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New group aims to unite pagans
NEW ORDER: Ian Temple
NEW ORDER: Ian Temple

A NEW group has been set up to unite pagans in Dorset.

Ian Temple, owner of Sgt Bun Bakery in Weymouth, has launched The Dorset Grove to bring together anyone with alternative religious beliefs.

Mr Temple said the group was intended to create a community of different Dorset pagans. And it is already looking set for success with some 40 members already.

Mr Temple said: "I have been a Druid of Dorset for many years and have many good friends across Dorset and we decided to get together and form this new order.

"We want a group specific to this county.

"We are not aiming to take over anything, we just want to try and connect all the different types of pagan groups in Dorset.

"We don't disagree with anybody. If somebody wants to believe in something we honour that belief.

"But we want to promote peace."

Mr Temple said the new group is even open to Christians.

"We don't like the hostility there sometimes is between pagans and Christians.

"Pagans have been persecuted over the years. This is not so much the case now but there can still be stigma."

Events to be organised by The Dorset Grove will include monthly meetings and open rituals and camps, including visits to Stonehenge for summer solstice celebrations.

From next month members will meet on the last Tuesday of each month at the Marquis of Granby pub in Chickerell Road.

Mr Temple said anyone was welcome.

"As pagans and Druids we connect with nature.

"We don't see humans as top of the ladder, we think everything should be equal.

"We celebrate all the sabbaths and pagan holidays through the year amd people can come along and just see what we do.

"We would like people to get in touch."

For more information contact Mr Temple on 01305 768884 or visit www.dorsetgrove.co.uk

6:22pm Friday 28th March 2008

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Posted by: Witch, Dorset on 9:58am Sat 29 Mar 08
So, imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery.
Posted by: Steve, taunton on 10:18am Sat 29 Mar 08
This man should get out more below is alist of all the pagan activity in Dorset.
Swanage moots every month held by the Corinieid, Dorset pagans bournemouth,Poole, and here is the one that shows this guy does not get out there is a Pagan Moot that meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month open to everyone No membership required, AND IT IS HELD at the MARQUIS OF GRANBY,and has been going for years and is quite often packed.
There is also a moot at the portland arms Portland and at the Ropemakers Bridport and Sturminster Newton all are held each month.And there is also an Open Rite inviting all Pagans in Dorset on sunday evening at Maumbury rings dorchester.
So I would say this chap is a bit new to paganism. Hope this information helps him find a few friends.
Posted by: Witch, Dorset on 10:27am Sat 29 Mar 08
He is the messiah ..... and I should know, I've followed a few !!
Posted by: happygirl, dorchester on 11:17am Sat 29 Mar 08
well done ian good for you good luck will be there at your moot
Posted by: Bristol Witch, Bristol on 11:47am Sat 29 Mar 08
I would agree with Steve above. The different pagan people and groups of Dorset are already very well connected AND specific to the county. They also offer all of the same and even meet in the same pub! I am amazed that Ian feels there is a gap or anything 'new' to be offered?!
I sincerely hope this isn't just a case of a rather large ego.
Posted by: Steve, taunton on 12:13pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Also there is the Wessex gathering a festival that is held every year by Dorset Pagans and has pagans attending from all over Dorset. Plus there are regular events as in Valentine Balls, Halloween Balls held by the Coranieid not to mention charity events and Animal Rescue which is suported by the Dorset pagans.Last week there was a Witchmarket in the corn exchange with evening entertainment.
Cant help question what this is all about does Dorset need more pagan groups and why does he feel the need to copy what is already been happening for years in Swanage and Bournemouth plus the other orders around the county.
I have noticed pictures on the website that were taken at the Coranieid Gathering last year so he is obviously aware of the other orders who are registered with the Pagan Federation of Great Britain.I think that messiah complex may be something to be aware of in this case.
Posted by: Witch, Dorset on 12:22pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Regarding the website, I met Professor Ronald Hutton once. Does that mean he's my best friend too ?

