Alan Lodge's Blog

Protest and celebrate at English Heritages decision to open the monument on the wrong day! Actual solstice on 22nd June, but officially only open on the 21st.

Tempory solstice car park open from 12.00am to 4pm (last admittance 11am) on Saturday 21st June.

Free accesss to the stones (subject to security searches) Stones open from from 2.00am to noon Saturday 21st June 2003 (as of 5th of May still no confirmation officially of access times from English Heritage).

Unfortunately the solstice dawn occurs on the 22nd and festival campaigners intend to protest at the decision to deny access with music fun and agit prop morris dancing… The campaigners are demanding full restoration of their traditional rights of free access to Stonehenge and provision of land for camping while attending the summer solstice celebration from the 21st to Sunday 22nd of June 2003, Acoustic musicians and groups wanting to participate in the celebration should contact http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stonehengeentertainmentsdiscussion Seize the day, Headmix Celtica and Nik Turner are some of the groups who have already agreed to play.Bring a drum a guitar, and join in the fun for the future of the stonehenge solstice celebration.

on Guilfin

http://www.guilfin.net/database/showevent.php3?ev_id=evTSE6688

and Indymedia at: http://uk.indymedia.org:8081/front.php3?

article_id=67812&group=webcast

English Heritage have just announced their list of restrictions for the event. There is a shed load, as usual. Take a peek at:

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/default.asp?WCI=WebItem&WCE=3051

A whole day, trying to find more details about devices and services. I want to take a picture with such a phone, but, then upload it to a website.

When every picture tells a story Bill Thompson, BBC Friday, 3 January, 2003, 08:54 GMT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/2621745.stm

With cameras everywhere, technology consultant Bill Thompson wonders if we should be worried about where the images of ourselves are ending up.

…… it is also a pointer to a future in which visual records are increasingly available online, and this has some frightening implications. We will soon be surrounded by millions of picture phones, all with internet connectivity and the ability to send photos via e-mail, or upload them to websites.

I’ve included this extract from the BBC tech website, ‘cos it confirms that a process I’m trying to do, does exist and IS possible.

Bill Thompson info and contact

Being a photographer, I’m very interested in the development of the digital cameras on mobile phones AND their application.

The system is being sold as ‘picture messaging’ ie. sending a photo from one mobile device to another. If the other party does not have a suitable mobile, if can be sent to an e-mail address, and viewed later on a PC.

Right then, none of this is news! However, I’m interested in another possiblity. That of taking a picture with such a phone, which I would be able to upload it to a website, thus be instantly viewable, by the public.

I can already, [as regulars on my blog will know] write some text on my WAP phone, and publish it to my blog.

Details of how I do this WAP to my Blog at:

http://tash_lodge.blogspot.com/2002_10_13_tash_lodge_archive.html#83088570

I have been able to do this for a couple of years now, but am finding so much difficulty in finding out, if I can add a picture as well.

I might be able to call myself a proper ‘internet photo-journalist’ then 🙂

When dealing with police / protest / evidence in the street, can you image how much the police are going to hate that? Not just by trouble-makers like me, but by very many members of the public who find authority being oppressive to them! In fact, Police Review has already covered this as a possiblity of concern to officers in an article by Superintendent Peter Woods of the Northumbria Police, in an article titled: ‘Candid Camera: how in the near future, mobile phones will change the work of the police’ . Police Review 27th September 2002.

As I say, I’m still looking into what devices and services, might be able to do this. Considerations are also picture quality, picture size, compression, memory capacity [number of saved images] and loads more!

After an afternoon round the shops, [where most shop assistants have though me to be talking Martian!]. I think it comes down to the following devices.

Sony Ericsson – P800

the alteratives being, the Nokia 3650 and the Samsung V200

Latest news on all this might well happen on these info sites.

Smartphones info center: http://my-symbian.com

Sony Ericsson P800 – Symbian News: http://www.symbian.com/news/2002/soneric-p800-2.html

GSM Arena: http://www.gsmarena.com

On-Message – Weblog and commentary on multimedia messaging from FableFlow

http://www.fableflow.com/weblog

Contact 2.0 expedition software: http://www.humanedgetech.com/contact

So, please, if you think you know more of the possibilities than this, or, have some advice to offer me, please e-mail me at: tash@gn.apc.org

* * * * * *

http://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/articles/latest_news.shtml

Mentionned earlier, the new UK Music Licensing Bil. This is still being debated in parliament but only until the 20th May.

