Not a lot happened at home today so, rather than write “Not a lot happened at home today” and leave it at that, I am revisiting something that happened back in 2004. It was when we went to Butser to see the burning of the wicker man but were turned away at the door (gate) because we had dogs. I’ve also added the original entry from my journal, which can be read here.
It was also the first time I met Nicktor and the twins. And, as it turned out, Nicktor and I had a great time sitting in a nearby pub garden, drinking beer and minding the dogs.
Still, the main thrust and purpose of the day was spoiled by some petty nonsense which I detailed on our website and which I now include in the blog.
Oh, and for those that don’t know, Butser, to quote their website, is “an open-air experimental archaeology museum and active research centre, learning about the past by recreating it.“
Butser 2004 – The Day the Dogs Were Banned
As usual, we bought tickets to this year’s burning of the Wicker Man, even bringing along friends to join us. We organised a picnic, had kids packed in the car and our dogs with us…as usual.
However, things would be a little different this year. Below is reproduced my letter to Butser.
Here’s a photo of us having a picnic in the car park:
Sadly, I didn’t get a response to my rather articulate letter. However, in 2007, I wrote the following:
Butser 2007 – Update
I have a much hoped for update. Since starting my degree at Surrey Uni I’ve been harping on about this problem. The fact that one of my tutors is now the guy running Butser helps!
Anyway, the old regime is dead and the new regime (which loves dogs) has relented! The Dog Ban has been lifted (though sadly not during the burning) and canines on leads are once more welcome at Butser. Well done, Steve!
Butser 2024 – Addendum
And, I see, according to their website, dogs are still allowed.
Yay team!
That is quite an outrageous letter…