BHT’s Quest – Fact or fiction

During the summer months, magnificent formations of crop circles tend to appear on the ancient Wiltshire landscape, most frequently near the sites of ancient monuments that are themselves considered to be built on the sites of powerful energies.

The Wiltshire Crop Circle Study Group is a research group formed in 1995 to observe the manifestations of crop circles, principally in its home county. The group’s aim is to study the phenomenon in all its aspects: physical (scientific evidence), metaphysical (the meaning encoded in their symbolic designs) and spiritual (their transformative effect) and to disseminate the information to the greater public.

For this purpose the group supports scientific research, collects data in the form of photographs, diagrams and study papers and publishes ‘The Spiral’, a monthly newsletter, the only one of its kind. They produce a beautiful calendar featuring the formations of the latest season and these are sent all over the world. The group has monthly meetings, lectures, workshops and special events such as night watches and a weekend conference at the height of the season.

Earlier in August, the 2006 Crop Circle Conference was held in Marlborough. Guest speakers described their findings about crop circles and other interesting topics; there were stalls, exhibitions presenting the various circle patterns and locations; and helicopter rides took members to the sites of various formations.

WINCHESTER CATHEDRAL – SPECIAL GUIDED TOURS .

THE CRAFTSMEN AND ARTISTS TOUR – Masons, carpenters, sculptors, textile-artists and icon-makers are some of the craftsmen around whom tours can be based. Individual subjects are varied and can be mixed and matched – embroideries, modern art, the Winchester Bible with contemporary wall paintings, medieval tiles, sculpture, woodwork and glass. The cathedral can tailor a tour to your needs.

TUDOR TIMES – The religeous upheavals of the Reformation, the cultural revolution of the Renaissance and the powerful personalities of the Tudor monarchs have all left their mark on Winchester Cathedral. Come and see this fascinating period of history brought to life.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS – Explore over 100 years of history in the Close – starting with the Saxon site, monastic times, the turbulance of the Civil War and its aftermath, up to the present day. Visit the Pilgrim’s Hall with its 14th Century hammer beam roof and listen to the Saxon water course. Discover the lives of some of the Close inhabitants, for example Mary Sumner, founder of the Mothers’ Union and Izaak Walton, author of ‘The Compleat Angler’.

Each of these tours must be pre-booked. They last an hour and a quarter and are available to groups of 10 or more people.

THE WEALD & DOWNLAND OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Our ancestors’ homes and the way they built them, their animals and the way they raised them, their crops and flowers and the way they grew them.at the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum you’ll discover how the people of south east England lived and worked over the past 500 years. And it’s all set in 50 glorious acres of the South Downs.

At the heart of the Museum’s collection are over 45 historic homes, farms and workplaces that have been rescued from destruction and restored as far as possible to their original form. To demonstrate how the original occupants may have lived, many of the houses contain reproduction period furniture and furnishings, plus the tools and utensils of everyday life. There is an operational 17th century watermill, and a working Tudor kitchen complete with costumed cook.

Children enjoy discovering the differences – and similarities – of our ancestors’ homes and workplaces compared to their own. They can even find out what life may have been like in the Victorian schoolroom! They will love the open space, walking through the woods, meeting the traditional breed farm animals, watching the Shire horses and working cattle, and picnicking by the lake.

The Museum keeps alive the skills and traditions of the countryside with demonstrations of countryside crafts and skills, and special events throughout the year.

Paull Tickner

Managing Director

“ALWAYS putting travel agents FIRST”

CONTACT BHT FOR IMAGINATIVE, CUSTOMISED PRE/POST CRUISE EXTENSIONS

British Heritage Tours

Richmond Place

125 Boughton

Chester

CH3 5BH

ENGLAND

Tel:  1800 964 2819 (USA & CANADA ONLY)

         011 44 (0) 1244 342222

Fax:  011 44 (0) 1244 320072

www.bhtours.co.uk