The Licensing Bill was launched on 15 November 2002 as a ‘central plank in the government’s drive to tackle antisocial behaviour’. This bill increases licensing control over the performance of live music and replaces the ‘two in a bar rule’ with a ‘none in a bar rule’. In future, even solo acoustic performance would be illegal unless the premises is licensed for live music. The Bill has positive proposals that will benefit specialist music venues (reducing high annual public entertainment licence fees). However, there is a real risk that if enacted without amendment it would lead to a two-tier regime in which thousands of smaller pubs, bars and restaurants would lose the right to host even solo acoustic performance on any regular basis.

previously on Blog at:

Two in a bar to none in a bar – the Licensing Bill

http://tash_lodge.blogspot.com/2003_01_05_tash_lodge_archive.html#87056601

Licensing Bill 2003 – a threat to live music

http://tash_lodge.blogspot.com/2003_01_05_tash_lodge_archive.html#87123542

Pub music scene ‘under threat’ : licensing bill 2003

http://tash_lodge.blogspot.com/2003_01_26_tash_lodge_archive.html#88219744

http://www.radiator-festival.org

As new technology moves rapidly into ever more user friendly and haptic interfaces, the distinction of what is hi-tech and what is an everyday tool is blurred. The mystery decreases in inverse proportion to the size of user base.

The second Radiator Festival celebrates new technology art as a discipline practised by an increasing number of artists. Not so long ago this practise was restricted to the computer monitor, now there is the capability to take it to the outside world.

Since the late nineties there has been a rapid proliferation of media art festivals trying to encapsulate this new form of art. Although the term is vaguely defined by its usage of electronic or digital technology, considering the wide range of artists from all fields now utilising it in some form, new media art could be seen as an umbrella term rather than a specific discipline in its own right.

The works shown within Radiator 002 create environments within which the viewer can experience the real world with technology acting as the mediator. This is in contrast to the assumption that digital art can only take us on a screen based computer generated fantasy. While online galleries have neither proven to be a run away success nor done away with the need for a traditional exhibition space, the white cube is increasingly finding the need to accommodate digital technology within its infrastructure.

Media art today has moved away from a merely virtual environment contained within a ‘beige box’ in favour of placing work in a physical space; from the passive state we now move towards the interactive and immersive. Interestingly, many of the artists presented in the Radiator 002 Festival come primarily from a performance background rather than a digital or technical one.

As the name might suggest, Radiator presents electronic art works that spread away from the small screen of a computer into the wider world of space and architecture. Such interdisciplinary work tests the possibilities that new technologies throw up and readily combine with the process of exploration that artists have always engaged in.

In these ten days Radiator 002 will present a packed programme of exhibits, screenings, workshops, talks, evening events and presentations.

On wednesday [tomorrow], there is:

PLUG-IN DAY

Plug into a whole day of careers advice and information for creatives. Representatives and individuals working within the creative industries will be offering advice about funding systems, business opportunities, courses and much more.

Included in the programme are the following:

Arts Council England has launched its Grants for the Arts for individuals, organisations and national touring, with just one application form and one set of guidelines for people applying from anywhere in England

Business Link

Christine Johnson is the Creative Industries Specialist Adviser for Business Link. Although based at Business Link Derbyshire with a focus on developing business support in the county the role also has a regional perspective. Research into the Creative Industries sector, commissioned by EMDA, defined the need for Business Link as a key partner to developing and supporting the growth of the creative industries sector within the East Midlands. This is acheived by working with individual companies, networks and key strategic partners throughout the East Midlands region, linking appropriate funding sources and business support to the needs of individuals and companies.

Creative Technologies – Postgraduate School of Art and Design

Frank Abbott is the Course Leader for the new one-year PGDip/MA/MSc Creative Technologies course at Nottingham Trent School of Art and Design that starts in January 2004. Besides the traditional art based intake they are looking to recruit technologists and science orientated workers looking to re-skill or change careers. He will be present in the Mezz to introduce this course, plus a portfolio of postgraduate courses that cover the many riches at Nottingham Trent School of Art and Design.

