Uncomment: January 2014
Christine Cleere on the new visitor centre at Stonehenge
The Stonehenge visitor centre opened last month. With it, the chance was lost to create a centre that would be celebrated and supported by all who attach particular importance to the monument and its landscape.
But it could only have happened with open communication and co-operation with all parties who had expressed an interest. This was not done.
Honouring the Ancient Dead (HAD) is committed to consultation and aims to speak for those who, for religious, spiritual and social reasons, feel a particular interest in the treatment of exhumed ancestors.
Since it became aware that English Heritage proposed to display three separate exhibits of ancestors, including one in a standing position, HAD has on numerous occasions expressed its concern.
Such displays will be seen to be insensitive, even offensive, to many. Wishing to avoid the inevitable problems that these displays would provoke, HAD was clear that consultation should take place prior to any decisions going ahead. These requests were denied or ignored.
It is sad that English Heritage, with a remit of community engagement, would act this way, particularly as there are simple solutions that would have removed any controversy.
HAD wants the new centre to be successful and effective. It is dismayed that it is the cause of a long-running controversy, and the ongoing focus of campaigns opposing its exhibits. Protest by other interested groups seems the inevitable result of English Heritage’s intransigence.
Read Simon Stephens' feature on the new visitor centre
But it could only have happened with open communication and co-operation with all parties who had expressed an interest. This was not done.
Honouring the Ancient Dead (HAD) is committed to consultation and aims to speak for those who, for religious, spiritual and social reasons, feel a particular interest in the treatment of exhumed ancestors.
Since it became aware that English Heritage proposed to display three separate exhibits of ancestors, including one in a standing position, HAD has on numerous occasions expressed its concern.
Such displays will be seen to be insensitive, even offensive, to many. Wishing to avoid the inevitable problems that these displays would provoke, HAD was clear that consultation should take place prior to any decisions going ahead. These requests were denied or ignored.
It is sad that English Heritage, with a remit of community engagement, would act this way, particularly as there are simple solutions that would have removed any controversy.
HAD wants the new centre to be successful and effective. It is dismayed that it is the cause of a long-running controversy, and the ongoing focus of campaigns opposing its exhibits. Protest by other interested groups seems the inevitable result of English Heritage’s intransigence.
Read Simon Stephens' feature on the new visitor centre