Touchstone

Magazine Overview

Title: Touchstone
Issue: No. 59
Date: October 2002
Publisher: Surrey Earth Mysteries Group
Focus: Earth Mysteries, Ley Lines, Ancient Sites, UFOs

Runnymede, Ankerwycke and Staines

This issue details a field trip undertaken by eight members of TEMS and SEMG on July 21st to the Runnymede, Ankerwycke, and Staines area. The primary focus was to investigate sites connected to the historic sealing of Magna Carta and other significant locations.

Runnymede and the John F. Kennedy Memorial

The group first visited the John F. Kennedy memorial at Runnymede Meadow, a site gifted by the Queen to the United States. The memorial's grounds are described as philosophically symbolic of human life, with a winding path leading to a sandstone block inscribed with the dedication. Eileen reported strong dowsing reactions at this spot, noting a twisted hawthorn and a clump of pines nearby, describing it as an 'evocative spot'.

Magna Carta Memorial and Ankerwycke Yew Tree

Next, the group visited the memorial to Magna Carta itself, a shrine established by the American Bar Association. Designed by Edward Maufe, it features a granite pillar on a stepped plinth. The article notes that the roof of a nearby structure, possibly a water pump from the Glanty, bore resemblance to a flying saucer from 'Forbidden Planet'.

The group also considered the venerable Ankerwycke Yew Tree as a contender for the Magna Carta sealing site. Reputed to be over 2,000 years old, this site was favored for its neutral territory and wide views. In 1992, the 'Green Magna Carta' was signed here by David Bellamy and others, advocating for a sustainable future.

During dowsing at the Ankerwycke site, Diana received a 'no' when asked if King John had been there, but a 'yes' when asked about arcane knowledge. Eileen detected a 'dragon simulacrum' in the tree branches. The priory ruins nearby were noted to be made of chalk, an unusual building material.

Ley Lines and Alignments

The article discusses several ley lines identified in the area. One ley is described as joining the two memorial sites, starting at a church in Windsor and passing through various ancient and historical locations, including a Bronze Age enclosure, Laleham Church, and a Roman villa site near Epsom. Another ley is noted to run along Egham Causeway to the Negen Stones site near Staines Bridge.

Air Force Memorial

The group also visited the Air Force Memorial on Cooper's Hill, also designed by Maufe, which strangely featured a 'flying saucer' on its roof. This memorial commemorates airmen lost in World War II. The site has a courtyard with an altar-like stone and a shrine building containing the names of the dead.

Staines and the London Stone

The journey continued to the recreation ground at Staines, where the replica of the London Stone stands. This stone marked the boundary of the City of London's jurisdiction over the river and is thought to have been a Roman altar. Staines itself, meaning 'Stones', is believed to be named after these stones.

Negen Stones

The Negen Stones (Nine Stones) were mentioned in a charter of Chersey Abbey and are located on a roundabout on the Egham side of Staines Bridge. A plan of dowsing reactions obtained on August 15th, 2002, suggests an oval north-south oriented stone circle with a central stone. The alignments of Egham Causeway and Thorpe Road seem to skirt the site, supporting the idea that the lines describe a small area rather than meeting at a single point, possibly indicating the size of the original stone group.

Egham Hythe Church

The day concluded with tea at Egham Hythe Church, which has a massive pyramid-like spire and is grazed by one of the leys. The churchwarden, William Newey, provided a tour.

A Derbyshire System

Separately, the article details a visit to Derbyshire, focusing on three ley centres: Chelmorton Church, Flash, and Taddington. Chelmorton Church, a 13th-century building, was felt to be particularly powerful. Several leys are described connecting these sites, including a 'text-book' Watkinsian ley linking Flash to Taddington and other locations.

Another ley through Chelmorton originates from Burbage Church and passes through various sites including tumuli and crossroads. A third ley from Solomon's Temple connects to Haddon Hall, a well-preserved medieval house.

Book Reviews

• The issue includes reviews of several books:
• Stone Age Soundtracks - the Acoustic Archaeology of Ancient Sites by Paul Devereux and the Channel 4 TV programme Secrets of the Dead - Sounds from the Stone Age: These explore the significance of sound frequencies at ancient sites and their potential use by ancient peoples.
• The Kingston Zodiac by Mary Caine: This book details the Zodiac around Kingston, exploring its philosophical depth and connection to local customs and folklore.

Meetings and Events

• Information is provided on upcoming meetings for:
• TEMS: Including talks on the Green Man, Past Lives, and a Christmas Party.
• London Earth Mysteries Circle: Meetings on topics such as Healing from a Pagan Perspective and A Walk through Avebury.
• SURREYEARTHMYSTERIES GROUP: Meetings held on the second Thursday of each month.

Early Ley Hunts

• Recollections of early ley hunts are shared, including:
• October 31st, 1965: Jimmy Goddard and Stephen Goddard's hunt at Silchester and Cottington's Hill.
• Same date: Further investigation at Cottington's Hill, noting old beech trees and a curious phenomenon.
• Thursday May 4th 1967: Jimmy Goddard and Stephen Goddard's visit to Arbor Low in Derbyshire.

Other Content

• A Somerset Ley Hunt - July 1969: An account of a ley hunt in the Glastonbury area.
• MY SEVENTEEN WEB SITES: Information about the author's numerous web sites, including the Buckingham Palace Ley site.
• Booklets for Sale: Details on purchasing publications such as 'The Hidden Unity and Beginnings', 'Earth People, Space People', and 'The Legacy of Tony Wedd'.
• Touchstone Subscription: Information on how to subscribe to the newsletter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of ancient sites, ley lines, and earth energies, often with a focus on historical and geographical connections. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into earth mysteries, incorporating dowsing, historical research, and personal experiences. There is also an underlying interest in phenomena that might be considered unusual or unexplained, such as the 'flying saucer' roof and the 'dragon simulacrum' detection.