EM Media

EM Media is the integrated media agency for the region. We exist to grow the media economy by supporting access to, production and distribution of media in the East Midlands. In particular, we distribute Lottery funds on behalf of the Film Council and can provide a wide range of support to those thinking of setting up or developing their media business or project. Media includes: film, video, broadcast, radio, games and website

development.

Contact info@em-media.org.uk for more details.

Wed 07.05.03 Broadway Mezzanine @ 11am – 4pm Cost: Free

http://www.radiator-festival.org

Added this entry form WAP phone, on passing through Hartington [SK151612]

Details of how I do this WAP > Blog @

http://tash_lodge.blogspot.com/2002_10_13_tash_lodge_archive.html#83088570

Added full entry, when I got home:

Rode from Thorpe, [SK164502] to a couple of miles north of Parsley Hay. [SK148638]. That’s where the High Peak and Tissington Trails meet.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=414500&Y=363500&A=Y&Z=3

There are many cycle tracks, created from the old railway tracks, that serviced the brick kilns and quarries of the area. A lovely way to see some of englands finest countryside, oh, and being railway tracks, they don’t go up and down that much!!

Middle of last month, I tried out the other ‘leg’ of these tracks.

High Peak Trail, from Middleton Top

http://tash_lodge.blogspot.com/2003_04_13_tash_lodge_archive.html#92742050

* * * * * *

Tissington Track Info: http://www.cycle-tracks.co.uk/Cycling/TissingtonFrame.html

Other cycle tracks info: http://www.dclally.demon.co.uk

Added this entry form WAP phone, on passing through Hartington [SK151612]

‘Three days after Mayday’ – Mayday march in Nottingham, Meet at Forest Fields, poor start to the march, with the Socialist Workers folk, selling mags to other Socialist Workers folk. !!!!!!!! Chants down with …… Bush Blair etc etc ….. Oh god, if that all, it is so off-putting. I think we ‘cracked’ all this years ago, with sounds / music, like when having anti-CJA protests, and the Reclaim the Streets. They were a pleasure to attend. With few speeches 🙂

Have added this latest Mayday Demo to the Nottingham ‘Collected’ Work at:

http://tash.dns2go.com/xtra/stopwar_nttm/index.htm [from pages 9 to 11]

direct: http://tash.dns2go.com/xtra/stopwar_nttm/index_9.htm

My main page for this ‘Stop the War’ Work and Reports: http://tash.dns2go.com/stopwar.htm

And …. added on Indymedia at: http://uk.indymedia.org:8081/front.php3?article_id=66783&group=webcast

Also, I thought I’d draw your attention to a couple of earlier links on Indymedia. The mainstream media coverage of the events in London, were exactly as you might have expected, but for a more accurate and balanced view, suggest those interested should look of the tales and stories on Indymedia UK at:

http://uk.indymedia.org were there is five shed-loads about it all.

More locally, Sheffield had there own adventures on Thursday, complete with BNP / election trouble, a sound system, being up front in opposition to these folks.

http://uk.indymedia.org:8081/front.php3?article_id=66035&group=webcast

——————————————————————————————–

Violence flared up at Sheffield City Hall as the BNP candidate arrived.

by oi 8:07pm Thu May 1 ’03 (Modified on 7:18am Fri May 2 ’03)

Police protect nazi’s outside Sheffield City Hall

Sheffield’s trollyd sound system crew began their Mayday protest in Barkers Pool at 6.30pm playing Not In Our Name by Saul Williams on a loop, after ten minutes we were directed to the town hall by two police men and told if we didn’t go we would be arrested, the danger being we might start a rave. We wheeled off to park up under the arched entrance of the town hall. The potential ravers (young skaters?) following, At 8pm a small posse of anti nazi league persons arrived with the intention of preventing the B.N.P candidates entering the Town Hall for vote counting. Word shot round saying we were in the wrong place, B.N.P arriving at City Hall, off we set to wait with our dancing smiling baton twirling entourage escorting us beats bouncing off the buildings either side. At 9pm two B.N.P candidates arrived who were immediately surrounded by protesters and forced away from the entrance to angry chants of “nazi scum.” The two policemen protecting them were very quickly reinforced by around fifty more in riot vans who immediately began shoving protesters away from the B.N.P and entrance to City Hall, trollyd crew were pushed over, two were grabbed and thrown against the wall, police angry and told one he was under arrest however was soon de arrested. As the police outnumbered the protestors trollyd posse decided to call it a day.