Talk about clutching at straws. Pathetic really.

Posted by: Selkie, Bristol on 12:34pm Sat 29 Mar 08
I've met Ronald Hutton too, more than once.. we're practically engaged.. I WIN! :D

Seriously now, there is tons going on in Dorset! I'm not saying that more of the same is a bad thing, I just don't see what else can be offered?

Does your member list include children and pets perchance? :)
Posted by: peaceful pagan, Dorchester on 12:51pm Sat 29 Mar 08
He could of used a different name as it does resemble the name of the local pagan group called the dolmen grove, anyway I don't see a problem with him or anybody else who wants to start another pagan group. There is no need for other people to be bitter about it. There are lots of christian groups in Dorset some that even share the same venues why should it be different for pagans. When I was a christian I never once came across any group moaning or acting in a bitter way towards another christian group. it is all a little bit childish. Pagans are persecuted enough without pagans persecuting each other. Come on folk you should be encouraging one other.
Posted by: Steve, taunton on 1:13pm Sat 29 Mar 08
I'm not pagan but if I was I would have the right to be miffed at what this chap is claiming.uniting the pagans of Dorset? there is nothing wrong with him starting a group but why all the bravado about going to unite everyone as if people like Sara Lees- Smith in Swanage has not already done so and has worked hard at for years. In my book he is just cashing in on the work that has already been done in a bid to take credit.Because others have been active being abused and walking the path but now because its becoming more accepted out of the wood work come the leaders?
If he wants to unite pagans perhaps he should start by talking to those big groups who are already active within the community.I do not believe the intention is pure unification more like ego building.

Posted by: peaceful pagan, Dorchester on 1:42pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Steve wrote:
I'm not pagan but if I was I would have the right to be miffed at what this chap is claiming.uniting the pagans of Dorset? there is nothing wrong with him starting a group but why all the bravado about going to unite everyone as if people like Sara Lees- Smith in Swanage has not already done so and has worked hard at for years. In my book he is just cashing in on the work that has already been done in a bid to take credit.Because others have been active being abused and walking the path but now because its becoming more accepted out of the wood work come the leaders? If he wants to unite pagans perhaps he should start by talking to those big groups who are already active within the community.I do not believe the intention is pure unification more like ego building.
If your not a pagan then why does something that a pagan is doing bother you so much that you have to comment about it. In order for any group to work effectively the members must be in a state of unification with each other, if not then the group will just fall apart and as for an ego don't all group leaders have an ego it is a natural part of being a leader is it not. The thing is to not let the ego get out of control and I certainly do not see any ego being out of control with what Ian is doing. It is but another opportunity for pagan people to get together. Whats wrong with that
Posted by: Steve, taunton on 2:12pm Sat 29 Mar 08
So has he spoke and invited Sara to join his unified New Dorset Order?
So has he consulted with the other Groups at all?
and where did he become a Druid under which order did he train?I notice a picture of him with Arthur Pendragon is he a member of the Loyal Arthurian War Band.
Where did he get his credentials and why is he talking of bringing all the Pagans and Christians together if he has not even bothered to talk with any of them?
I think you are probably a follower and a spokesman for him so can you explain on his behalf?
Please as you are so bothered by my questions.
Posted by: peaceful pagan, Dorchester on 3:07pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Steve wrote:
So has he spoke and invited Sara to join his unified New Dorset Order? So has he consulted with the other Groups at all? and where did he become a Druid under which order did he train?I notice a picture of him with Arthur Pendragon is he a member of the Loyal Arthurian War Band. Where did he get his credentials and why is he talking of bringing all the Pagans and Christians together if he has not even bothered to talk with any of them? I think you are probably a follower and a spokesman for him so can you explain on his behalf? Please as you are so bothered by my questions.
sorry I can't speak on his behalf as I am not a follower or his spokesman Just another pagan living in Dorset.

Does a Druid need credentials then, I thought that belonged to the dogma of secret societys not with nature loving individuals who wish to walk a druidic path.

