On 19th August, Members of the Tonbridge and Malling Bourough Council rejected an application by telephone company Orange to install a 15 metre tower within yards of the White Horse Stone in Kent, England.
The application had almost gone unnoticed until a local resident found out and remembered that the Stone was used by Odinists/Wodenists for rituals and celebrations. He asked his friend to contact these groups on the internet and she contacted The Odinic Rite who sent word around the world asking people to contact the council with their objections. Over 100 people heeded this call.
The council meeting heard submissions from Hengest Thorsson of the Odinic Rite, Lee of Woden's Folk and from the local resident who had contacted the OR.
The Councillors were then able to give their comments and all agreed that this mast would be completely unsuitable in such an area. They also condemned Orange for their lack of concern for the special status of the site. Some councillors spoke out in support of the religious groups present and showed a genuine interest in the "history lesson" they were given. After unanimously voting to reject the application, an addition was added to the effect that "minority" religious groups with links to a monument should be consulted about development plans which involve that monument.
The Odinic Rite would like to thank all who took the time to object to this application and particularly the members of Woden's Folk who attended the council meeting.