Anybody who thinks there aren't two sides to every argument is probably in one".

Unattributed

A Famous Poltergeist and an Ancient Tree

2010-05-14T09:20:00.000+01:00

(Originally posted December 2007)

Well the seasonal time for visiting friends and family is nearly at an end. Yesterday saw a long drive back from the South Coast, through Salisbury, to a friend near Burford, and a most horrible journey up the M5 & M6 in awful rain and spray.

The earlier part of the journey saw us go through the Savernake Forest, and a few miles before that Tidworth. This set my mind ringing with thoughts of "The Drummer of Tidworth" which is a famous 17th Century poltergeist report involving pounding noises, moving furniture & floorboards, and even children being struck by the invisible force. Levitations were also reported (reminiscent of the Enfield Poltergeist of the 1970s).

A finger of accusation pointed at William Drury, a wandering drummer whose drum was confiscated by John Mompesson (also a magistrate) - the phenomena being centred upon the Mompessons' house.

There are some who point to hysteria and fraudulent activity behind all of it - but nothing is proven.

A few miles up the road towards Marlborough, on the right-hand side right next to the whooshing traffic, is the splendid and majestic Big Belly Oak. This oak was a sapling when William was becoming a Conqueror in 1066. King Henry VIII is said to have met Jane Seymour in this forest - by which time the Oak was some 500 years old, and a good specimen by then. One could almost think of them snogging in the shelter of this hefty tree. Perhaps 'courting' might be a more apt term for a regal description.

I had the opportunity to stop and take some photos on an earlier drive past, and the forest at the right time is indeed suggestive of a haunted, mysterious landscape. It's worthy of a Tim Burton film - Sleepy Hollow, Nightmare Before Christmas, or whatever. Brilliant. The picture above is one of mine taken just before dusk, and you wouldn't think the main road runs through the picture.

Imagine staying the night here on the safer side of the Oak. If trees have dreams one wonders how many dreams this must have had. Most Entish.

A wonderful tree designated one of Fifty Great British Trees by the Tree Council.

Thoughtful Bit

2010-05-06T08:55:00.000+01:00

"It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it."

J Joubert

Thoughtful Bit

2010-05-04T08:54:00.001+01:00

"Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen."

John Steinbeck

Thoughtful Bit

2010-05-02T08:53:00.000+01:00

"Many of life's failures are people who did not realise how close they were to success when they gave up."

Thomas Edison

Thoughtful Bit

2010-04-06T08:51:00.000+01:00

"If you wouldn't write it and sign it, don't say it."

Earl Wilson

Thoughtful Bit

2010-04-04T08:45:00.000+01:00

"The only way to have a friend is to be one."

R W Emerson

Thoughtful Bit

2010-04-02T08:43:00.000+01:00

"Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times."

Unknown

Christ Church in the Snow (1)

2010-03-20T12:16:00.001Z

After the unexpected snowfall at the start of the school term in early January 2009, a mission to photograph Christ Church in the sunshine with snow around was obligatory...

Thoughtful Bit

2010-03-16T11:47:00.000Z

"Compassion should be unbiased and based on the recognition that others have the right to happiness, just like yourself."

Dalai Lama on Twitter

Christ Church from Delamere House

2010-03-14T13:12:00.000Z

A view of Christ Church from the east side of Delamere House in early December 2008.

Thoughtful Bit

2010-03-14T08:20:00.002Z

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."

H. Jackson Brown Junior

Thoughtful Bit

2010-03-12T08:19:00.001Z

"It's funny how most people love the dead. Once you're dead you're made for life."

Jimi Hendrix

Looking East

2010-03-10T13:21:00.004Z

A view from the west, looking east, early December 2008. Christ Church Crewe - The ruined historic Victorian railway church- in Crewe Town Centre.

Thoughtful Bit

2010-03-10T08:18:00.000Z

"One way to prevet conversation being boring is to say the wrong thing."

F Sheed

Dowsing for Patterns of the Past by Rev Angus Haddow - Chapter 4 - The Stone Circle Pattern (1) Complete Stone Circles

2010-03-08T10:57:00.002Z

The starting point for dowsing Stone Circles was with those that had stood up to the ravages of time and were intact. Some of these had been untouched throughout the centuries while others, whose stones had fallen in the past, had been restored to their former glory by those who were concerned about this ancient legacy.

Loanhead of Daviot (O.S. Map Reference NJ 747288).

This is a circle composed of a massive recumbent, two flankers and eight stones as shown in Fig. 16A with an internal ring cairn having kerb-stones round its outer circumference but none round its inner.

The recumbent, which weighs 12 tons, had been fractured lengthways by frost and is set West-North-West and East-North-East. While flankers are usually self-supporting with their long and straight sides adjacent to the recumbent, here they have short or “curved” sides adjacent to the recumbent but they are leaning on it. The apices of both flankers have been removed. The stone beside the east flanker has a vertical line of 12 cup-marks on the side facing the inner centre of the circle. Around each standing stone (other than the flankers) are small stone cuttings, some containing charcoal and pottery sherds; these were also round the recumbent.

The circle dates from the centuries after 3000 B.C. Its diameter is 68 feet and those of the ring cairn and the open centre are 54 feet and 13 feet 6 inches respectively.

Excavations have shown the stone circle to have been used initially for cremation burials. The area within the circle had then been heavily burnt; this probably cleared the area before human burials and the construction of the ring cairn over them. Five pounds weight of burnt bone, including 50 skull fragments of young children), were found within potholes in the central space. The circle, cairn, and central space have three different centres with a variance of a few feet between each other and this suggests different periods of laying-out.

The movement of the moon through the southern sky was framed by the recumbent and its flankers. The outlier stones may have been used for stellar observations associated with the ritual and life of the people who built the circle.

This stone circle fell out of use about 2000 B.C.

The Cremation Cemetery (Fig. 16B), a few yards to the south-east of the circle, was probably in use about 1500 B.C. It is the first of its type and the first to be found adjacent to a stone circle. Circular cemeteries could have been a transition, as the Bronze Age progressed, from the round cairn where the dead were buried, to a flat burial ground.

It was bounded by a small ditch (now marked by small stones) which was interrupted in two places to provide entry to the cemetery within and on the North side to avoid the cist and its covering cairn which originally was there (the arc is now filled with stones). In the central pit were the partially cremated remains of a man clutching a stone pendant. The cremated remains of a further 31 were also discovered, 8 of them young children. This cemetery would have been used for a few generations for the interment of a small family group of individuals.

The results of the dowsing of the stone circle are shown in Fig. 17A. The rod showed two circles enclosing all the stones with responses indicating the length and breadth of each stone and its location. From each stone a line was detected going towards the centre of the circle. The recumbent had a triangle of energy going from its length to the circle’s centre. Outside the stone circle was another larger circle (not shown on Fig. 17A) which was 20 feet from the recumbent and as near as 6 feet from the stones on the opposite side.

The rest of the area, excluding the cemetery, was dowsed and nothing was detected, even from the outliers.

On dowsing the cemetery, the pattern shown in Fig. 17B was found. It could be that the enclosed centre which had no response within from the rod, roughly coincided with the central pit enclosing the partially cremated body, or it might have been the crematory pyre. The straight lines shown may have been the places used for storing bodies before cremation on the adjacent pyre. All this is conjecture and as this circular cemetery is uncommon in the North East of Scotland, there are few opportunities to compare it with another.

However, the stone circle pattern can be compared, and this will now be done.

Dyce (Tyrebagger) (O.S. Map Reference NJ 860133).

Dyce (or Tyrebagger) Recumbent Stone Circle stands on a low stony bank on the shoulder of a hill with a panoramic view of the valley of the river Don, the coast and the sea. It consists of ten stones of red granite quarried locally and a massive recumbent stone, 10 feet long and rising to a point 10 feet 6 inches high, made of dark grey granite and weighing 24 tons. The stones are graded in height from 4 feet 4 inches in the north up to the tall flankers 9 feet 6 inches and ii feet high.

The diameter of the circle is 60 feet across and within it is a fragmentary ring cairn 38 feet in diameter. It dates from the 3rd - 2nd millennium B.C.

On dowsing the circle a pattern was found in Fig. 18 which was the same as that of Loanhead of Daviot except that the lines from each stone did not go to the centre of the circle but terminated in an elliptical shape as shown. Perhaps this was the area of a funeral pyre, the ashes being buried underneath the ring cairn.

The other difference from that of Loanhead of Daviot is that there were two outer circles as shown instead of one. The reason for this is unknown.

Easter Aquorthies (O.S. Map Reference NJ 732208).

Easter Aquorthies Recumbent Stone Circle stands on a hillside and is composed of a recumbent, two flankers and nine other stones with two massive blocks set at right angles to the recumbent making a “reserved” area in front; this latter feature is sometimes known as a “platform” but which may be a representation of a passage in a chambered tomb, the lowering of the recumbent into its position being a ritualistic way of closing the passage.

