Demons, Druids & Bards

British Police Anti-Speed Demon Becomes a Druid

from AFP

British police anti-speed demon becomes a druid Fri Aug 11, 11:20 AM ET

LONDON - A senior British police officer infamous for his dislike of speeding drivers joined an order of Welsh bards and was immediately told one of his many speedgun victims was the group's archdruid.

North Wales Police chief constable Richard Brunstrom - known as "the godfather of the speed camera" to readers of the Police Federation's official magazine - joined the Gordsedd of Bards at the annual National Eisteddfod.

The order, which counts Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the spiritual head of the worldwide Anglican communion, among its number, rewards people who have made a significant contribution to the Welsh language and culture.

But after welcoming robe-wearing new recruits in the ceremonial stone circle at the week-long Welsh arts festival near Swansea, south Wales, Archdruid Selwyn Iolen said he himself had fallen foul of Brunstrom's anti-speeding zeal.

He was recently clocked travelling at 36 miles (58 kilometres) per hour in a 30 miles per hour zone while rushing home to watch a football match.

"Forget the three (penalty) points. That's what he (Brunstrom) told me," Iolen said. "I don't think he meant it though, or he would get the sack."

Brunstrom, 52, was nominated to the gorsedd's highest rank of druid and can now be called "Spider" after taking the Welsh translation "Prif Copyn" as his bardic title.

"Prif Copyn" is a pun on the Welsh phrase for chief constable, "prif gwnstabl".

The Gorsedd of Bards dates back to 1792 and is supposedly based on ancient druidic practices.

Members include poets, writers, musicians and artists among others.