Diary 2007

So, There we were at about 17:00, grey sky, the odd drop of rain, and a strong cold wind.
If you have not climbed the Tor, on anything other than a hot day, it is often much colder at the summit, than at 'ground' level. This is surprising, as the Tor is not very high.

People were already in place, many left over from watching the sun rise, part of the Solstice tradition, some simply having made the climb.

Titch and I took in the sights, and surprise at the size of the Glastonbury Festival site, and generally mixed with the Tor's temporary residents.

A group of people were already in the Tower, which is the only remaining part of the church which once stood at the summit. It's predecessor fell in an earthquake in the 1200's. The existing church fell foul of Henry VIII's dissolution. Glastonbury's last Abbot was Hanged in the Tower by Henry's men.

The Tower is now, simply a beacon, not that this sacred site of at least ten thousand years, needs a beacon, and refuge for climbers, and the drummers and singers we discovered, sheltering from the cold wind.

Other Didj players began to arrive, at about 20:00 ish.
A big THANK YOU to them all, including Eddy (The beautiful Doberman in one of the photos), for joining us. A valiant effort was made by all. Some great 'Drones' were laid down on the Tor that night, mingling with some serious drum beats and vocals from within the Tower. Conversation included Ant and the 'Didj Fest' so Ant, if you are reading this, Best wishes from us all, and to your dear Lady of course. Also the need for more workshops on the various styles of Didj. For those among the Didjers with access to teachings, many followed the 'Trad' style. For those of us who were simply self taught in comparative isolation, I suppose as good a description as any is 'Jazz' Didj.
Unfortunately the biting wind began to take it's toll, and, as the Tower was pretty much full, and very loud, the only relief was to be found on the 'sheltered' side of the Tower.
In the end, the cold wind, the crowded Tower, and the inability of the Didj to compete with massed drums meant that most Didjers had left by about 23:00.

So, Titch and I took some refreshment, sitting in the wind with a few stragglers, listening to the continuing drums and vocals emanating from the Tower. It had been a very enjoyable day, and night, in spite of the cold wind. We began our descent at midnight.

As for what to do next year, Titch and I are giving this question some thought, in light of our experiences, and of those who generously made the effort to join us. There is obviously an interest in making something happen.

If anyone has a free field available (perhaps with built in electricity and water, OK, too much), which can accommodate a few Didjers and stalls, the odd marquee (Does anyone have a free marquee). PLEASE use our contact page.

The blessings of Solstice, and good fortune to you all. Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again.