The recumbent is 12 feet 6 inches long and 4 feet 6 inches high of red granite veined with quartz brought from the nearby hill of Bennachie. The flankers are of grey granite and stand 7 feet 6 inches high. The other nine stones are of pinkish porphyry except the stone to the east of the east flanker which is of red jasper. The stones are graded in height from the tall flankers to the 5 feet 5 inches high stones on the circumference opposite. The second stone west of the recumbent has the same shape as that of the Mither Tap of Bennachie Hill.

The ring is not quite circular measuring 60 feet 6 inches by 59 feet 6 inches and this makes it early in the series of recumbent stone circles and in the third millennium B.C.

In the interior of the circle is a mound hollowed at its centre; this is all that remains of a central cairn; the smaller kerbs and the stones of the kerb are gone. A cist was discovered within the cairn in 1934.

Fig. 19 shows the pattern found by dowsing which conforms to the previous pattern except that the lines from all stones but two ended in an elliptical shape, the two others terminating in an ovoid shape (4 feet 7 inches by 4 feet 11 inches) which had an opening 2 feet 2 inches wide. The ellipse may indicate a funeral pyre, the ovoid shape could be a small structure built to hold something connected with the ceremonies performed there. There was no opportunity to find if there were any large circles surrounding the ring.

Sunhoney (O.S. Map Reference NJ 715056).

This Recumbent Stone Circle dates from the third or second millennium and is composed of a recumbent, two flankers and nine other stones (similar to Easter Aquorthies) on a low rubble bank up to 3 feet 3 inches high. The recumbent is composed of grey granite and has fallen over on its inner side, bring partly broken; it is 14 feet 9 inches long and weighs over 12 tons. This stone contains 31 cup-marks of the usual plain type without encircling rings mainly on the eastern side of the stone which makes it one of the three most heavily-marked stones in Aberdeenshire. The rings have been confirmed as man-made. The recumbent is aligned towards the minimum full mid-summer moon.

The other stones are of reddish granite or gneiss. Within them are traces of a low ring cairn.

Fig. 20 shows the dowsing pattern obtained, a feature being that lines were detected going from all the stones to a point at the centre where there was a very strong reaction by the rod. In 1875, when this central space was excavated, eight deposits of burnt bones were found, most of the small stones unearthed were fire marked. It was noticeable that the triangular area between the flankers and recumbent and the centre of the circle gave a continuous reaction (similar to the recumbent stone circles at Loanhead of Daviot, Dyce and Easter Aquorthies).

So far the circles considered are recumbent stone circles which possessed a similar energy pattern by dowsing. The next circle is not a recumbent stone circle - how would this affect the pattern.

Cullerlie (O.S. Map Reference NJ 785043).

The circle at Cullerlie is set on a ridge of gravel running into the plain of Leuchar Moss. This area was originally levelled before the stones were erected and then the ground was burnt, perhaps as a method of ritual purification. Eight tall stones of course-grained pinkish granite are placed round the circle increasing in height to the north. The highest stone on the north side is 6 feet high and the smallest is only 3 feet 7 inches high. The diameter of the circle is 33 feet 5 inches and the average distance between the stones is 9 feet 6 inches.

There is a large kerb cairn in the centre with a double row, each of 11 kerb stones round its circumference. Around it there are 7 small kerb cairns each, except one, (at the south-south-west), having 11 kerb stones on its perimeter, the exception having only 9. A pit had been dug in the centre of the central ring and used as a fire pit; calcined human bones were found here in addition to oak charcoal.

Six of the surrounding cairns contained cremated bone deposits. The fact that oak charcoal was found in 5 cairns and hazel charcoal found in one other cairn could indicate that not all the deposits were made at the same time. The cairn to the west of the central cairn contained a fire pit covered by a capstone as indeed was the central cairn.

There had been an outlying stone 3 or 4 yards from the west of the circle and was 5 feet high but this had been taken away. None other stones of similar dimensions to that of the circle were reputed to have been to the south-west, but no trace remains of these.

This restored circle is seen as a later development of the recumbent stone tradition in central Aberdeenshire and dated from the second millennium B.C.

On dowsing the circle the pattern was found with almost circular “tram lines” and reactions found from each stone. Lines were detected from each stone to the centre of the circle ending in a small circular shape of 4 feet 3 inches in diameter as shown in Fig. 21. Each line passed through one ring cairn round the central cairn except two on the east which passed through the same ring cairn. There was a strong response from the centre of the circle.

The area of the previous outlying stone was dowsed with no reaction. However, when the area to the south-west was covered there were responses from the rod which indicated 3 stones in the positions shown in Fig. 21.

Perhaps if a wider area had been dowsed more would have been found.

Backhill of Dracklaw East (O.S. Map Reference NJ 672463).

The small complete circle of large stones at Backhill of Dracklaw East has stones graded to the south-west. The two smallest stones are at the north and south and if these were removed a good 4-poster would be left. Three stones fill up the north arc and three the south arc. The stones are of whinstone with veins and pebbles of quartz in them, the largest stone with a band of quartz encircling it like a “rope of crystal”. The stone on the east is broken. An unusual feature is that not all the broadest faces of the stones face the centre of the circle.The dowsing pattern was found as in Fig. 22. The small elliptical area in the centre had no reaction within it to the rod and possibly was used for the interment of cremated bones.

Although every stone had a line from it to the ellipse, only two of them - the stone lying outside the “tram lines” on the north and the stone on the east - showed a response from the rod. Does this mean that the other stones were not the originals? It is known that in recent times a stone had been placed in the circle.

A much larger concentric circle of response was obtained by dowsing as shown.

Craighead, Badentoy (O.S. Map Reference NO 911977).

On a dyked mound (60 feet across by 2 feet 6 high) stands this small stone setting of 4 stones of local reddish granite which stands near to the cardinal points of the compass. The stones reduce in height from 7 feet 5 inches in the south clockwise to 4 feet in the east which is typical of 4-posters. Their rectangle measures about 28 feet north-south by 24 feet east-west.

There has been considerable change in this circle through the years. Prior to 1850 the stones appear to have been taken down for the use of the land and later re-erected. In 1858 there were only 3 stones. In 1875 one observer noted 6 stones with a gap in the south-east quadrant and a central stone. The iron rings for a flagpole’s guy ropes were still attached to the stones in 1899.

In spite of these changes the dowsing pattern in Fig. 23 fits the position of the stones as original. All of the stones are within the “tram lines” and lines were found to go from each of them to an ellipse in the centre which may indicate the location of a funeral pyre or interment of ashes. The larger concentric circle was found as shown.

The examination of these complete stone circles by dowsing shows a common pattern with stones in the “tram lines”, lines from each stone to the centre of the circle or to a circular shape in the centre which may indicate a small building or a specific use (e.g. interment of ashes) and one or two larger concentric circles.

The recumbent stone circles have the segment between the flankers and recumbent and the centre giving a response from the rod which points to an important purpose for it.

Would incomplete stone circles show any response from the rod to the missing stones? In the next chapter we examine this possibility.

Thoughtful Bit

2010-03-08T08:16:00.000Z

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."

Einstein

Thoughtful Bit

2010-03-04T13:10:00.000Z

"Part of the $10 million I spent on gambling, part on booze and part on women. The rest I spent foolishly."

George Raft

Thoughtful Bit

2010-03-02T13:07:00.000Z

"It's a strange world of language in which skating on thin ice can get you into hot water."

Doug Larson

Dowsing for Patterns of the Past by Rev Angus Haddow - Chapter 3 - Stone Circles

2010-03-01T10:38:00.005Z

Stone Circles are to be found in Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland and Brittany (France) which have been influenced by the ancient Celts. If a mark is made for each Stone Circle on a map of Britain, the largest cluster is in the North East of Scotland, in fact Aberdeenshire contains almost ten per cent of the total number of known Stone Circles within the British Isles.

It is difficult to give an approximate number to the original Stone Circles in the British Isles as many have been destroyed and thus their locations are unknown. In 1858, Rev. J.B. Pratt, in his book on the Buchan district, bemoans the fact that many Stone Circles had been destroyed by being broken up, blown up by gunpowder, or taken away for building purposes - “(it) is especially to be regretted, since we know them to have formerly abounded in the district, and that it is only during the last eighty years that, through ignorance on the one hand, and an indolent supineness on the other, they have, in a great measure, been recklessly destroyed.” (p.291) These sentiments have been echoed by those archaeologists who have investigated the circles in the succeeding years.

All that can be said is that there are over 900 sites recorded in the British Isles, over 400 of them in Scotland. If it is assumed that for each known Stone Circle two others were destroyed, the original total would be 2,700.

Again it is difficult to date when Stone Circles were erected, but by carbon-dating and examination of artifacts uncovered at these sites, it appears that it was approximately from 3000-1000 B.C., spanning from the Middle Neolithic Age to the Late Bronze Age. Neolithic farmers from the North West of Europe came to settle down in the East coast of Britain and constructed cairns, Stone Circles and Standing Stones on the hills within sight of the fields of the community; the effort put into their construction reflect the importance placed upon them. They were followed by the Celts who developed these structures.