Fuck the police

www.burngreave.net/~trollyd

——————————————————————————————–

Unfortunately, this bunch of hippies, were much on their own. And, in my opinion, they did a sterling job, with little or no support. [even some criticism, if you read the comments on Indymedia page!!]

I think we need something similar, here in Nottingham. MUSIC ………

a samba band, a sound system, a reggae outfit, a pipe band, a Handel or Bach Ensemble, I mean just something to tap the foot and help engage people, in addition / instead of, yet more speeches !!!!!!!!!!!!

Also, while there on Indymedia, you might like to look at a contribution of the ‘Visual Arts’ to protest.

Sheffield Photo exhibit protest mayday 2003 IndyMedia UK

http://uk.indymedia.org:8081/front.php3?article_id=66027&group=webcast

there are several pages, after this entry, and gives an idea of possibility.

FREE FESTIVALS RETURN 10 YEARS ON….

[very much the same, as those before. but, no one had hade the bottle to publish for some time :-)]

May

1st Beltane Gatherings, various locations

1st – 4th Avon Free Festival, West Country

June

21-22nd Stonehenge Acoustic Free Festival – Protest at English

Heritage’s decision to open the monument on the wrong day!

Actual solstice on 22nd of June, but officially only open on the 21st

Temporary Solstice car park open from 00.01a.m. to 4p.m. (last

admittance 11a.m.) on Saturday 21st. June 2003. Free access to the

stones (subject to security searches) will be allowed from 2a.m. to

noon (last admittance?) Saturday 21st. June 2003.

Unfortunately the Solstice dawn occurs on Sunday June 22nd and we

intend to protest at the decision to deny access to us with music fun

and chaos.

We demand the full restoration of our traditional rights of free

access to Stonehenge and provision of land for camping while we

attend the Summer Solstice Celebrations from Saturday 21st. to Sunday

22nd. June 2003.

27th + Wish You Were Here Picnic – Ringwood, Hampshire

July

11th – 13th Rutland Free Festival

25th- 28th Green Man Free Festival, Nr Clun, Wales

August

15th – 17th Twisted Tree Trunk Free Festival, South Wales

15th – 17th Silver moon Free Festival, Cumbria

22nd – 24th Cissbury Ring free Festival, Nr Worthing, Sussex

29th – 31st White goddess Free Festival, Rough Tor area, Cornwall

September

12th – 14th Cloud Nine Free Festival, Ribblehead ?, N. Yorks

19th – 21st Village Idiots Gathering, Sussex

25th…. Mushroom Festivals, Wales, Free growing and plentiful

On Saturday 3rd May 2003 London & 230+ Cities Worldwide – A peaceful celebration of Cannabis for an end to prohibition.

March 12 Noon sharp! Kennington Park. Oval Tube.

with Ascension sounds, Rhythms of Resistance Samba Band, dress up, noise up,

Festival Brockwell Park, Brixton 1pm – 8pm. £3 donation. Hemp Tent, Kids Area, Cannabis College, Food & Craft Stalls, Grow Tent, Sounds from Negusa Negast, RDK Hi-Fi, Ascension, Access All Areas, SQUALL, FEMI 9, Trojan, BASS, Rinky Dink, King Beat Sound system – UK Hip Hop. Info Spaces – Spike, Pirate TV, Green Party, Stop the War, Lambeth Community Police Consultative Group, Indymedia, Comtech, Festival bars (please bring no glass bottles), two live stages, Main Stage – Ooojami, Babyhead, Tarantism, Spacegoats, Didgi Dub, HashBash Stage – Pain, Headjam, Bryan Wilson Band, Orginal African Idians, Nomadix Roots, Soulclyde, Howard Marks, Dr Nuke, MC Vic Lambrusco.

Due to the oil wars this festival will be powered by renewable energy, bio-diesel, love and tolerance.

