More news just in, an appeal for help from Peacewatch.
From: peacewatch
Subject: urgent ! Welford Peacewatchers needed !
A new Peacewatch is here, just next to the bridleway footbridge over the M4:
A military base near Welford north of Newbury in Berkshire is where the deadly bombs are made to supply the 16 B52s based at USAF Fairford in Gloucester. Every morning, lethal weapons convoys join the M4 between junctions 13 and 14 just north of Westbrook village and using ~public roads~ make their way via the motorway or the A417 and 419 to Gate 14 at USAF Fairford.
Two of the crew who started G10 Peacewatch at USAF Fairford (i’ve got the ‘flu ) have set up a Welford Peacewatch just next to the footbridge on the bridleway over the M4, within sight of the access road to the military base, where the convoys can be observed at a safe distance.
People, visitors and overnight campers are urgently needed. Please bring food, water and camping gear so that you are self sufficient. Visitors are very much needed, whether for an hour or two or a few days. Donations or loans of the following would be extremely useful:
water, bottled or containers of tap
tarpaulins
gas in canisters for camping stoves and lamps
torch
wind up radio
solar or wind up phone charger
cooked food like cake or sarnies for the first few days
flags and banners, esp ones which say Welford Peacewatch
There has been an upsurge in activity at USAF Fairford in recent days, with 10 b52s taking off over the past 24 hours, more than at any time since the bombing started. We urgently need to get this information out to the peace movement in general, so more watchers are always needed.
Peacewatch at Gate 10 was started on 2nd March 2003 by Kate, Nick and Brenda. The two reasons for keeping this round-the-clock watch opposite the centre of the runway at USAF Fairfield are to:
peacefully protest by maintaining a continual presence
inform the world about the build-up to and continuance of the bombing campaign.
Peacewatch at Welford will maintain the spirit and purpose of the G10 Peacewatch. The police have visited the site this morning, and to date reports are ‘all is cool’.
Do take care with parking in Westbrook village or surrounding area, and make sure you don’t block gates or drives, and stay quiet and respectful.
Phone 07932 628 269 for updates, directions and more information.
If you want your details added to the Fairford Peacewatch supporters list, please mail by return. Updates will be posted there.
See you at Welford Peacewatch !!
please pass this message on to anyone who you think can help
xxx
brenda
* * * * * *
Welford Watch – new peace camp started
In the early hours of 12th April 2003 the team that launched G10 Peace Camp at Fairford started Welford Watch. The watchers will stand vigil over the convoys of death that transport bombs bound for Fairford and onward to Iraq.
The camp needs support and more campers / visitors are invited. Parking can be found nearby but the final access is along the bridalway towards the footbridge. Please park carefully and try not to annoy the neighbours. At present they particularly need water and a solar charger for the mobile phones. Contact numbers are Nick 07736 964653 and Kate 07748 015601. Bright flags and peace banners are particulary welcome. The camp was found by police at around 9am this morning and no attempt has yet been made to move the camp or evict the campers.
Welford is the USAF munitions store where the daily bomb convoys start. These convoys bring the weapons, including cluster bombs, used to arm the B-52s.
The camp is situated near the pedestrian bridge over the M4 just north of Westbrook.
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=443000&Y=173000&scale=25000
The main entrance to USAF Welford munitions store is at junction 13.5 on the east bound carriageway of the M4. This is a couple of miles west of Chieveley services (at J13). The convoys usually come out the main entrance of USAF Welford onto the M4 and head east. They turn around at Chieveley and head west along the M4.
At J15 they turn north and follow the A419 to Cirencester or turn onto the A361 to Lechlade and then take the A417 to Fairford. Convoys typically leave Welford at 9-10am arriving at Fairford approximately one hour later. Times and routes vary.
A convoy usually comprises 6 trucks with two 20 foot containers each and around 20 police vehicle escort.