At the beginning of the second millennium B.C. the Beaker people came from the mouth of the Rhine and settled in the East coast of Britain. They are named after the kind of pottery they brought with them. They built Stone Circles which were smaller than the earlier ones, less regular in shape and with different patterns.

Pictish society emerged towards the beginning of the first millennium A.D. By then Stone Circles had fallen out of favour and were left to the elements. This did not prevent the Picts from inscribing their symbols and Ogham script on some of these stones and use them for ritualistic or monumental purposes.

For the purposes of this book I will not go into detail regarding Stone Circles but briefly describe the varieties which have been found and the possible uses to which they might have been put.

The vast majority of Stone Circles are not perfect circles but flattened circles, elliptical, ovoid or complex. Their diameters range from just less than 9 feet to more than 200 feet. In the North East of Scotland, there were ten-stone rings with diameters between 57 feet and 86 feet showing that the number of stones was not determined by the length of the circumference. The number of stones in a circle range from 4 to more than 36.

The earliest Stone Circles, which are predominant in the North East of Scotland, are the Recumbent Stone Circles (RSCs). These are circles of stones, graded in height, the two tallest being in the South West flanking a large block lying on its side known as the Recumbent (Fig. 14). Often there is a Ring Cairn within the circle. These are circular cairns with an open air central space in which human cremations were buried. Kerb Cairns with kerbstones round the inner and outer circumferences of the ring cairn are also found in RSCs; these can be varied in size to form little rings of closely cut stones enclosing cremated bones.

A later development is the Four-Poster (introduced by the Beaker people) composed of four stones, built on hill terraces like the RSCs, sometimes with the largest stone at the North East (Fig. 15).

Clava Cairns, built in late Neolithic times, are named after the complex of these circles at Clava near Inverness. This group contains passage-graves and Ring Cairns. The former have straight passages leading through a round cairn to a circular, exactly central chamber. The latter are interrupted, stony banks with large kerbstones, enclosing an unroofed central space. Both types have graded kerbs and the majority have graded Stone Circles with the highest stone, like the RSCs, in the South West where the chambered tombs had their entrances. They are unique as the only chambered tombs in the British Isles set inside circles. Many of the Clava circles have 12 stones similar to most of the RSCs in Aberdeenshire which indicates a link between the two areas.

Concentric Circles are uncommon and it has been suggested that they are linked with internal cairns and associated with stone rows. The inner ring was usually of taller stones.

It was earlier supposed that Stone Circles were burial places but this theory is no longer acceptable because few bodies are buried in them compared with the number of people who died; they were near cemeteries of the same period.

The amount of cremated bones found within RSCs, sometimes placed in urns, indicate that they were used for cremation burials, although the circles were used primarily as communal and seasonal ritual centres. While some RSCs contain Ring Cairns they were originally built to contain pyres, and token cremations or dedicatory offerings may have been made initially, only much later were they used as funerary monuments as excavations have found.

The ancients believed that the sky with its sun, moon, stars and planets were connected with their life on earth and therefore when Stone Circles were built their orientation to these heavenly bodies was important. In 1930, Professor A. Thom made measurements of many Stone Circles throughout the British Isles and Brittany in relation to the stars and planets and theorised that all Stone Circles were types of chronometers which were used by the ancients, e.g. to predict lunar eclipses. Their alignment with certain topographical features sometimes were related to this use. The cup-marks found on Recumbents, flankers and adjacent stones are thought by some to be related to the phases of the moon.

These ancient structures were important to the people who erected them. Those circles that survived have stood for over 3000 years and still pose a mystery for our sophisticated, civilized age. Within and round them, our primitive forebears were involved in intense, emotional, religious activity. Did this affect the areas round these sites and survive the passage of time? The following chapters look at what dowsing has uncovered from these ancient circles.

Thoughtful Bit

2010-02-28T13:04:00.000Z

"If you want truly to understand something, try to change it."

Kurt Lewin

Christ Church from Coronation Street

2010-02-27T13:18:00.001Z

Christ Church to the left and the outline of the Municipal Buildings and Market Hall tower view from Coronation Street just before the midwinter solstice 2008.

Dowsing for Patterns of the Past by Rev Angus Haddow - Chapter 2 - Towards an Explanation

2010-02-26T13:20:00.002Z

Dowsing.

The patterns on the land which was the subject of the previous chapter were discovered by dowsing. “Dowsing” or “Divining” has been practised for centuries as a method of finding water, minerals and pipes. Dowsers appear on ancient Egyptian bas-reliefs, on Chinese statues over 4000 years ago, and are illustrated and mentioned on a treatise on mining and metallurgy named “De Re Metallica” by Agricola in 1556. The earliest known attempt to explain dowsing was by a French Abbe, de Vallemont, in the 17th Century. Today dowsers are employed by farmers to locate water, by mineral companies to find metal deposits, and it is claimed that the technique can be applied to find prehistoric sites and so-called “ley lines”.

The current theory to explain dowsing is the “earth energy” theory. This postulates that whether it is water or minerals underground, the energy which comes from them makes a minute change in the electro-magnetic field of the earth which rises vertically above them and this can be picked up by the dowser either by holding a Y-shaped twig of hazel, broom or some other wood, two L-shaped rods, or by a pendulum. The rod or twig is a vehicle to convey the person’s reaction, the muscles of the wrist being the prime mover. It is considered that everyone has the potential to dowse and it is not the unique gift given to a select few.

When a dowser stands over a water line his muscles tense slightly causing an almost imperceptible reflex movement in the arms and hands which cause the rod to move and indicate the presence of water. With experience, the force of the rod’s reaction is felt to be an indication what has been located. Some dowsers hold a sample of what they are looking for in one hand, having contact with the rod and the skin of the dowser. It is generally agreed that dowsing is a subjective activity and often, when the dowser thinks of water, for example, the rod reacts to water. During the Vietnam War, U.S. Army engineers were trained to dowse for land mines. They proved to be more accurate than the conventional electronic detectors.

Recently, experiments on dowsing carried out by Professor Vincent Reddish, former Regius Professor of Astronomy at Edinburgh and Astronomer Royal for Scotland, indicated the existence of some sort of steady and uniform radiation field surrounding buried objects. As it seemed to exist for metals and non-metals alike, some sort of electro-magnetic force was considered unlikely. Professor Reddish suggested the presence of groups of yet undiscovered particles in the objects which produce a field similar to that made by electric charges on a balloon rubbed on a sweater.

Universal Earth Grid.

More than 40 years ago, Dr. Francois Payre of Bagnoles del Orne, France, who is a physician, reported that his dowsing had discovered a grid pattern of emanations. Each square in the grid was 4 by 4 metres, rising vertically from the ground and orientated in a magnetic rather than a

geographic North-South and East-West direction (see Fig. 10).

This mesh of grid shapes seemed to cover the earth.

Siegfried Wittman, a German factory director, studied this grid and concluded from his own dowsing that the grid’s meshes, which he named “polarised fields”, were orientated North-West to South-West with respect to the magnetic pole and measured 16 metres on each side (Fig. 11).

Whitman’s grid could be superimposed on Peyre’s grid as shown in Fig. 12.

German physician, Manfred Curry, who worked with Wittman, came to the conclusion that an unidentified energy radiation was emitted in places where the lines of the grid intersected. People who spent extended periods of time above the intersecting lines could be harmed just as from telluric emanations from water veins.

Ernst Hartmann, a German doctor and founder of the world’s first Society for Geobiological Research who studied the link between noxious telluric emission and disease, found from his own research that the meshes of his “universal grid” were orientated to the magnetic North (like Peyre) but were 2 metres on their North-South axis and 2.5 metres on their East-West axis in the latitude of his home town. He indicated that the breadth of these energy-emitting lines were respectively 25 centimetres and 15

centimetres. At each crossing of lines (the Hartmann knot) there is a geopathogenic point affecting the health of humans. If this coincided with water veins, their potential lethal effect was greatly increased.

An American, Dr. Zaboj Harvalik, with his brother Vincent, a professional cartographer, and Wilhelm de Boer, dowsed out grid dimensions in the following places :- Ried (Switzerland), Dornbirn (Austria), Reykjavik (Iceland), Harbolle (Denmark), Danville (Vermont, U.S.A.) and Lorton (Virginia, U.S.A.), with latitudes from 64.09 N to 38.50 N (magnetic latitudes ranged from 63.36 N (Reykjavik) to 40.50 N (Ried). Starting at different points in the areas they selected, the dowsers met in the centre, all three patterns overlapping. It was found that the East-West grid measured from 1.2 metres to 2.06 metres whereas the north-South axes remained at 2 metres - this suggests some correspondence between the East-West grid dimensions and the magnetic latitud

es at which they were dowsed (when compared to their respective geographic latitudes, the East-West grid showed no correspondence).

Using a dip-needle which measures the dip-angle (or inclination from its surface to its magnetic centre) for each location, an even better correlation appeared between the two sets of data.

If a dip-angle is kn

own for any location, a corresponding dip-radius can be calculated (Fig. 13):-

East-West grid dimension at X
= cos dip angle X dimension of grid mesh at Y.
cos dip angle Y
For example, the East-West grid at Miami
= cos dip angle at Miami 1.7
cos dip angle at Lorton

where 1.7 is the length of the East-West mesh at Lorton. This corresponds closely with measurements.

