Touchstone

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 6
Date: June 1985
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group

This issue of Touchstone begins with a somber note, announcing the death of Gordon Spinney, a loyal member and active participant in the group's meetings. The magazine then proceeds to cover various topics related to earth mysteries, local history, and unusual phenomena.

Tribute to Gordon Spinney

The issue opens with a heartfelt tribute to Gordon Spinney, who passed away since the last publication. He is remembered by his wife Brenda and fellow members for his enthusiastic participation in group meetings and his lively debates on earth mysteries. Gordon was a librarian at the British Museum, and his expertise in archive work was often beneficial to the group's discussions. His interests extended beyond earth mysteries to include gardening and philosophy, having recently completed a thesis on the latter. The group extends its sympathies to Brenda.

Oxford Field Trip

An announcement is made for an upcoming field trip to the Oxford area on Saturday, July 6th. The purpose of the trip is to investigate a ley line that has been found, connecting a cross and three stones with similar-sounding names. Participants are asked to inform the organizers if they wish to attend. The group also offers assistance with transport for those who might have difficulties.

Skyways and Landmarks Revisited

A report titled "Skyways and Landmarks Revisited," concerning investigations into the research of Tony Wedd, is advertised as available for purchase. It is described as a 44-page illustrated report with photographs, maps, and tables, priced at £1 including postage.

Strange Surrey: Seiches

Under the heading "Strange Surrey," Bob Skinner contributes a section on "Seiches - Unusual Wave Movements in Ponds and Lakes." This article details how the great earthquake at Lisbon in 1755 caused seiches in various locations in Britain. A specific observation at Busbridge, near Godalming in Surrey, is recounted, describing a canal where the water became agitated, forming a heap or ridge that flowed over the banks, accompanied by a noise like water turning a mill. Similar disturbances were noted at Cobham, Surrey. The article also mentions an account from Peerless Pool in London where water agitation was observed. The phenomenon is explained as the water in a lake resonating with earthquake waves due to its size and depth.

A Pond Mystery

Another item under "Strange Surrey" describes a mysterious orange light seen glowing at the bottom of a pond at Worlds End, Epsom. Local police and firemen investigated but found nothing. This report, from the Epsom and Ewell Herald in 1977, is presented as an interesting pond mystery.

The Old Stones of the Surrey/Hants Borders: Yateley

Chris Hall contributes an article titled "The Old Stones of the Surrey/Hants Borders," with the first part focusing on "Yateley." The article discusses the ancient monuments in counties like Surrey and Hampshire, noting that most are earthen mounds due to the scarcity of rock outcrops. It highlights Yateley in Hampshire as the subject of this article, with future pieces planned for Bagshot Heath and Farnham areas. The article delves into the history of St. Peter's Church in Yateley, built around 750 A.D. on a site with Stone Age artifacts. It mentions the church being sacked by the Danes and restored, and its partial destruction by arson in 1979. The etymology of "Yateley" is explored, suggesting it derives from Old English "yat" and "leah," meaning "gate-clearing," possibly indicating a gateway to a clearing or a place of light. The article also touches upon the nature of the gate and its potential location relative to an old trackway and the Forest of Windsor.

Ley Hunt in Hampshire

As a tribute to Gordon Spinney, an article from the "Old Straight Track in Surrey" series is replaced with an account of a ley hunt undertaken with Gordon and Brenda in August 1980. The hunt followed a ley line running between the churches of Petersfield and Midhurst in Hampshire. The article describes the beautiful interior of St. Peter's Church, Petersfield, and its alignment with the ley. It then details the search for tumuli on Petersfield Heath and near a sand quarry, noting that one tumulus was being demolished by archaeologists. The article also mentions a track leading from a church towards a castle in Midhurst, which ended at a wall where a gate might have once been.

The Mercurius Writer's Agency

This section introduces "The Mercurius Writer's Agency," described as the first of its kind to specialize in esoterica, including astrology, parapsychology, alternative medicine, paganism, earth mysteries, and human potential. The principals are Jonathan Tootell and Michael Froomberg, who aim to serve established authors and new writers in these fields.

The Knights of Danbury

Andrew Collins' book, "The Knights of Danbury," published by Earthquest Books, is reviewed. The book is described as a well-researched historical document concerning the medieval inhabitants of Danbury, Essex, and the St. Clere family. The central mystery involves the discovery of a "pickled knight" preserved in a fluid resembling mushroom ketchup. The book's conclusions suggest that Danbury was once a site of sun worship and midsummer celebrations, and that the St. Cleres perpetuated old traditions.

Making the Mysterious and Bizarre Into a Hobby

An article by Alyson Smith, which appeared in the "Surrey Herald," is mentioned. It discusses the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group and its activities, including discussions on ley lines and flying saucers, aiming to attract people interested in these subjects. The article was accompanied by a photograph of Richard Fywell and the author by a stone at Wisley church porch.

Touchstone Publication Details

Details are provided for subscribing to Touchstone, published by the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group. The editor is Jimmy Goddard, with production by Michael de Styrcea. Subscriptions are £1 for four issues. Cheques should be made payable to J. Goddard. Information is also given for attending group meetings and contacting Jimmy Goddard by phone.

Exchange List

A comprehensive list of exchange publications is provided, including titles such as Quicksilver Messenger, Caerdroia, Earthquest News, Common Ground, Fortean Times, Northern Earth Mysteries, Stonehenge Viewpoint, Terrestrial Zodiac News, The Pipes of Pan, The Shaman, Earth Giant, Word Spirit, The Ley Hunter, Circle, Magonia, and Earth Force. Thanks are extended to these publications for mentioning the group.

Photograph

A photograph shows Jim Goddard (secretary of Surrey Earth Mysteries Group) and member Richard Pywell examining a stone at Wisley Church, noted as being part of a ley line to Byfleet Church.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Touchstone are earth mysteries, ley lines, local history, and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, with a focus on community engagement through field trips and group meetings. The passing of a valued member is handled with respect and remembrance, while the publication continues to explore diverse aspects of the earth mysteries field, from historical accounts to contemporary reports of unusual events and the promotion of related literature and organizations.