Info Line: 07931 243 855 Festival Site:

http://www.ccguide.org.uk/cannabisfestival.html

So mayday is nearly upon us again….. and, London again!

Am told that there is a strong anti-war theme, this time round.

2pm: Main meet up @ Lockheed Martin [the biggest arms company in the world]

corner of High Holborn &Endell St, WC1.

http://www.ourmayday.org.uk

In the past, it has turned into a bit on annual punch up with the Metropolitan Police. They have had 6000 officers on the line, in the past.

This year the MP say:

What to expect?

“Thursday 1st May 2003 will once again see Central London as the site for a number of demonstrations by groups and individuals aligned with anarchist, anti-capitalist, environmental and pacifist ideals, as well as a number of non-aligned individuals.

We will have a policing operation in place with sufficient resources to be able to deal with whatever it occurs …….”

Oh god …. here we go again.

May Day 2003 advice to businesses and local communities

What to expect?

http://www.met.police.uk/campaigns/mayday.htm#expect

This is the ‘general advice’ – been the same for a few years …

Protest Action: Guidance paper for personal safety

http://www.met.police.uk/publicorder/protest_paper.htm

* * * * * *

News just in ……….

Date: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 13:51:10 +0100

From: peacewatch <fairfordpeacewatch@blueyonder.co.uk>

Subject: latest on Peacewatch Fairford and Welford

The really great news is that the last of the B52 bombers left on Thursday at 5.10pm. Some of us were skipping with delight as they began warming up to leave, others said they were as deeply saddened as when they first arrived, knowing what has been done in Iraq by weapons launched from our own glorious Cotswold countryside.

People at the Welford Peacewatch camp at Westbrook village in Berkshire, knowing that they may be witnessing the return of the bombs from Fairford to Welford, and thence hopefully ‘home’ to the USA, decided to break camp on Friday night.

There have been no ‘evictions’ at G10 or at Welford.

There are a few people still camping at G10 as I write, although this situation may change at any time. Efforts have been made to look for a new site or sites, as the health implications and vulnerability of remaining at the centre of the runway become more apparent.

So what next?

The Peacewatch continues. We have established a great number of contacts with local people in Fairford and surrounding villages, and with peace groups further afield. We have amassed a bank of intelligence about activity at the airbase while it was active and have a continual log of aircraft movement during the 52 days of the bombing campaign.

Plans are afoot for the next stages, but in the meantime, there are a number of things people can do:

· keep sending letters or cards to people at G10:

G10 Peacewatch, Near Dunfield

USAF Fairford

Gloucestershire. GL7 4HE

· we will have an additional address for mail soon, please let me know if you’d like to be put on our paper mailing list.

· to be kept up to date either via email with what we’re planning, join:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fairfordpeacewatchsupporters

· a new website containing bomber spotting and peacewatch logs will be up and running in the next few days. Watch this space, or join the list above for details.

· ask one of us to come and talk at your peace group or local event.. we have lots and lots to tell, and we need your support for the next stages.

· tell your MP what you think about this appalling use of UK airspace and countryside to promote this illegal pre-emptive strike http://www.faxyourmp.com

· make a donation to Peacewatch so that we can get material like leaflets and spotter info together and help with minor costs like webhosting and phones. Cheques can be made payable to: peacewatch, please phone or mail me for our temporary address.

· if you live locally, please get more involved. We need places to store things and volunteer helpers who can offer baths or bedrooms or back gardens for overnight stays.

Most importantly, we haven’t gone away, so we need you more than ever !!!

Om Shanti, Salom, Pace, Salaam

brenda

info and news by, for and about Peacewatchers at USAF Fairford

Earlier entires on Fairford

US Bombers land in Britain

http://tash_lodge.blogspot.com/2003_03_02_tash_lodge_archive.html#90043322

Bomb Convoy to RAF Fairford, stopped by Direct Action

http://tash_lodge.blogspot.com/2003_04_06_tash_lodge_archive.html#92477539

A really bright and sunny day!

These last few weeks, I’ve been sat in front of the computer, correlating my anti war pictures / work.. [see earlier entries in this blog]. So, as summer has arrived early, [well for the next few days, anyway!] thought I would take my bike out, into the Peak District. There are many cycle tracks, created from the old railway tracks, that serviced the brick kilns and quarries of the area.