Exactly 8,400,000 East-West grid dimensions make up the circumference of a circle, the radius of which is equivalent to the dip angle corresponding to them.

There appears to be no explanation for this universal grid.

Ley Lines.

In 1921, Alfred Watkins, an amateur archaeologist, observed that there was a network of straight tracks or “leys” through ancient or prehistoric sites which often intersected at churches and old standing stones. The word “ley” is akin to Middle English “lea” meaning “pasture land, a meadow which is open to the sun”. Watkins adopted the word because it was so often associated with place names situated along the tracks he found. These invisible straight lines were thought by him to carry flows of a subtle energy along which prehistoric people set out their markers to indicate trade routes and at their intersection erected stone circles, standing stones and mounds.

A typical alignment is 4 sites within 10 miles except large stone circles which leys tend to meet at a tangent rather than at the centre. The average length of a ley line is 20-30 miles although it can vary from only a few feet to thousands of miles.

The width of the line varies but the average is 5 1/2 feet, the width of the Roman road.

Dowsers investigating earth energies claim to have discovered that ley lines and ancient sacred sites radiate powerful forces which affect our well-being. They claim that ancient people were natural dowsers and built their sacred buildings at places where the earth energies were strongest. These sites appear to be where water lines and ley lines unite. The power of ancient monument sites lies in the interaction of the telluric Earth field of water lines with the cosmic solar field of ley lines (brought about by cosmic forces originating outside of the earth which penetrate the earth). Their combination creates a synergetic, holistic field which is greater than either of the two energies taken separately.

The ley system was developed by John Michell in his book “The View Over Atlantis” (1975) and equated with the ancient Chinese system of feng shui which guides any planned modifications of the landscape into harmony with invisible currents of force. These forces are opposed to each other, Ch’i being the positive “spirit” or “vital fluid” and ’Sha the negative force which literally means “noxious exhalations” operating destructively at every level that Ch’i operates affecting people, livestock and land adversely.

The meridian pattern of various ley lines and their intersection, particularly at specific sacred sites, is purported to be analogous to the acupuncture system on the human body. If the Gaia Theory is correct (i.e. that the earth is a living organism), stone circles and standing stones are the needles which store energy and/or control it in a certain way.

There is a form of earth-acupuncture used by dowsers to neutralise “noxious earth radiations” from “black streams” which is claimed to affect the atmosphere and people at certain points adversely. The right kind of stake has to be sited at exactly the right place and sometimes at the right time. It can neutralise the ’Sha all the way downstream of its point of intersection to another point of intersection with a ley line. In some cases it converts the energies coming out as ’Sha to a stable Ch’i.

Could this be the explanation for the metal stakes in the garden of the croft mentioned in Chapter 1?

Ley lines, according to Michell, are the circuits of a subtle energy which may be related to terrestrial magnetism. Extravagant claims have been made that UFOs fly along straight lines identified with ley lines and this has been the subject of science-fiction literature.

There is no scientific evidence for ley lines because physical science cannot detect or isolate the earth energy which made up their existence. Many archaeologists and scientists are extremely critical of them and write them off as having no scientific basis or relevance whatsoever. Nevertheless, the ley system continues to intrigue, not least to dowsers who claim to detect it linking up ancient sites and being found within them.

Earth Energies: their Cause and Effect.

Geophysics is that branch of science in which the principles of mathematics and physics are applied to the study of the earth’s crust and interior. It includes the study of geomagnetism, gravitational fields and electrical conductivity using precise quantitative principles. Its techniques can be applied to the discovery and location of economic minerals, e.g. petroleum.

The study of geophysics is related to the interaction of energies below the earth. The possible cause of these energies and their effect on the human body could perhaps account for the patterns found in Chapter 1 by dowsing.

Our bodies have an electric charge. The brain is a complex computer with nerves carrying messages from the body to and from it. Tiny magnetic currents are involved in this activity which have scarcely measurable magnetic fields. Just as a T.V. set can be affected by the atmosphere and by passing transport, so external electric fields can affect the body.

Geopathic stress is created by natural rays from the earth which have been distorted causing among other things an imbalance between positive and negative ions in the atmosphere (most of the air around is electrically neutral). Only a tiny proportion of the air’s molecules - perhaps 1 in 100 billion - gain or loses one electron and thus acquires a positive or negative charge. This charged minority is constantly being maintained by natural phenomena. The exchange of electricity between earth and ionosphere, ultra-violet radiation, radioactive dust, thunderstorms and waterfalls will contribute to the charge of the atmosphere. A good balance would contain 1000-4000 positive and negative ions. The negative ions are more mobile and are repelled from the earth’s surface therefore a normal ratio of positive to negative ions is 1.2 to 1.0 respectively.

Water currents in the earth and geological fractures can interfere with the heat radiation from the earth (due to radioactive disintegration of soil molecules in the earth’s crust). The water molecules become positively charged and an electrically magnetic field in the opposite direction to the flow of water is formed. This causes a distortion of natural radiation coming from the earth which is no longer emitted regularly but appears in the form of high frequencies that create geopathically stressed areas.

Before a thunderstorm the atmosphere is depleted of negative ions (this can give a tense feeling and headaches); these ions are replaced by lightning. At the full moon, negative ions are drawn to the moon making people feel uneasy at this time as indeed the residents of the croft previously investigated did.

With too many ions in the air, the body is affected by the charge being transferred from the lungs to the blood causing platelets (small discs of red tissue in the blood) to release a hormone (serotonin 5HT) which affects one’s moods. It is supposed that the rate of some enzymes are increased by negative ions while positive ions have the opposite effect.

Microwaves at the edges of watercourses have an electrochemical potential higher than in the centre. There is an ionisation of the earth discharging its heat measured by infra-red waves; this intensity diminishes about a watercourse. Using an ammeter and two electrodes to measure a person’s skin resistance (georhythmogram) demonstrates the terrestrial effect on him in kilo-ohms. Atmospheric pressure and electric fields affect neutral zones and telluric knots.

Such knowledge must have been known by ancient builders who constructed their religious temples incorporating features beneficial to them. One theory is that the power of a building depended on a combination of two aspects of influence - both the site and the context of the structure.

A primary water cycle is a totally underground hydrological cycle and is therefore not affected by drought (in contrast to ground water which is part of the above ground hydrological cycle involving evaporation, closed formation, rain, rivers, oceans and the underground water table). It is often found at the sites of ancient monuments and temples.

A water spring is a natural spot for building a sacred structure. This close relationship between water lines and springs was established by M Louis Marle and Reginald Allender Smith in the 1930s - they were both dowsers. Marle indicated that ancient monuments were situated over springs or underground streams. Smith postulated that streams were consistently present at the centres of stone circles and earthworks therefore the selection of such sites was not arbitrary but a conscious decision by the builders based on the presence of underground water.

The selection of the material made and the date on which the first stone was laid was important for the ancient builders. The raw stone was considered androgynous, i.e. having the characteristics of both negative and positive polarities; when it is cut the two polarities separated. In temples the positive polarity was placed on the outside and the negative polarity faced the interior. The effect of the moon was taken into account during the building process.

In the temple of Hathor at Denderah in Egypt, there are four watercourses round it; these must have been deliberately constructed.

Fourteen subterranean streams converge at the centre of the choir in Chartres Cathedral in France as does a watercourse 121 feet below ground - it was found in the 1960s that these streams were constructed by human hands!

The Egyptian pyramids have 18 geomagnetic lines of the Hartmann network round them except that of the tomb of Chamuas which has only 7 - it is as if the lines protect the structures. Inside this tomb there is a neutral zone with 7 tightly-packed Hartmann rays across very wide thresholds of large openings and interior passages.

All the sanctuaries in India have in common the fact that the Hartmann network is absent from the centre and there is a spray of compacted lines pushed back from the exterior of the structures (as in Chartres and in Egypt).

In Tibet, all interiors of monasteries are in a neutral zone in relation to the Hartmann network. Hartmann rays are further apart from North to South and decrease towards mountain summits.

The circular patterns found by dowsing seem to be the cause of forces within the earth which may be involved with the earth’s electro-magnetic field. The lines with the grid patterns appear to be some sort of ley lines although in this instance they were not connected with a known stone circle. To put it to the test, the next project for my friend and I, is to dowse a stone circle and see what pattern emerges.

Thoughtful Bit

2010-02-26T13:02:00.000Z

"The mark of a true professional is giving more than you get".

Robert Kirby

Thoughtful Bit

2010-02-25T18:50:00.001Z

"The best vaccine against anger is to witness others in its throes."

Alain de Botton's Twitter Feed.

Visit Chester and Cheshire - Best Tourism Experience 2006

2010-02-24T17:08:00.004Z

Getting on a bit now since I did this work, but remains one of the high points of my working life, dating from when I worked as a Roman Tour guide in Chester. Originally published on my old Equinoxe website:

At a prestigious awards ceremony held at Chester Racecourse, on the beautiful summer evening of 9th June 2006, the work Roman Tours does on behalf of the great city of Chester, and indeed all of Cheshire received recognition as ‘Clear Winners’ in the Best Tourism Experience 2006 Category.

I completed the necessary paperwork and portfolio to document the reasons why this award should be won; then having been shortlisted, I attended an interview with a judge to further explain why this award is deserved.

Then, at the awards ceremony, the teaser citation was “The company has, from small beginnings, gone onto build an iconic image of Chester and continues to build on that with its long-term strategic plan. As such, it was the clear winner in its category. The winner is……………. Roman Tours”

Crewe By Night (1)

2010-02-23T22:20:00.002Z

This is a composite picture taken on Halloween 2004 looking up Sandon Street, with a little tinkering with the image. Even with a few backs of 1960s buildings its shadows and back street feel give a Victorian Jack the Ripper 1880s vibe. Dark, sinister, brooding. When the evenings are dark the echoes of Victorian Crewe still lurk in the half light...

Dowsing for Patterns of the Past by Rev Angus Haddow - Chapter 1 - Puzzling Patterns

2010-02-23T13:30:00.001Z

It all began in September, 1994, when I was asked to help a family experiencing poltergeist activity. They lived in a croft near the village of Methlick in Aberdeenshire and claimed to have encountered various phenomena - movement of objects, sensing a presence which was malevolent, two rooms which had atmospheres which made them uneasy, seeing a vague shape which moved, having a point in the garden which made them frightened, and having headaches brought on by fear and anxiety which affected their sleep.

The ground round about the croft had been tested for radon emission, all electrical appliances in the house had been examined and the overhead electric cables were checked but all appeared to be normal with no danger whatsoever to the residents.

After investigating the situation, I considered that part of the problem was concerned with the psychological state of the family who were involved in a domestic dispute at the time, and also with the suicide of a young man some years before who had been brought up in the house.

As I normally do in these circumstances I counselled the family, had prayer with them and blessed the rooms purporting to have evil atmospheres. Nevertheless I had the feeling that there was more to the situation than what I had found.

In the garden were metal rods stuck into the earth at various points. These rods were in the garden when the residents moved in (a few months before) and did not seem to serve any purpose. I asked the family if they had no objection to a dowser being brought in to examine the land on which their house and outbuildings stood and they readily assented.

I approached the local dowser asking him if he would be willing to be taken to a location near the village and dowse the land there, keeping an open mind on what he found. He agreed to do this and was taken to the croft where he began his work in the garden using a divining rod of hazel. He soon realised that his dowsing rod reacted in a manner which indicated a pattern of force repeated in a regular way. Stones were placed as markers on the points where the divining rod reacted and it was discovered that there emerged a grid pattern of squares outside and inside the house which extended on all sides. The grid pattern appeared to go in a North-West/South-East direction.

The next day, with a dowsing friend to help him, the dowser covered a wider area and had his own results checked. The majority of squares had sides measuring between 5 to 6 feet (1.5-1.8 metres) as shown in Fig. 1.

Working slowly with the divining rod, weaker lines were discovered between the main lines as shown in Fig. 2.

Could it be that whatever energy was emanating from the ground was affecting the health of the family? It appeared that when the moon became fuller their headaches worsened and during wet weather the situation eased.

After dowsing over a wider area still and checking the results, it appeared that a circular shape encompassed the entire set of buildings, the diameter of which was approximately North-West / South-East 109 yards and North-East / South-East 125 yards as shown in Fig. 3. There were 96 straight lines of force from the outer circle to the centre and at the circumference these were 7-9 feet apart narrowing down to a point at the centre. There were 4 other circles, each 2 feet apart, near to the edge of the outermost circle and having the same centre. Between these outer circles were other circles, wider apart, which formed rough square shapes with the straight lines as shown in Fig. 3; other lines between the squares were picked up by the dowser. The centre of all the circles was positioned at the point where the garage joined the house and there was a very strong reaction from the divining rod in this area. This part of the house contained the rooms where the residents did not feel at ease in.

Within the large circle there was an oblong shape (see Fig.4) where there was a distinct difference in the reaction of the divining rod. Within this shape the rod reacted 5 times in every square whereas outside the shape it only reacted once, e.g. there was a strong reaction on the first line of the square followed by 4 weaker reactions, followed again by a strong reaction and on to the next joined square of 4 weak and I strong, etc. as shown in Fig 5a. The sides of these squares were approximately 8 feet reducing in size when heading for a strong source of reaction or heading into the centre of the circle where, as Fig 5d shows, the reaction is so strong that the squares become so small they cannot be defined and the dowser felt that the strength was taken from him. In Fig. 5b the weak lines are defined at right angles and in Fig. 5c they are defined at right angles and from corner to corner.

At the back of the house near the steading there were 4 squares, each side measuring 18 feet (coloured black in Fig. 4) within which there was no response from the divining rod. There was a similar square in the garden as shown in Fig. 4.

In wet weather the dowser went round the outside of the outer circle and on the North side picked up two distinct water veins, a few yards apart and on the South side of the house picked them up again (see Fig. 6). There were other reaction as he went round the circle, but by the quick reaction of the rod he considered these to be drainage or water pipes. The two veins on the North side were on lower ground than the house and steading. The veins on the South side were slightly further apart, again on lower ground. The line of both went through the house area and it was noted that it passed through the centre of the circles where there was a very strong reaction from the divining rod.

When he extended the area of his dowsing further, the dowser found another circular shape attached to the first outer circle by a short line approximately 40 yards broad containing a grid pattern. Another similar line of approximately 40 yards broad headed in a West by South direction from this second circle.

From the first circle another line 12 yards broad went in a North North West direction with a mound running part of its length for 140 yards as shown in Fig 7. This line was traced for 4 miles when it was crossed by another grid line going from East by North/West by South, each line continuing further.

A wider view of the pattern is depicted in Fig. 8 which includes a thin grid line crossing the one going North North West.

Observations by the Dowser.

He considered the area concerned to be one of severe geopathic stress, the circle being the outside of an electro-magnetic field influenced by underground water activity. The centre is being pulled off-centre to the North as the strongest concentration of force is being emitted by a more central field such as a rise of water deep under the earth which has some sort of energy coming to the surface with it; the direction of water appears to come from the North to the South.

The measurement of the grid squares within the grid lines seem to remain the same whereas the grid squares in the circular patterns vary and decrease in size as they are nearer the centre.

It appears that the grid lines and the grid circles become wider at different times of the day and in various weather conditions. They can still be detected in snow.

Grid lines vary in width from approximately 10 yards to 120 yards. Some can run for miles intersecting others at different angles.

It was discovered that when carefully measuring the grid lines, there were gaps of about 20 yards across as shown e.g. in Fig. 9. At one point where the width was 500 yards, there were 7 gaps of 20 yards across, on another which was 300 yards across, there were 4 gaps of 20 yards width. It appears that on low-lying areas and on hills, the outside lines had a more circular sweep and were wider at certain places. On coming to a point where a glacier had disturbed the land surface, the drop in the land being about 150 feet, the diving rod still picked up the squares at the bottom of the rock face.

Only in the instance of the circular patterns described in this chapter was a shape found within the pattern which roughly coincided with the outlines of the buildings but at a distance from the outside walls; the building itself was built on the strong central point. This inner shape was formed by the strong reaction to the dowsing rod in and out of the strong line.

What causes the lines and the circular shapes? What is the significance of the square areas where there is no response from the rod? Is there any pattern to the various lines and circles on a larger scale? These are questions which inevitably come to mind when an attempt is made to evaluate these puzzling patterns.

Standing Stone on Bosley Cloud?

2010-02-21T22:04:00.000Z

Not far from the trig point and toposcope at the highest point of The Cloud (or Bosley Cloud) near Congleton - is a possible standing stone. With the Neolithic Bridestones not far away at all, a Bronze Age standing stone could figure.

I've been visiting it for, oooh, 7 years or so. It stands proud of a dry stone wall by a few feet, and intriguingly has a cross incised into its thinnest tapering point. Does this indicate Christianisation of a pre-Christain monument - or just that someone thought it could be a 'pagan' stone, so incise a cross just in case?

Whatever, it forms one of my points of interst on visits to The Cloud. The Cloud gives maximum reward with minimum effort if you park on its eastern side.

LNWR Stores at Stockport

2010-02-20T21:57:00.000Z

It's hard to live in Crewe as someone passionately absorbed in the Historic Environment and not develop an interest for Railway Heritage - especially the great London and North Western Railway Company. It was that company which saw the greatest establishment of the town of Crewe.

I've passed this towering building next to the train line many times over the years and wanted to stop to photo it. A fortuitous opportunity combined with perfect light was afforded me, and this is one of the shots I got of the building, with Christ Church Stockport's spire to the left.

It's now still being used for a storage space by one of the burgeoning storage industry's members.

Dowsing for Patterns of the Past - The Stone Circles of Aberdeenshire - Longer Summary

2010-02-20T13:40:00.001Z

Chapter 1. Puzzling Patterns.

