By Keir Mudie

Published at 01:00, Monday, 30 April 2007

By Keir Mudie

DRUIDS gathered at Castlerigg stone circle near Keswick to celebrate the formation of their new Cumbrian Order.

Head of order Paul Bills led the celebrations – which marked the foundation of the Cumbrian Druidism Order as well as the ancient celebration of Beltane – better known to non-druids as May Day.

More than 100 people turned out for the crowning of the May Queen, and to officially begin the life of Cumbria’s new druidic order.

Carlisle-born Paul Bills paid tribute to the stunning surroundings where the festivities took place.

He said: “We are lucky to live in the most beautiful part of the country.

“I moved away from here for a while and lived in other places like Manchester and Blackpool.

“It was only when I came back to Cumbria that I realised how friendly the people are and how special this part of the world is.

“People help each other out and there is a real sense of community and knowing and caring for your neighbours.”

The ceremony took place on Saturday.

Paul said: “There was no special significance behind holding it there, it is just a really, really, beautiful place with an amazing atmosphere and breathtaking landscape.

“It reminds us that we have a duty to take care of the Earth and show respect to nature.

“I think that sometimes people can forget this and reminding them is one of the most important parts of druidism.

“We are not all about pagan beliefs, we welcome people from all backgrounds who care about the planet and want to celebrate it.”

The order is planning a series of events across Cumbria to mark the summer solstice, one of the key dates in the Druidic calendar.

For more information e-mail Paul at cdo.druid@bt-internet.com.

kmudie@cngroup.co.uk

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk