Witches and Pagans in the News

Campaign to clear the name of Britain's 'last witch'
Campaigners want to clear the name of the last woman convicted in Britain under the Witchcraft Act. Spiritualist Helen Duncan was convicted of witchcraft in 1944 because the Government feared she would reveal military secrets during World War II. Her grandchildren want her name cleared. You can read the full story on the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-18456106
You can also read my review of a book about Helen Duncan, Hellish Nell (pictured), here: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/04/hellish-nell-by-malcolm-gaskill.html

Walking in the footsteps of witches
A story on the Independent website recommends tourists visit Pendle for walking holidays because, as well as having great scenery for hiking, Pendle's history steeped in witchcraft makes the area fascinating to explore. This year marks the 400th anniversary of Britain's largest and most sensational witch hunt, that of the Pendle Witches. You can read the full story here: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/uk/pendle-dont-follow-the-crowds-follow-the-witches-7856356.html
You can also read my review of a book about the Pendle Witches here: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2010/07/history-of-pendle-witches-their-magic.html

Teacher wears witch costume to disciplinary hearing
A teacher accused of misconduct turned up to a disciplinary hearing wearing a witch’s hat and carrying a broomstick. You can read the full story on the Edinburgh Evening News website: http://www.scotsman.com/edinburgh-evening-news/edinburgh/teacher-wears-witch-outfit-to-city-disciplinary-hearing-1-2351791

Police expect peaceful Summer Solstice at Avebury stone circle
Hundreds of people, including many pagans, are expected to gather in Avebury, Wiltshire, on Wednesday night in the hope of seeing the sun rise at the stone circle at 4am on Thursday, but police say they expect it to be a peaceful Summer Solstice event. For this reason they are putting fewer officers on duty there than last year. You can read the full story on the This is Wiltshire website: http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/9767036.Police_look_forward_to_quiet_solstice_at_Avebury_this_week/
You can read my review of a book about the ancient history of Avebury stone circle here: http://www.badwitch.co.uk/2011/06/review-avebury-cosmos.html