In 1996 I was called in to investigate poltergeist activity in a croft in Methlick, Aberdeenshire, which caused great concern and alarm to the family living there. In the course of my investigation I strongly suspected that other factors then psychological and paranormal were at work. In company with another dowser I dowsed the area and a pattern of grids and circles were discovered. The centre of one of these circles turned out to be where the poltergeist manifested itself most. Careful measurements were taken, particularly of the grid lines which extended for miles. What was the significance of these patterns?

Chapter 2. Towards an Explanation.

(a) Dowsing. Dowsing or divining has been practised for centuries throughout the world as a method for finding water, minerals and pipes, and it is claimed that the technique can be applied to find prehistoric sites and so-called “ley-lines.” The current theory to explain it is that energy which comes from water or minerals underground makes a minute change in the electro-magnetic field of the earth which rises vertically above them and can be picked up by the dowser through the movement of the muscles of his wrist either by holding a Y-shaped twig of hazel, broom or some other wood, two L-shaped rods, or by a pendulum. It is considered that everyone has the potential to dowse and it is not the unique gift given to a select few.

(b) Universal Earth Grid. More than 40 years ago a French doctor discovered by dowsing that a grid pattern of emanations covered the earth and that it was related to the earth’s magnetic field by its direction. Others discovered that at the intersection of these grid lines (the Hartmann knot) there is a theopathogenic point affecting the health of people. When grid dimensions were dowsed at locations in Europe, Iceland and the United States of America a correlation was found between the east-west grid dimensions and the magnetic latitudes at which they were dowsed. If the dip-angle (or inclination from the earth’s surface
to its magnetic centre) for each location
is known, a corresponding dip-radius can
be calculated. Using the following formula
the dimensions of the east-west grid for any
place on earth can be calculated :-
East-west grid dimension at X
= cos dip angle at X x Dimension of grid mesh at Y.
cos dip angle at Y
where X and Y are locations.

(c) Ley Lines. A network of straight tracks or “leys” is considered to go through ancient or prehistoric sites carrying a subtle energy which was used to indicate trade routes and at their intersection stone circles, standing stones and mounds were erected. Dowsers investigating earth energies claim to have discovered that ley lines and ancient sacred sites radiated powerful forces which affect our well-bring; water lines also appear to connect with lay lines at these points. They claim that our prehistoric ancestors were natural dowsers who did not require anything to detect this energy but could feel it in their bodies because of their keen sensitivity to nature, The meridian pattern of ley lines and their intersection, particularly at specific sacred sites, is purported to be analogous to the acupuncture system of the human body.

(d) Earth Energies: their Cause and Effect. The study of geophysics is related to the interaction of energies below the surface of the earth. The possible cause of these energies and their effect on the human body could perhaps account for the patterns found in Chapter 1 by dowsing. Geopathic stress is caused by natural rays from the earth being distorted and causing an imbalance between positive and negative ions in the atmosphere. This distortion is caused by water currents in the earth and geological fractures interfering with heat radiation from the decomposition of soil molecules from the earth’s crust. Such knowledge was used by ancient buildings in the construction of their religious buildings, e.g. the Egyptian pyramids, incorporating features beneficial to them

Were stone circles deliberately built on sites which would be beneficial for what they were used for? Would they show an energy pattern when dowsed which would indicate this?

Chapter 3. Stone Circles.

Aberdeenshire contains about 10% of the total number of known stone circles within the British Isles. They were erected from approximately 3000-1000 B.C. and it has been estimated that about two thirds of them have been destroyed. Neolithic farmers constructed cairns, stone circles and standing stones; they were followed by the Celts who developed these structures and later, the Beaker people from Germany who built smaller stone circles, less regular in pattern and with different shapes. The earliest stone circles predominant in the north east of Scotland are the Recumbent Stone Circles (RSC`s) which normally had the tallest two stones flanking a large block lying on its side in the south west arc. Often there is a Ring Cairn within the circle, the central space being where human cremations were buried. A later development is the 4-Poster composed of 4 stones. Clava Cairns, built in late Neolithic times, had passage graves which were straight passages leading through a round cairn to a circular, exactly central chamber, the majority being enclosed within stone circles; these are unique in the British Isles. There are also Concentric Circles which are uncommon.

The amount of cremated bones found within stone circles indicate that they were used for cremation burials, although they were used primarily as communal and seasonal ritual centres. The ancients believed that happenings in the sky affected life on earth therefore when stone circles were built their orientation to the sun, moon, stars and planets was important to them. In 1930, Professor A.Thom, after measuring many stone circles in the British Isles and Brittany, theorised that they were types of chronometers used, for example, to predict lunar eclipses. The cup-marks found on some stones are thought to be related to the phases of the moon.

When I walk over the site of a stone circle holding a Y-shaped hazel twig there are reactions from it which I note by means of markers. I have discovered that in every case the same basic pattern emerges, i.e. two concentric circles (which I call “tram lines”) enclosing the stones; a line from each stone going either to a point or a circular shape at the centre. Walking round between the “tram lines” there is a reaction from the twig when I encounter each stone. If any stone is missing I could, by dowsing, find out where it was and its width. There were sometimes one or two large concentric circles of energy detected round the stone circle for which I have no explanation.

Chapter 4. The Stone Circle Pattern (i) Complete Stone Circles.

I first turned my attention to the following complete stone circles, each being described with known information before the results of the dowsing are given (Ordnance Survey Map References are given for all stone circles mentioned and also diagrams, including measurements, for the dowsing patterns).

Loanhead of Daviot - a RSC of 11 stones and a Cremation Circle. From the Recumbent and its flankers a wedge of energy was detected going towards the centre of the circle (a regular feature found in RSC`s). The cremation circle showed straight lines projecting from a circular shape in the centre (probably places for storing bodies prior to cremation on the adjacent funeral pyre)

Dyce (Tyrebagger) a RSC of 11 stones. This was found to have a similar pattern to the foregoing except the lines from each stone went to a central elliptical shape.

Easter Aquorthies - a RSC of 12 stones. The pattern here is similar to Dyce SC except for an ovoid shape near the centre which may indicate a small structure related to the ceremonies conducted there.

Sunhoney - a RSC of 12 stones. There is a similar pattern to the foregoing SC.

Cullerlie - a SC with a large kerb cairn at its centre with 7 small kerb cairns round it; this; it dates from the second millennium BC and was used for the burial of chieftains` ashes. Dowsing showed lines from each stone to the cairn at the centre, each passing through a kerb cairn except two on the east which passes through the same one. There were three stones detected outside the circle which may have been outliers

Backhill of Dracklaw East - a Ring Circle of 6 stones. Although lines came from each stone to an elliptical shape at the centre only two of them showed a response from the twig which indicated that the others were not originals. The local farmer admitted that he had placed one stone in the circle!

Craighead (Badentoy) - a 4-poster. Lines were found going from each stone to an elliptical shape at the centre.

Chapter 5. The Stone Circle Pattern (ii) Incomplete Stone Circles.

When I dowsed the following the patterns showed where the missing stones had been situated; if any had been moved from their original position, this could be seen from the dowsing pattern :-

Sheldon. - may be a RSC although no recumbent there at present; 6 stones remain out of 7. The pattern showed a ring circle of 7 stones with no evidence of a recumbent. There is a stone outside the circle on the east which had a response from the twig and may have been the missing stone.

Midmar Kirk - a RSC of 8 stones with one missing (an example of a “christianised” SC, a church was built next to it to facilitate the transition from paganism to Christianity). The pattern indicated the missing stone on the west of the circle.

Wester Echt - regarded as a RSC although only 3 of the original 9 remain. The pattern indicated 10 other stones and the wedge of energy from the recumbent and its flankers showed it to be a RSC; these 3 stones were in contact with each other.

Shethin - a heap of stones in a field regarded as originally of 7 stones and as a combination between a cairn and a 4-poster. Dowsing showed it to have 4 other stones and to be a ring circle.

Aikey Brae - a RSC originally having 10 stones but now only the recumbent and 4 stones stand in the site, most of the others have fallen or are missing. The pattern showed all the original stones and the unusual feature of 5 fan-shaped areas just outside the “tram lines” which may indicate cremation burials.

Auchmaliddie - Although only 2 blocks of white quartz remain of this circle it is regarded as a RSC. Dowsing showed that the 2 blocks were not lying in the circle and it was a RSC of 9 stones.

Balquhain - a RSC reputed to have 10 or 12 stones of which only 7 remain plus a pillar of white quartz, 10 feet high, just outside the circle. Dowsing indicated a RSC of 11 stones. It also showed that this circle was surrounded by another circle of 12 stones, none of which now remain.

Chapter 6 - The Stone Circle Pattern (iii) Standing Stones.

There are many standing stones which could be the remains of a SC, an outlier. or as a route marker. When I dowsed the following standing stones the patterns obtained confirmed this and showed the type of circles which they are :-

Candle Stone (Ellon) - regarded as either the remains of a SC, an outlier or a route marker. Dowsing indicated a SC of 39 stones with lines of energy coming from each stone towards the centre and stopping at various points to form a circle within which were two concentric elliptical shapes.