Lovely way to see some of englands finest countryside, oh, and being railway tracks, they don’t go up and down that much!!

Started out from Middleton Top, nr Wirksworth

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=427500&Y=355500&A=Y&Z=3

then cycled north west to the very end of the off-road track at Dowlow, couple of miles south of Buxton. A run of about 18 miles. Oh, then i had to go back again……..

Dowlow is a farm on the map. Absolutely nothing there on the moor. except this rikety old gate across the track and old sign the says “End of High Peak Trail”.

Gosh! I was a bit surprised. I thought it might have been marked with a shop full of ice cream, a cairn, a visitor centre, I mean, something at least!

So, anyway, took this picture, and cycled back again ……

For more info on the trail, check out

http://www.cycle-tracks.co.uk/Cycling/HighPeakFrame.html

http://www.peakdistrict.org/pubs/access4all/highpeaktiss.htm

Cycled out to Trent Lock, past Attenborough nature reserve. Along the canal tow path, then along the River Trent. Nice day by the river. Lunch at Steamboat Inn. Vegi-burgger and chips, if you want to know. The pub Peacock and passing Swans ate a fair number of my chips……. Bastards.

Blast! puncture on the way back. Asked a passing cyclist if he had a pump. Invited me to drop in house in the village, for assistance. A really nice man. Such help doesn’t come for car drivers……

Multimap Map

http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=450000&Y=332500&scale=50000&coordsys=gb

Course of the River Trent: Aerial Photo

http://www.multimap.com/map/photo.cgi?x=449000&y=336250&scale=100000

Posted by WAP phone.

http://tash_lodge.blogspot.com/2002_10_13_tash_lodge_archive.html#83088570

Back to Nottingham shortly………

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:

http://tinyurl.com/9df5

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.

On Thursday 10th April, at 3 p.m., a military convoy carrying bombs for use in Iraq was stopped en route from RAF Welford to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Five anti –war activists from Bristol blocked the A417 near Cirencester with a car. Two of the group chained themselves underneath their vehicle with bike locks. Police escorting the convoy soon arrived on the scene. One officer was heard to say “Shit, we’ve been looking for this sort of thing all week, and now it happens on our own back doorstep!” It took them 45 minutes to remove the activists with hydraulic cutters and clear the blockade. Four activists were arrested for obstruction of the highway. All were later released, three without charge, but one still facing charges.

This action was carried out as part of continued widespread opposition to the bombing of the Iraqi people. Bombs dropped by B52 bombers flying from RAF Fairford do not discriminate between military targets and civilians. There is no such thing as precision bombing, as events of the past few weeks have proved. Most casualties in any war are civilians and thousands of normal Iraqi people have been killed. This is not “liberation” by the forces of freedom and democracy. This is mass murder.

Despite the apparent collapse of the regime in Iraq, two convoys containing bombs arrived at RAF Fairford yesterday. These weapons of mass destruction continue to be used in the unjustified and illegal attack on Iraq. War without end?

Millions of people have objected to this war but the US and UK governments have consistently ignored worldwide calls for peace. Widespread direct action can have a real impact on the war machine. The people involved in the blockade yesterday believe it is up to normal people to work towards a world without the destruction and terror caused by war.

FFI contact Kebele 0117 9399469

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/themessage.shtml

Critics say journalism on the left has become turgid and earnest so does it have to lighten up and be more entertaining?

And, whatever happened to the underground press? In the 60’s and 70’s it offered an alternative outlet, a more authentic voice for the concerns and mood of the youth movement than the mass media, and the range of publications was formidable.

But is today’s so-called alternative press – with its focus on music, fashion and design – a pale shadow of its underground forebears from the sixties and seventies?

You want to know what I think, the answer is YES!!!!

listen again [for next 7 days] http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/rams/themessage.ram

RELATED LINKS

Squall http://www.squall.co.uk

Schnews http://www.schnews.org.uk

IndyMedia http://www.indymedia.org

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http://www.nuj.org.uk/front/inner.php?docid=494&doctypeid=8

As the death toll of journalists and media workers in the Iraq war moves into double figures, the NUJ has condemned the targeting of journalists as “war crimes”.

