Issues of peoples' rights and responsibilities remain unresolved and there has been a troubled history of alienation and confrontation around this very ancient monument which is a World Heritage site and continues to resonate as a central point in the spiritual history and in the regional consciousness of identity for people in these islands. One only has to mention topics like The Stonehenge Peoples' Free Festival, Religious Rights of Druids and Pagans, The Stonehenge Exclusion Zone, or New Age Travellers, to find oneself in a region of seemingly irreconcilable controversy.

The Stonehenge Peace Process believes that a solution to the problems of the Solstice celebrations can be found in terms of a just compromise that recognises the legitimate needs of all parties. This can only happen if all parties take part in the process and if there is a real spirit of reconciliation between them. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission hopes to draw upon the experience and vision that guided the builders of the new South Africa by using a similar model in which everyone, residents, Druids, police, travellers, custodians, festival-goers and politicians and so on, are invited to tell their story in a public forum and have it recorded in a permanent archive.

In order that the Process may be full and free and fair it is essential that the Commission itself is balanced and has representatives for all the people and areas of expertise that may be involved in this process. We propose to seek panel members from these areas:

Police; The Churches; Pagans & Druids; Other faiths; The local Community; Landowners; Academia; the Media; The Law; festival-goers & travellers; Local Government; the Peace Movement; National Government; The M.O.D.; English Heritage & The National Trust.

Different prominent individuals from these fields may fill these posts from time to time in practise, each acting to focus the contributions their colleagues can make to the process. Thomas Daffern, Director of the International Institute of Peace Studies and Global Philosophy is the instigator of the idea and has the experience and committment to lead the process through to completion as Chair of the Commission. George Firsoff, Secretary & instigator of the Stonehenge Peace Process, will act as Co-ordinator and Vice-Chair. Funding will be sought to pay for an Administrator, running costs and for the expenses of witnesses.

The first meeting of the Commission will take place on June 1st 1998, the 13th anniversary of the Incident in the Beanfield. The Stonehenge Peace Process declares June 1st 1998 to be the first Day of Truth and Reconciliation at Stonehenge. We also recognise that Reconciliation is a work that takes longer than one day.

      Thomas Daffern                    George Firsoff

      4 Woolas Hall                     96 Church Road

      Bredon Hill                       Redfield

      Nr Pershore                       Bristol

      Worcs. WR10 3DY                   BS5 9LE

      tel: 01386-750965                 tel: 0117-9542273

e: [email protected]   e: [email protected]