Wisht Maen - 0 - Table of Contents

Magazine Overview

'Wisht Maen' was a magazine focused on Devon's earth mysteries, produced and edited by Tracey Ramsbottom (née Brown) between 1993 and 1996. A total of five issues were published, with the last issue appearing in 1998. The magazine featured a range of articles on local folklore, prehistory, and unexplained phenomena within Devon.

Editorial and Production

Tracey Ramsbottom expresses pride in the magazine and regret at having to cease production due to no longer living in Devon. She notes that there were only five issues published. The production of Issue 2 is highlighted as a notable example of pre-desktop publishing 'cut and paste' techniques. Ramsbottom is currently scanning back copies and has made her email address available (<[email protected]>) to reconnect with past subscribers, contributors, and artists, mentioning that she now has a different surname.

Content Highlights by Issue

No 1 WINTER 1993

• Editorial (p1)
• 'Brentor - Hill Of Vision' by Paul Broadhurst (p2)
• 'Crop Circles In Devon' by Pete Glastonbury (p5)
• 'The Omphalos of Devon' (p10)
• 'Prehistoric Carvings Discovered' (p16)
• Book Reviews (p17)
• 'Wistmans Wood' (p18)
• 'The Fairies' by Iris Andrews (p24)
• 'Pattern Of The Stones' by Cheryl Straffon (p25)
• Exchange Magazines & Ads Listings (p27)

No 2 SPRING 1994

• Editorial (p1)
• 'Signposts in Nymetland' by Hugh H Franklin (p2)
• 'Andy Norfolk on Nymets' (p7)
• News (p8)
• 'Bride Ascending' - Illustration by Anna Clarke (p11)
• 'In Search of Bride in Devon' by Christine Kitt (p12)
• Letters (p16)
• 'Dartmoor Walks' (p22)
• 'Gods and Goddesses of Devon' by Cheryl Straffon (p23)
• 'East Devon Ways' by Steven Shipp (p26)
• Exchange Magazines & Ads Listings (p28)

No 3

• Editorial
• 'Tintagel and the Arthurian Mythos' by Paul Broadhurst
• 'The Tinners' Rabbits, a Dartmoor Mystery' by Jeremy Harte
• 'Plymouth's Ancient Trackways' by Mary Coombs
• Letters from Annie Craze, Bronwen Griffiths, Jeremy Harte, Cheryl Straffon, William Saxton
• 'Spinsters' Rock' by Hugh Franklin
• Book Reviews
• 'Miles and Megalithic Yards' by Hugh Franklin
• 'East Devon Ways' by Steven Shipp

No 4

• Editorial
• 'On the Trail of the Black Dog' by Jeremy Harte
• 'Sacrifice and the Wheels of Fire' by Mary Coombs
• 'A Sacred Bus Journey' by Tracey Brown
• 'East Devon ways: Hillforts' by Steven Shipp
• Letters: This section features a debate about mysterious carvings on the Drizzlecombe Menhir and an ongoing debate between Cheryl Straffon and Jeremy Harte. Other contributors to the letters section include Kenneth Ashburner, Paul Rendell, William Saxton, Bernard Guile, Debbie Griffiths, W L Julyan, and Andy Norfolk.
• Book Reviews

No 5 (1998)

• Magazine Reviews (described as a good run-down of small press magazines)
• News
• Exchange Listings
• Editorial
• 'Frithelstock Priory' (p1)
• Book Reviews (p3)
• 'Hounds, Hollow Hills and Ancient Ways' by Mary Coombs (p4)
• 'Cadbury Castle' (p8)
• Book Reviews (p9)
• 'The Way Of The Dead' (p10)
• 'Earthstars And Dartmdor Runes' (p16)
• Book Reviews (p17)

Contributors and Artists

Key contributors include Paul Broadhurst, Jeremy Harte, Pete Glastonbury, Iris Andrews, Cheryl Straffon, Hugh H Franklin, Christine Kitt, Mary Coombs, William Saxton, and Steven Shipp. Anna Clarke is specifically mentioned for her 'fantastic artwork'. Tracey Ramsbottom is actively trying to trace Anna Clarke.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focused on 'Earth Mysteries' within the Devon region. Recurring themes include local folklore, ancient sites (henges, prehistoric carvings, hillforts), myths (Arthurian), and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and documentation of these local mysteries, with a strong emphasis on regional content. The inclusion of book reviews and exchange listings suggests an engagement with a wider community of similar publications and interests.