History

The first Wessex Gathering was held in 2003 on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. The original concept was of a small camp for local, like-minded, pagan folk.  It was intended to have a community feel to it, where everyone contributed to the totality of the camp.

 

 

It was organised by The Coranieid through Phil and Nina Robinson's company Green Man and was based at a site used by our clan on a regular basis.

 

Early on during the process of organising it, we were approached by the Children of Artemis, and asked to combine efforts with them to cover a local CoA camp that had failed due to logistical reasons.  As a result we were given a lot of support from that organisation and information about our camp was spread over a far greater geographical area.  The size of the camp grew and attracted a lot of attention.  It is worth mentioning, however that we are not "affiliated" to any organisation and everyone is warmly invited who come with a good heart and warm intent. 

In 2003 approximately 170 people met in early June and the camp exceeded everyone’s expectations.  The weather was glorious throughout; the atmosphere was informal and yet full of energy.  Different people offered workshops and talks, and there were a number of stalls selling crafts and artwork.  On the Saturday night everyone gathered around a huge fire, under the full moon and took part in a celebratory ritual ending with wild dancing, music making and story telling.  Old friends met, and new lasting friendships made.  A community was built quickly, and most people knew everyone by the end of the camp. 

 

As people left the site they made a point of finding us and congratulating everyone involved in a fantastic long weekend, and so it was that we started planning the following years camp.  That year was the start of something which has since grown and evolved, and is now firmly fixed in many peoples' diaries as "THE" Summer fixture.  In 2007 we had probably one of the best camps to date.  Despite the forecast, the weather was absolutely fantastic.  Saturday's evening ritual was simple and all inclusive, with masses of energy, and some exuberant fire leaping!  One of  the factors of the success of Wessex Gathering, it was suggested, was the scale of the event, and so in 2008 we're going to limit numbers to 300. We look forward to seeing you in Dorset in 2008!  Phil and Nina xxx