A Reuters camera operator was killed when US tanks fired a shell at the Palestine Hotel in the banks of the Tigris in Baghdad. Four staffers were injured. The death of cameraman Taras Protsyuk brought to ten the number of western media workers confirmed as killed in Iraq, nearly all by so-called friendly fire. It is likely that there will be more not to mention Iraqi journalists killed too in the attacks on media sites.

The American military said today’s attack was in response to sniper fire, but journalists at the hotel said they were aware of no such firing.

Two of those killed have worked for the BBC a translator and a camera operator — and two journalists for ITN. Two more were American; one was Australian. Two more have yet to be identified.

In the last few days “coalition” forces have attacked the offices of Al Jazeera and Abu Dhabi Television, as well as several Iraqi state broadcasting sites and the Ministry of Information building where the Baghdad media are briefed.

“It seems certain that the media are being targeted,” said NUJ General Secretary Jeremy Dear. “There must be thorough and independent investigations of all these incidents, and those responsible brought to book.

“The Geneva Conventions require combatants to protect the lives of civilians, yet here we have American forces taking aim at them. These are war crimes.

“The Americans say they have the most precise weaponry in history. Not all of these attacks can be accidents.

“Our member Terry Lloyd was killed, and his crew injured, when their clearly-marked vehicle was wrecked by coalition tank fire. This was three weeks ago but there has still been no explanation.”

And, please see what happend to a photographer aquaintance of mine, Kaveh Golestan, an Iranian Photographer was blow up by a landmine.

Am so sad. He was a nice man, and his work was / still is, splendid. We had exchanged views of photography, and critted each others work. I learnt loads and will miss him.

http://tash_lodge.blogspot.com/2003_03_30_tash_lodge_archive.html#91871743

It appears, that by proportion of the numbers of soldiers / combatants to journalist.

The war in Iraq has resulted in 15 times more journalist killed than soldiers.

Anyone else find this strange?

Called by the Stop the War Coalition, the Muslim Association of Britain and CND.

Assemble York Rd, Waterloo, 12pm.

Our national protests get coverage all over the globe – let’s show the world the anti-war movement hasn’t gone away.

I do think that it is important to protest, at the continuation of the war. However, speaking personally, I don’t know if yet another London demo is going to ‘do it’. The object of such a march, is to demonstrate to our political masters, the degree of public objection to their activities. However, it is a feature of the news, within the numbers game, to show waning numbers as an indicator of such support. And, I have no idea at all, why were doing it in London, again. What about some kind of ‘inclusion’ of the rest of the country. I hate the place.

It strikes me, that this method is not stopping anything! It is not working, and the indicators of the numbers involved, is not affecting the democratic equations. I think it apparent that we’re past all this, and quite agree with those, ‘standing in the way’ of the machine! Just my opinion, but I know plenty still think yet another protest is required. I wish them well, of course.

This is my work from the first Stop the War demo in London on 15th February.

Spectacular!

http://tash.dns2go.com/xtra/stopthewar_feb03/index.htm

This happens to me from time to time. Folks say I shouldn’t be photographing people in a public place, without asking for their permission. On February 15, I photographed TWO MILLION people, that would have lead to an aweful lot of conversations! But really, it is only the police and a few nits, that seem to adopt this attitude.

Anyway, I’ve “put ’em straight”, and a few folks have stepped forward to help me out. I say thanks very much to them.

It is of course, such posts, that have lead to me being attacked in the past, and last time, having ALL my teeth knocked out!!!!!

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Postings on Nottingham ‘Stop thge War lists

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NottmStoptheWar

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NottmStoptheWar/message/666

Subject: Photographs

Regarding the posting/s by Alan Lodge.

Dear Mr.Lodge.

As you may or may not know, the extreme right-wing internet site Redwatch (covering the domain names .org/.net/.org.uk) is becoming increasingly professional in its coverage of ‘left-wing’ activities – now extended to include anti-war protestors.

When they have been successful in matching photographs and/or names and addresses the persons involved have usually been subject to physical attack, and in some cases have been forced to move address. These have by no means been isolated examples. The photographs taken by Redwatch at Nottingham Prison clearly identify several individuals.