Peathill Standing Stone - The Statistical Account of Scotland puts this stone at the centre of a SC 45’-50’ in diameter. Dowsing showed that the stone was not at the centre of a SC but one of 7 stones forming a circle.

Monykebbuck Standing Stone - partly surrounded by scattered stones. The dowsing pattern showed it to be a RSC of 7 stones.

Gavel - it is recorded that this stone is the last remaining stone of a SC reputed to have been a RSC. This was not confirmed by dowsing which indicated a ring circle of 7 stones. An unusual feature was a wedge of energy from 2 separate stones to a circle of force at the centre; these could have some significance in the rituals carried out within the circle.

Balhaggardy (Chapel of Garioch) - this sole remaining stone of a SC split into 3 sections in 1998; its north side had 24 cup marks. Dowsing showed it to be a SC of 7 stones, one of which had a wedge of energy to a circle of force at the centre which could have been a recumbent and its flankers.

Monkshill Standing Stone - reputed to be the remaining stone of a SC. The dowsing pattern showed it to be a RSC of 8 stones.

The Grenago Stone - this solitary stone, standing in the middle of a golf course, has had no recorded association with a SC. Dowsing showed it to be a small RSC of 7 stones, the recumbent and its flankers being unusually on the north east.

Chapter 7. The Stone Circle Pattern (iv)No Stones on Recorded Sites.

There have been sites which have been recorded as containing SCs although no stones now remain. Checking the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland from 1850 to date for such sites, I dowsed the following for details of their original circles :-

Culsh - in 1788 the stones of this SC were removed for building purposes (the nearby farm is named “Standing Stones”). I dowsed a large area before I found this site (nobody knew where it was). The dowsing pattern was unusual showing a SC of 17 stones (only 2 such circles are found in Scotland). A line came from each stone terminating at points to form a circle. Within this circle were 3 elliptical shapes of increasing energy at the centre and also a rectangular shape on the west within which there was a reaction from the twig. These shapes could have been structures within which important ceremonies were carried out.

Culsalmond - this SC was “christianised” when the first Christian Church was erected there; it was later destroyed. The site is in a graveyard next to a ruined church. The New Statistical Account of Scotland (i842) stated that it had originally 12 upright granite stones. There was difficulty in dowsing the site owing to the large holly bushes growing there (perhaps planted on purpose!). The pattern showed a ring circle of 8 stones.

Daviot Churchyard - the stones of this circle were removed by order of the local minister in the early 19th Century. The dowsing pattern showed a SC of 9 or 10 stones (part of it was inside a crypt and therefore inaccessible). There was a rectangular area of response from the twig inside the “tram lines” which may have been a place where ashes were buried. A very unusual feature was the finding of 5 water courses running in parallel through the circle.

Ellon - a report of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in 1917 stated that there was a circle of 7 stones, only 3 were original, the other 2 have been brought from other places. Nowadays, there is nothing to be seen on the site which is a car park of a supermarket. About 100 yards away there are 6 stones placed in a circle near a walkway. Dowsing showed a SC of 6 stones. I dowsed the 6 stones near the walkway and found a reaction from them showing that they could have been the stones from the circle. I did not find any SC pattern where they were, showing that it was not the original site.

Mains of Crichie - nothing is left but a pile of stones at the side of a field. Dowsing indicated a RSC of 6 stones with an elliptical shape at the centre.

Brandsbutt - a stone with Pictish symbols lies near a completely destroyed SC. This stone showed no response from the twig showing that it was not part of the SC. The dowsing pattern showed a ring circle of 11 stones with lines from each stone terminating in an inner large circle. When I dowsed the stones of a nearby stone dyke I had a reaction from many of them thus showing them to have been part of the SC although a number had been broken for the purpose of building the dyke.

Chapter 8 The Stone Circle Pattern (iv) Unrecorded Sites.

There are SCs which have never been recorded but chance, topographical clues or just a psychic awareness have led me to find their patterns, as in the following :-

Bellmuir (Methlick) - Across the river Ythan from the village of Methlick is the sloping ground of the Bellmuir where prehistoric dwellings have been found near the river’s edge; prehistoric field systems are also in the area. On the premise that such a community would possibly build a SC for ritualistic purposes I dowsed its highest point and immediately found the pattern which showed a RSC of 7 stones, the recumbent and its flankers touching each other. Wedges of energy were detected coming from every stones to an elliptical shape at the centre which is very unusual.

Auchmaliddie (2) - while investigating the SC at Auchmaliddie, the farmer told me that his father had mentioned that there was a SC in the next field. When I dowsed the field I found the pattern of a RSC of 7 stones, a raised fence running through it.

Sheddocksley - on the edge of the Sheddocksley housing estate in Aberdeen, almost hidden by a group of trees bordering playing fields, stands a stone not mentioned in any OS maps. I dowsed round it and found a pattern showing a ring circle of 8 stones with lines of energy from each stone to an elliptical shape at the centre. The centre point of this circle gave a very strong reaction from the twig.

Prop of Ythsie - this is a tower which was built as a memorial to the 4th Earl of Aberdeen who was Prime Minister of Britain I852-I855. Looking down from the top of the tower I had a feeling that a SC could be there. When I dowsed the area a pattern showing a ring circle of 11 stones was found within which were 3 circular areas round the centre each causing an increasing response from the twig as it neared the centre; this may indicate some sort of structure for cremation or burial purposes. Two splayed water lines are 12 feet away from it.

South Ythsie (2) - near the SC of South Ythsie is the Chapel Fauld, the reputed site of St. John’s Chapel. I decided to dowse this area and found a pattern showing a ring circle of 9 stones, the largest stone being 6 feet wide round which the “tram lines” bulged. This is unusual and makes this stone of special significance.

Chapter 9. The Stone Circle Pattern (vi) A Ceremonial Centre.

A Port Elphinstone, near Inverurie, there is a much ruined Neolithic centre. Originally an avenue, lined with a recorded estimate of 36 stones on each side, led to a circle henge of 6 stones of which only 2 still remain and only one in the avenue. A stone with Pictish symbols was taken from a bank nearby and placed within the circle henge. The dowsing pattern showed 6 stones within the henge which did not include the Pictish stone (the only one with no line from it to the centre). Two parallel water courses ran through the centre of the SC coinciding with the entrances/exits of the henge on the north and south. When I dowsed the area of the avenue I was restricted by a railway at one end and a housing estate at the other therefore the number of stones which I found were a minimum number for each side, viz. 35 and 39 making a total of 74. This is the only SC with an avenue in Aberdeenshire.

It is recorded (1780) that north of the henge stood a large ring with 3 concentric circles of stones. I confirmed this by dowsing the area, finding an outer circle of 16 stones and 2 inner rings which indicated some form of circular erection in these areas; the inner one was pear-shaped. The small circular space in the centre of these circles could indicate the place of the (recorded) stone cairn.

While dowsing the whole area I picked up a pattern of a RSC of 10 stones bordering slightly on the north west of the henge and this could indicate that it was of earlier construction. This circle is unrecorded.

Chapter 10. Circles and Lines.

There is a definite relationship between grid lines and SCs. The former either pass through or near the latter. When I dowsed a complete area at South Ythsie, a number of grid lines were found, the main one going through an unrecorded SC and through a recorded SC. The patterns found by dowsing could have been caused by the inter-action of electro-magnetic forces and flowing water (which carries energy and creates negative ions) under the earth.

Another factor is the formation of geomagnetic anomaly points where mineral cells below the surface of the earth could affect people above them. Another factor is the abundance of granite in Aberdeenshire not only underground but also used in the construction of SCs; this stone is one of the most radioactive rocks.

As stated earlier our primitive ancestors sensed in their bodies where the best sites were to build their SCs and went to considerable lengths to obtain the stones required. The construction of these circles showed an understanding of astronomy as well as building expertise. The grid lines seem to be a form of ley lines spread out on the surface of the earth. They contain a form of natural energy which, when they intersect SCs, have a particular strength.

Water Veneration Continuation

2010-02-19T21:50:00.001Z

It may not at first be accepted that 'water worship' continues in these days. However many folk still venerate water sources as holy and places of influencing their affairs for the better - by tossing a coin or two into the well.

Here there are pennies and drips into the holy well of St Chad's at Chadkirk, Romiley, near Stockport.

Beautiful Bottle Kilns

2010-02-18T21:44:00.000Z

Crewe, and its neighbouring city of Stoke on Trent may not be noted for beauty, but for the uninformed, the ought to be. Each has its own beautiful places - including industrial heritage.

Stoke on Trent has a number of these wonderfully curvy kilns surviving from its pottery days, this couple being discovered walking from The Odeon at Festival Park en route back to Stoke train Station.

These are lovely constructions, and I'd love to do a day having a binge visiting as many surviving bottle ovens, or bottle kilns as possible. I've photographed a number as I have come across them over the years in the area, and they warrant just a little more of my anorak inclination.

3 C Gull

2010-02-17T21:42:00.000Z

I captured this gull on top of St Paul's in Hightown, Crewe (3Cs)... just the right moment to capture it with wingspan outstretched.

