Alan Lodge's Blog

http://www.m12.org.uk

Shakedown ‘05 aims to raise awareness of some global issues.

Shakedown ‘05 will bring together the diversity of Nottingham’s cultural life (live bands, DJs, visual artists, performance artists) at this very big one-off non-profit DIY all-night event that tries to bring together as large a variety of people, music and arts as possible.

Shakedown ‘05 also aims to raise awareness of some global issues such as world poverty, climate change and global institutions such as the World Bank, IMF and the G8. Stalls, film showings and a cocktail bar run by various campaign groups will try to raise awareness of these issues among people in a positive way.

* * * *

As happens with all good things at some point, Shakedown*05 has become a thing of the past, filed somewhere into our memories as something that was very enjoyable. We wish to thank all of you for making the event the succes we believe it has become.

We wish to thank all the visitors. There have been no incidents reported at Shakedown*05, or in and around Nottingham, and the atmosphere at the event was really good. We wish to thank all the bands, for playing for free. We wish to thank the volunteers of all the contributing organizations, for believing in this, and for making it happen.

We are certainly considering using the energy that Shakedown*05 has produced for something new, yet to be decided. All ideas are welcome, so feel free to contact us with any suggestions at: info@m12.org.uk

My pictures of the event on Tash’s FotoBlog entry at: http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=380071

and on Indymedia at: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/03/306592.html

David Adam, science correspondent
Thursday February 17, 2005
The Guardian

http://society.guardian.co.uk/drugsandalcohol/story/0,8150,1416150,00.html

American soldiers traumatised by fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan are to be offered the drug ecstasy to help free them of flashbacks and recurring nightmares.

The US food and drug administration has given the go-ahead for the soldiers to be included in an experiment to see if MDMA, the active ingredient in ecstasy, can treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

Scientists behind the trial in South Carolina think the feelings of emotional closeness reported by those taking the drug could help the soldiers talk about their experiences to therapists. Several victims of rape and sexual abuse with post-traumatic stress disorder, for whom existing treatments are ineffective, have been given MDMA since the research began last year.

Michael Mithoefer, the psychiatrist leading the trial, said: “It’s looking very promising. It’s too early to draw any conclusions but in these treatment-resistant people so far the results are encouraging.

“People are able to connect more deeply on an emotional level with the fact they are safe now.”

He is about to advertise for war veterans who fought in the last five years to join the study.

According to the US national centre for post-traumatic stress disorder, up to 30% of combat veterans suffer from the condition at some point in their lives.

Known as shell shock during the first world war and combat fatigue in the second, the condition is characterised by intrusive memories, panic attacks and the avoidance of situations which might force sufferers to relive their wartime experiences.

Dr Mithoefer said the MDMA helped people discuss traumatic situations without triggering anxiety.

“It appears to act as a catalyst to help people move through whatever’s been blocking their success in therapy.”

The existing drug-assisted therapy sessions last up to eight hours, during music is played. The patients swallow a capsule containing a placebo or 125mg of MDMA – about the same or a little more than a typical ecstasy tablet.

Psychologists assess the patients before and after the trial to judge whether the drug has helped.

The study has provoked controversy, because significant doubts remain about the long-term risks of ecstasy.

Animal studies suggest that it lowers levels of the brain chemical serotonin, and some politicians and anti-drug campaigners have argued that research into possible medical benefits of illegal drugs presents a falsely reassuring message.

The South Carolina study marks a resurgence of interest in the use of controlled psychedelic and hallucinogenic drugs. Several studies in the US are planned or are under way to investigate whether MDMA, LSD and psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, can treat conditions ranging from obsessive compulsive disorder to anxiety in terminal cancer patients.

http://society.guardian.co.uk/drugsandalcohol/story/0,8150,1416150,00.html

Some of you might have already heard about it, others will have already signed up as a volunteer, while most of you will be wondering what all the fuss is about…

’Shakedown ‘05′ will bring together the diversity of Nottingham’s cultural life (live bands, DJs, visual artists, performance artists) at this very big one-off non-profit DIY all-night event that tries to bring together as large a variety of people, music and arts as possible.