Some of your photographs, for example the ones taken at Chetwynd barracks, clearly identify individuals. I hope that in future you will agree that it would be preferable to stick to general crowd scenes for the reasons mentioned above.

Sincerely.

Ted.

and ……

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NottmStoptheWar/message/708

Hi

I was just looking at Alan’s photos and wondering if the people he had taken pictures of knew that their image would be on the web? I think people should be aware that their picture is being taken and that they consent to the image being put on the web.

Aurora

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My response: photography in the street IS allowed!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NottmStoptheWar/message/711

Thank you all very much for your support. I have been contacted by many other anti-war groups, with respect to their own photography of local actions, no one else is ’embarrassed’ by their presence in standing up for the issues at hand.

Have photographed protest and actions for XXX years 🙂 it is interesting that this is the first time such objection has been noted. Just a few from Nottingham.

Oh, I forgot. and the police. So many officers who are also embarrassed by their activities in the street have also tried to actively prevent my photography. A thorough view of my website, might illustrate why.

http://tash.gn.apc.org/surv_10.htm

They have tried various ploys including their right of privacy (ie. stood there in a public place in uniform! ), and a mis-reading of the Human rights act.

Gosh, don’t you hear it sometimes.

I am an anti-war protester, and am using my muscles, behind the issue as well as I am able. I think successfully, because of the positive feedback I have been getting, and people telling me that the work is ’empowering’ to folks involved. Except some people on this list.

To set the record straight. If you are in a public place, I have a ‘right’ to photograph exactly what I want, AND to use as I see fit. I am allowed to do anything I like, that is not against the law. Not into censorship, as I have also pointed out to the authorities, when they try to stop me.

Personally I’m proud to be involved in these issues and am surprised that some are not.

I also know that there is an issue with the right-wing, in the shape of redwatch and their sort. They are not only interested in protestors, the left etc, but also photographers. A friend had his own picture taken from his website and used to try and intimidate him by inclusion on the bastards site. It has also happened to me! I told him this had happened, I reported this to my union [NUJ], then I made a complaint to the police [ie. harassment, put in fear and distress etc] and employed solicitors to bring action against them for its removal.

My point is. I am allowed to photograph in a public place. However, if there was mis-use of my photography, but such folk, ie if they nick work of my site for intimidation reasons, I would stand up for it, and go after them. Perhaps some might find the legal threats page on redwatch, enlightening.

http://www.redwatch.org.uk/legal.html

I hope that clarifies the situation.

Thank you so much to those that see the value of what I’m trying to do.

* * * * * *

In support, jonny and others chimed in. Hopefully, this settles it 🙂

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NottmStoptheWar/message/718

Date: Wed Apr 9, 2003 3:59 am

Subject: Re:Press enquiry – RAF Cottesmore: LITTLE BRO

Dear N0012693,

the police,media & fash photograph all of us, tash is one of the only littlr brother dedicated activist photographers around. He has saved countless lives for nearly 40yrs in court cases etc & stopped police from attacking & abusing thousands of times with aid of intelligence & a camera.

I have never seen a photo published by tash that could be used to prosecute an activist, & fascists can get our photos from their mates in the police or from the media. We live in a state surveliance society, the way to survive is to turn it back on them & as Tash proves this tactic works!

He comes from a travelling community that has mostly been forced to flee this country due to state terror after beanfield & cja etc. He is one of only people to accurateley record our peace movement from the inside

are aia & N0012693 severley paranoid? or you coppers? real or sleeping?, if so kiss my bush!

Personally I am proud to be photographed by tash, I dont like to be photographed by fascists, policemen.

Tash needs our support, he does not get paid for his proffesional photography or for being an original organiser of events like glastonbury.

He has been attacked physically by thugs on “our side”, we only usually have to defend fellow activists from coppers on demos, but we will protect comrades from agent provacetuers & idiots if necessary too!

if you really dont want to be photographed by tash tell him, he will more than likely stop unless you are in a police uniform at the time.

respect the tash man!

for peace & love,

jonny m sparkeee1@hotmail.com

I think this, quite an endorsement. [if the 40 years is a little exagerated :-)]

Thanks for sticking up for us guys. Hope I’ve heard the last of it all, back to the bloody issues!