Dowsing for Patterns of the Past - The Stone Circles of Aberdeenshire - Contents and Short Summary

2010-02-17T13:50:00.001Z

Chapter 1. Puzzling Patterns. Whilst investigating poltergeist activity in and near a croft in the Methlick area of Aberdeenshire, it was felt that there were other factors than psychological and paranormal which were responsible. When the area was dowsed, circular and straight line patterns with grids within them were discovered, the centre of the circular pattern coinciding with the centre of the poltergeist activity. Measurements of these were taken in addition to the direction of the grid lines which could be picked up miles away.

Chapter 2. Towards an Explanation.

(a) Dowsing. A description of dowsing and the current “earth energy” theory are given.

(b) Universal Earth Grid. A mesh of grid shapes covering the earth have been discovered which are related to its magnetic field. There was a correspondence between the earth-west grid dimensions and the magnetic latitudes at which they were dowsed which was expressed by a mathematical formula.

(c) Ley Lines. A brief historical description of ley lines is given and also the theory that they intersect at ancient sacred places where the earth energies are strongest; water lines also appear to unite with ley lines at these locations.

(d) Earth Energies: their Cause and Effect. The study of geophysics is related to the interaction of energies below the surface of the earth. Geopathic stress is explained and its effect on the human body. Ancient builders used such knowledge in the construction of their religious buildings, e.g. Egyptian pyramids. Would stone circles show such an energy pattern when dowsed?

Chapter 3. Stone Circles. A description is given of stone circles, their builders and their distribution with particular reference to the many found in the north-east of Scotland. These are Recumbent Stone Circles, Ring Cairns, Four-Posters, Clava Cairns, and Concentric Circles. The theories of their purposes are briefly examined.

Chapter 4. The Stone Circle Pattern (i) Complete Stone Circles. The following complete Stone Circles were dowsed, each being described with known information before comments on the results of the dowsing were given; in all cases the same basic stone-circle pattern was found :-,Loanhead of Daviot’, Dyce (Tyrebagger), Easter Aquorthies), Sunhoney, Cullerlie, Backhill of Dracklaw East, and Craighead (Badentoy). (Ordnance Survey Map References are given for all stone circles mentioned in the book).

Chapter 5. The Stone Circle Pattern (ii) Incomplete Stone Circles. When these were dowsed the pattern showed where the missing stones had been situated. If any had moved from their original position, this would be seen from the dowsing pattern. Those examined were :- Sheldon, Midmar Kirk, Wester Echt, Shethin, Aikey Brae. Auchmaliddie, and Balquhain.

Chapter 6. The Stone Circle Pattern (iii) Standing Stones. There are many single standing stones which could be the remaining stones of stone circles. The dowsing patterns of the following confirms this and showed the kind of circle they were a part of :- The Candle Stone (Ellon), Peathill Standing Stone, Monykebbuck Standing Stone, Balhaggardy (Chapel of Garioch), Monkshill Standing Stone, and The Gredago Stone.

Chapter 7. The Stone Circle Pattern (iv) No Stones on Recorded Sites. There have been sites which have been recorded as containing stone circles although no stones now remain. The dowsing pattern gives details of the original circles :- Culsh, Culsalmond, Daviot Churchyard, Ellon, Mains of Crichie, and Brandsbutt.

Chapter 8. The Stone Circle Pattern (v) Unrecorded Sites. There are stone circles which have never been recorded but chance, topographical clues, or just a psychic awareness can motivate a dowsed to find the pattern of a stone circle. The following have been discovered by this means :- Bellmuir (Methlick),, Auchmaliddie (2), Sheddocksley, Prop of Ythsie, and South Ythsie.

Chapter 9. The Stone Circle Pattern (vi) A Ceremonial Centre. At Port Elphinstone, near Inverurie, there is a much ruined ceremonial centre. Originally an avenue, lined with large standing stones led to a circle henge containing a circle of six stones of which two still remain and only one on the avenue. Records show that a few yards from the henge was a large ring of three concentric circles of stones, none now remaining. Dowsing showed the avenue to contain at least 74 stones, the circle henge to have six stones and the concentric circle to have sixteen stones on the outer circle. An unrecorded recumbent stone circle with ten stones impinging on the circle henge (and therefore of earlier construction) was also found.

Chapter 10. Circles and Lines. There is a definite relationship between grid lines and stone circles; these lines pass near, through or intersect the circles. A pattern of grid lines at South Ythsie showed this. The ancients were natural dowsers, sensing in their bodies which sites were propitious for their purposes and showing a knowledge of geology, astronomy and building.

Enter the Darkness...

2010-02-16T21:32:00.000Z

A picture taken in Manchester... watching the intricacy and interweaving of transportation routes is amazing

Circle 275 on Crewe's Westminster St Rec?

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I doubt if few in Crewe could make this connection given its specialist knowledge, but an arrangement of stones in the redone Westminster Street recreation area really reminds me of a small Irish type Bronze Age Stone Circle in North Wales.

Apart from the Neolithic Tomb - the remains of The Bridestones near Congleton, Cheshire lacks in quality megaliths - so it's nice for the largely urban-confined prehistorian to have a mental link to a favourite type of place.

Circle 275 is near to Druids Circle above Penmaenmawr in a wondrously megalithically dense area; the latter circle can be seen to the rear of the former in the below picture. Circle 275 is also cited as the smallest stone circle in the British Isles.

The arragement of stones in Crewe is next to Westminster Street, just off Nantwich Road.

Church of St Mary of Antioch, Wrenbury - and the Scarecrows!

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Each year, Wrenbury has its Scarecrow Festival. For 2007, there were 106 Scarecrows throughout Wrenbury, neighbouring lanes, and also Aston. I’ve included 18 of my personal favourites in these collages.

It’s clear that many of the scarecrows took a lot of effort and thought. You purchase a map, sponsored by local business, with proceeds to the village school - for two weeks of community building, and a lot of interest and visitors peering in gardens and hedgerows. A most commendable effort indeed.

A really worthwhile few hours, and interesting to peep in on 15th Century St Margaret of Antioch’s Church (can’t help wondering if she had a holy hand grenade; no sign of it in the church!). Wrenbury Village Website is HERE.

Dowsing for Patterns of the Past - The Stone Circles of Aberdeenshire - Introduction

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This work was originally hosted on my Equinoxe website - content being moved here in coming weeks.

Whatever one may think of dowsing, ley lines, energy grids and such like, their link with stone circles and standing stones is inescapable for many.

When the possibility of hosting Reverend Haddow’s work and research on my website came up, I jumped at the chance. Well thought out presentation and documentation of such things linked to earth mysteries is rare. Even rarer is for it to originate with a Christian Minister.

Revd Haddow had sought to get the work published in print, but given the work’s specialist nature, and (no pun intended) parochial limitations, finding a publisher was difficult. Revd Haddow approached The Megalithic Portal (which I have helped with since its inception), enquiring where to publish his material. Given my passion for prehistoric monuments, hunger for forteana and earth mysteries, as well as my blend of spiritual sympathies, seeking to host this research seemed a natural choice.

I hope nothing of Revd Haddow’s work is lost in my presenting it on the web (all 60+ diagrams have been scanned and edited to best fit in with the parameters of the website). On the contrary, it is hoped to be a positive contribution to the body of opinion and knowledge for this area, presented to the global audience of any folk so interested in such matters.

Inclusion on my website neither implies my entire nor partial agreement with the contents. Even if one does not agree with the notion of ley lines as understood in the dominant modern sense, or energy grids, et al, it is hoped something of value will be gained from this work.

Tim, 18th July, 2007.

Dowsing for Patterns of the Past is an original piece of writing by Revd Angus Haddow, BSc., who retains the copyright to all text and diagrams. Some editing has been done for web presentation.

Reverend Angus H Haddow is a retired minister of the Church of Scotland, with a scientific education before entering the Ministry. He has published a booklet, The History of Methlick Parish Church; is joint author of a booklet The Paranormal in Holy Scripture; three times winner of the American Academy of Religion and Psychical Research’s Robert M. Ashby Memorial Awards in 1991, 1998 and 2004 for papers on aspects of religion and psychical research, and is currently Chairman of the Churches’ Fellowship for Psychical & Spiritual Studies (Scotland).

To get in touch, Revd Haddow’s telephone number can be supplied on contacting Tim.

The Ruined Dream...

2010-02-13T21:52:00.001Z

The burnt out ruins of Christ Church at Stockport... a little tweaking for effect.

Dowsing, Poltergeists and Stone Circles in Aberdeenshire

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Whilst investigating poltergeist activity in and near a croft in the Methlick area of Aberdeenshire, it was felt that there were other factors than psychological and paranormal which were responsible. When the area was dowsed, circular and straight line patterns with grids within them were discovered, the centre of the circular pattern coinciding with the centre of the poltergeist activity. Measurements of these were taken in addition to the direction of the grid lines which could be picked up miles away.

I host this unique piece of research by a retired Church of Scotland minister and it is being republished on this website in the weeks ahead.