As for contacting other people and organizations, surely that is upto them to contact Ian if they so wish.

I must say I can't help but sense alot of resentment here from individuals. Normally those who feel resentment towards others are often those who feel the most threatened by the others acts and intentions. Like I said before it all sounds a bit childish and it is about time that the people who feel this resentment pick up their toys and put them back into their prams and move on.

Other places in this country have lots of pagan groups operating within the same area, take London as an example there are loads of pagan groups there, why should it be different here in Dorset.
ENOUGH SAID

Good luck to Ian and anybody else who starts an opportunity for pagans to get together.

Peace be with all.
Peaceful pagan
Posted by: peaceful pagan, Dorchester on 3:07pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Steve wrote:
So has he spoke and invited Sara to join his unified New Dorset Order? So has he consulted with the other Groups at all? and where did he become a Druid under which order did he train?I notice a picture of him with Arthur Pendragon is he a member of the Loyal Arthurian War Band. Where did he get his credentials and why is he talking of bringing all the Pagans and Christians together if he has not even bothered to talk with any of them? I think you are probably a follower and a spokesman for him so can you explain on his behalf? Please as you are so bothered by my questions.
sorry I can't speak on his behalf as I am not a follower or his spokesman Just another pagan living in Dorset.

Does a Druid need credentials then, I thought that belonged to the dogma of secret societys not with nature loving individuals who wish to walk a druidic path.

As for contacting other people and organizations, surely that is upto them to contact Ian if they so wish.

I must say I can't help but sense alot of resentment here from individuals. Normally those who feel resentment towards others are often those who feel the most threatened by the others acts and intentions. Like I said before it all sounds a bit childish and it is about time that the people who feel this resentment pick up their toys and put them back into their prams and move on.

Other places in this country have lots of pagan groups operating within the same area, take London as an example there are loads of pagan groups there, why should it be different here in Dorset.
ENOUGH SAID

Good luck to Ian and anybody else who starts an opportunity for pagans to get together.

Peace be with all.
Peaceful pagan
Posted by: Witch, Dorset on 3:56pm Sat 29 Mar 08
I want to start a bakery. I think i'll call it Captain Bun and base it in Lanehouse. But I'm going to be different from all the other bakeries. I'm going to sell bread, cakes and pies.
I want a bakery specific to Weymouth.

C'mon, who does he think he's kidding ?
Posted by: Steve, taunton on 4:12pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Amazing you cant understand the debate?PP
For he has not started anything that Bournemouth and Swanage pagans have not already done so less of the resentment if his wish is to unite? then surely he would of spoke to the other groups rather than make out he is suddenly going to unite everyone that already are.
Thats why this is called a debate?
Posted by: pachyderm, cloud 9 on 7:36pm Sat 29 Mar 08
What a virtuperative lot you are . Full of recalcitrant turpitude .
THANK GOD I'M AN ATHEIST !!!
p.s. When are you lot going to team up and put the roof back on Stonehenge?
Posted by: DingDonG, Wilds of Wiltshire on 7:52pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Don't forget to put your sundials back tonight, after you get home from The Frog & Toad !!
Posted by: Scolopax, Wyke Regis on 8:00pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Nice one Pachyderm, I so wanted to see some intelligent comment on this thread but it looks like believer schism breaking out. I like your tagline, however, speaking as an Agnostic I don't think you should be thanking God, unless it's a differnet one from the one I don't believe in...tee hee!
Posted by: pachyderm, cloud 9.5 on 8:27pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Scolopax Guess the Greeks & Romans had the best idea, a god for every day,plus a few left for emergencies! ( or Dave Allen.."may YOUR god be with you".. )
Shame we can't get comments onto the 1247 story "YOI wings..." or 8.28pm story "Driverless car..."
That's life..as we know it?
Posted by: DingDonG, Wilds of Wiltshire on 8:36pm Sat 29 Mar 08
pachederm,Scolopax..
.

The great hot dog takeaway mystery
10:42am today

looks good ?
Posted by: mr spunky, in the shadows on 8:44pm Sat 29 Mar 08
pachyderm wrote:
What a virtuperative lot you are . Full of recalcitrant turpitude . THANK GOD I'M AN ATHEIST !!! p.s. When are you lot going to team up and put the roof back on Stonehenge?
Englis Heritage won't let them as they prefer to see them looking like wet drips in bad weather

The fun side out of the way now and down to business. I cant help myself but agree with the peaceful pagan. there is alot of resentfulness shown by a couple of others which says to me they are jealous and very bitter as their comments show them to be aswell as looking like wet drips at Stonehendge when the weather is bad of course

Posted by: Coranieid, Swanage on 10:40pm Sat 29 Mar 08
What a thrill to see my name in print. All I can say to Ian is 'Good Luck': trying to unite Pagans is like trying to herd cats. Fun, but don't expect a new model army, as they are notorious free-thinkers. Should it be that you are striking out on your own after leaving another group,I hope your journey is untainted by petty backlashes, and you can realise your dream of a Pagan Utopia.
Sara Lees-Smith
Posted by: Witch, Dorset on 12:17pm Sun 30 Mar 08
As with all things, the devil is in the detail and so, starting a new group of 'anything', (not just pagans) by intimating that your ideas are ground-breaking, when actually, others have been doing exactly that most successfully, for years, is not a good start, to my way of thinking.

Likewise putting pictures on a website and 'suggesting' those images are of the new group, when in fact, they are ALL images from events organised by the group you just left, is quite simply lame, as is pretending that you are 'best buddies' with a TV personality, when you are not.

The bottom line is that saying you'll do this and that, is quite different from actually having to go out there and do it, time after time. There's a lot of hard work involved, as he will doubtless find out and "herding cats" is quite often the easier option to 'herding people'.

Entirely agree with the 'non pagans' here though, it must all seem somewhat strange to the casual observer.

Time will tell.
Posted by: witchypoo2, Dorset on 3:33pm Sun 30 Mar 08
Hey ho... here we go again. All this in-fighting when everyone should be supporting each other, Life of Brian comes to mind - People's Front/Popular Front... What does it matter if a new group is formed? If someone wants to form a group to unite all beliefs, that doesn't focus on a particular group or methodology etc then that can only be for the good of people in Dorset.
By the way - hello Sara - sorry I haven't been to the cafe for a while. Glad you are still alive!!
Good luck Ian. Will be interesting to see what develops. Toni
Posted by: Witch, Dorset on 5:04pm Sun 30 Mar 08
witchypoo2 wrote:
Hey ho... here we go again. All this in-fighting when everyone should be supporting each other, Life of Brian comes to mind - People's Front/Popular Front... What does it matter if a new group is formed? If someone wants to form a group to unite all beliefs, that doesn't focus on a particular group or methodology etc then that can only be for the good of people in Dorset. By the way - hello Sara - sorry I haven't been to the cafe for a while. Glad you are still alive!! Good luck Ian. Will be interesting to see what develops. Toni
Ummmm ..... http://www.dolmengro
ve.co.uk/

Like I said, it's already been done.

*yawns*
Posted by: Witch, Dorset on 5:45pm Sun 30 Mar 08
And done again.

http://www.coranieid
.co.uk/index2.html
Posted by: MIG, Poole on 7:35pm Sun 30 Mar 08
Speaking as a devout Heathen, (therefore an outsider) I have to say that I am deeply disturbed to see Pagans aiming for a schism - I thought such things were the province of Christianity, Islam etc.

