Top 10 People to Look Out for at Stonehenge Summer Solstice 2010

For those of you visiting Stonehenge for the first time this summer solstice, you're in for a shock. For those of you who've already experience the midsummer sun at the stones, it'll still be a shock. One of the greatest things about the solstice is the characters it throws up, and the people you'll meet who you'd never get the chance to speak to in your everyday life. Here's a top ten interesting people (in no particular order I hasten to add) to be on the lookout for this weekend - you could even make your own eye-spy notebook, ticking of characters as you go! Or maybe that's just me. Anyway make sure you swot up on the essentials with Ann's handy guide, and check out my top ten alternatives if Wiltshire's not your bag. And don't forget you can see Stonehenge from your own home with Stonehenge Virtual.

1. Frank Somers

Frank Somers is a Stonehenge Druid who's appeared on several Heritage Key videos to speak about the spiritual past of Stonehenge. Not only is Frank a devout follower of his faith and a great media voice, he's also a dab hand with the violin, and tours the pubs and clubs of the West Country with pagan-folk outfit Druidicca.

Most likely to say: "Stonehenge is an sacred place."

Least likely to say: "What do we want? Ancestors on display! When do we want it? Now!"

2. King Arthur Pendragon

King Arthur, born John Timothy Rotwell, is probably Britain's best-known Druid. Claiming to be an incarnation of the synonymous king of legend, Arthur has devoted his life to the protection, access and heritage of Stonehenge, fighting its corner in various court battles for decades. Today he remains a pin-up for Neo-Druidism, and you'll never see a solstice without finding Arthur waving his staff about somewhere, or having a cheeky pint in Amesbury.

Most likely to say: "Mine's a pint!"

Least likely to say: "Let's raise a toast to English Heritage."

3. The Dolmen Grove

The Dolmen Grove are a fledgling Dorset-based Druid order, who have spread their wings across Britain and Europe. They are among the most vocal and outspoken of all the Druid orders you'll see at Stonehenge, and among the most instantly recognisable with their long black cloaks, reindeer horns and cacophonous drum-beating. According to their website the Dolmen's main goal is “the acceptance and love of all existences, our ancient and beautiful Gods and Goddesses of which ever is personal to the promotion of Peace.”

Most likely to say: "Join the Dolmen Grove."

Least likely to say: "No, John: you're not keeping in time to the beat."

4. Rollo Maughfling

Rollo Maughfling is the Archdruid of Stonehenge and a vocal character at every meet. You'll struggle to miss Rollo, resplendent in his red, green and gold Druidic robes and twee green flat-cap. Chances are you'll hear him too, calling peace to the four corners with several dozen loyal supporters in tow. You can see Rollo calling peace to the four corners in our Ancient World in London video.

Most likely to say: "May there be peace to the east."

Least likely to say: "I think I prefer Avebury."

5. Security guards

It would be unfair to berate the stewards at Stonehenge, because considering the circumstances they do a pretty good job. When I've been there's no jostling, no overly zealous officiating.

Everything on the whole seems quite amicable, and it's usually the public giving the stewards a hammering. Don't shoot the messenger – protest outside the circle, or sign a petition!

Most likely to say: "Don't do that."

Least likely to say: "Screw this, open access every day!"

6. Ann Wuyts

Ann Wuyts is a flame-haired graphic designer, Second-Lifer OpenSimmer and polymath with a penchant for stone circles and mummies. God only knows her reaction if someone discovers mummies under Stonehenge. You'll need to look hard to find Ann as she snaps away, getting the best shots of the solstice: according to her guide she'll be wearing more layers than the Michelin man!

Most likely to say: "Say cheese!"

Least likely to say: "I think I've had enough coffee."

7. Coffee vendors

The visitor centre at Stonehenge may not be the best, and a flashy new replacement has only just been axed by the government's latest round of spending cuts. Yet the one thing you'll want the most after a working day in frozen darkness is a good cup of coffee or a hot chocolate, and the guys behind the bar certainly know how to make a good cup of either. Come sunrise there's a fair chance these guys'll be your new best friends.

Most likely to say: "There you go..."

Least likely to say: "...that one's on the house."

8. Terry Dobney

Another leading Druid, Terry Dobney is the Chief Keeper of the stones of Avebury Circle, 25 miles from Stonehenge. You might struggle to see Terry at Stonehenge as he's most probably presiding over his own manor 25 miles away, but travel to Avebury, as I've suggested in this top ten places to see around Stonehenge, and you could well meet Terry, a vintage motorbike restorer, who's as mild-mannered and friendly pagan as you're ever likely to encounter. You're unlikely to miss him either, with a maelstrom of beard and locks and twisted hazel staff.

Most likely to say: "Mead anyone?"

Least likely to say: "...because I'm the designated driver."

9. Kim Payne

Kim Payne is another Druid who has become something of a fixture on the protest circuit. Not only has Kim appeared on one of our earliest Stonehenge videos to explain how the stone circle was a 'effort in protein', he has also been known, alongside partner Andrea, to go starkers for the cause. I'm assuming an all-night session at the stones is a little too much to voice opinions in your birthday suit, but who knows?

Most likely to say: "Stonehenge should be like this every day."

Least likely to say: "You know, it actually feels warmer in the buff."

10. Jon Himoff

Heritage Key head honcho Jon has been to the stones many a time, but is particularly looking forward to exploring the wider landscape of Stonehenge this weekend. Fresh from a series of live lectures you can watch right here Jon is intent on discovering the context of Stonehenge as a truly global monument that was once at the heart of Neolithic Europe.

Most likely to say: "No, walk counter-clockwise!"

Least likely to say: "You know what, English Heritage have done a great job with this place."

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