Pax vobiscum
Posted by: mr spunky, in the shadows on 7:37pm Sun 30 Mar 08
Witch wrote:
As with all things, the devil is in the detail and so, starting a new group of 'anything', (not just pagans) by intimating that your ideas are ground-breaking, when actually, others have been doing exactly that most successfully, for years, is not a good start, to my way of thinking. Likewise putting pictures on a website and 'suggesting' those images are of the new group, when in fact, they are ALL images from events organised by the group you just left, is quite simply lame, as is pretending that you are 'best buddies' with a TV personality, when you are not. The bottom line is that saying you'll do this and that, is quite different from actually having to go out there and do it, time after time. There's a lot of hard work involved, as he will doubtless find out and "herding cats" is quite often the easier option to 'herding people'. Entirely agree with the 'non pagans' here though, it must all seem somewhat strange to the casual observer. Time will tell.
The only thing Ian says is that they aim to promote paganism within the local community. There is no mention in the article above or on his website about his ideas being ground breaking. This is obviously a very bitter reaction and shows to all reading these negative comments that this way of thinking is grounded in jealousy

There is no written suggestion at all on his website that the images are of his new group but state they are of friends. Again this is a reactionary bitter assumption. Why what is the point of reacting like this to something someone is doing for the greater good of the community

Well done to those who are out to promote fellowship and good will in the local community and shame on you who are out to cause disruption and negativity in the local community.
Posted by: Witch, Dorset on 7:53pm Sun 30 Mar 08
My view has nothing to do with jealousy, I assure you. If you'd bothered to look at the links you would see that the new group is offering nothing new, because it's already out there in these other, far more experienced and knowledgable groups.

All this will do is factionalise the pagan community.

One only has to read the headline to see that he is putting this forward as if it's never been thought of before.

"New group aims to unite pagans".

It is presented as if this has never been thought of before, which is rubbish.

Please excuse me for having an opinion.

Posted by: Coranieid, Swanage on 8:13pm Sun 30 Mar 08
Er, I don't think Ian is saying that he wants us to join his Grove, is he? If he gathers up those who weren't settled elsewhere, that must be a good thing. Not every Pagan wants to be in my gang...(can't think why), but I don't feel insecure about that, just glad that there is somwhere else for them to go. If he plans to unite Pagan and Christian, then his optimism know no bounds,and I applaud him.

Hello Toni.

Sara
Posted by: happygirl, dorchester on 8:23pm Sun 30 Mar 08
The newspapers choose the headlines dont they? i have joined ians group he is a kind man offering peace, not harsh words that spit bitterness everywhere. just because it has been offered before doesnt mean it worked, it didnt for me, well done ian may it all go well for you. And may the other groups also do well lets all get on.
Posted by: mr spunky, in the shadows on 9:09pm Sun 30 Mar 08
Witch wrote:
My view has nothing to do with jealousy, I assure you. If you'd bothered to look at the links you would see that the new group is offering nothing new, because it's already out there in these other, far more experienced and knowledgable groups. All this will do is factionalise the pagan community. One only has to read the headline to see that he is putting this forward as if it's never been thought of before. "New group aims to unite pagans". It is presented as if this has never been thought of before, which is rubbish. Please excuse me for having an opinion.
Quote , because it's already out there in these other, far more experienced and knowledgable groups.

Oh I see it is about who knows more. Now there is egotism if ever i have seen it.

and as for saying

"It is presented as if this has never been thought of before, which is rubbish".

I do not see it like that, that is your own interpretation and a bit of a delusional one.

It seems like you are clutching at straws
Posted by: Witch, Dorset on 9:23pm Sun 30 Mar 08
"Birds of a feather always flock together".

I'm sure you'll all enjoy eachother's company immensely.

Posted by: dolmen grove, weymouth on 10:55pm Sun 30 Mar 08
On behalf of The Dolmen Grove we would just like to make it quite clear that we wish every pagan circle, grove order and organisatons every success. In order for the pagan religion to expand every order and circle must be encouraged as an act of unification. So may the old gods be with anyone who dedicates their time to make this happen. Paganism is not a competition it is a natural way of life. Love and peace to everyone in the spirit of the horned god and goddess. www.dolmengrove.co.u
k
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