Shakedown ‘05 also aims to raise awareness of some global issues such as world poverty, climate change and global institutions such as the World Bank, IMF and the G8. Stalls, film showings and a cocktail bar run by various campaign groups will try to raise awareness of these issues among people in a positive way.

Info numbers: 07910 428 895 / 07910 428 896
Check out the website http://www.m12.org.uk

Saturday evening: Cabaret at Sumac from 8.30pm.
Plus other warm-up events all over Nottingham.

Saturday Night: Shakedown Party 10pm-8am.
The location will be posted online at 9pm, when doors open.
You are advised to arrive early, or phone the Info numbers to check the capacity.

Sunday: Wind-down at Sumac from 10am; bar from noon.
D-i-Y Buffet catering and Veggies brunches, coffees, cakes etc.

Monday: Dissent Info Night & Social.

Tories and our beloved Sun newspaper (and now The Daily Nazi Rag, sorry Mail – Ed) reacted angrily to Labour’s recent about-turn on the Traveller Site issue. Finally conceding their right to have space to live, the Government have authorised councils to provide land for sale to Travellers, ending standoffs around the island.

That Voice of Reason, the Sun, has declared war on the travellers, urging people to “Stamp On The Camps”. Their racist bile in recent days has led to a prosecution for incitement to hatred by the Traveller Law Reform Coalition. Meanwhile, the head of Constant Baliff Co., a thug force that carries out Traveller evictions, had a home visit. Twelve people protesting Constant’s violent clearance of camps banged pots outside his house (Rough Music style) and leafleted his neighbours, telling them what a toe rag they live next to.

www.travellerslaw.org.uk

earilier, Constant and Co had yet more protest ……

Yesterday, Monday the 13th of December, Constant and Co.s office in Bedford was picketed by Gypsy Travellers and their supporters to protest their violent eviction of sites. Banners reading ‘Constant and Co bully Gypsys’ and ‘Constant and Co: Paid to destroy homes’ were put up in front of the building and leaflets talking about the upcoming eviction of Woodside and the amount of homeless Gypsies were given out. The police were unusully civil and the public were interested, there doesn’t seem to be that many demonstrations in Bedford. Some people stopped to complain about their own problems with bailiffs and show support. One man said he’d never noticed the office before, but now he had he’d know where to go the next time he got evicted. One man (suspected bailiff) started to make his way to the office, but turned and ran when he saw our (very peaceful) demo.
At the least we embarressed Mr Bryan Constant for a few hours, who stayed inside working.
This was the first step, we arn’t going to leave Constant and Co in peace to do their shameful work any longer.
If you want to help in the campaign against Constant and CO and the fight for Gypsy / Traveller rights and justice:
nooneisillegal2003@yahoo.co.uk
www.travellersupport.org.uk

Patrick Barkham
Thursday March 10, 2005
The Guardian

http://media.guardian.co.uk/presspublishing/story/0,7495,1434087,00.html

Gypsy groups reported the Sun to the police and the Press Complaints Commission yesterday, claiming that its new campaign against Traveller camps was an incitement to racial hatred.

Their leaders made formal complaints to the Hampshire and Sussex police, and communities spoke of the fear and intimidation caused by the tabloid declaring “war on gipsy [sic] free-for-all”, under the headline “Stamp on the camps”.

A woman living on a site in Kent was so worried by the Sun’s attitude that she contacted the police yesterday and asked for their protection. Other Gypsies said their children were frightened when they read headlines apparently declaring “war” on them.

The Sun’s campaign, which has had wide support from readers, warned of a “gipsy invasion”. It responds to the government’s instruction to local authorities to take account of resident Traveller populations when they draw up their housing plans, and identify land which Travellers can buy and develop.

John Prescott, the deputy prime minister, has also given local authorities enhanced “stop” powers to halt unauthorised camps, in an effort to reduce the tension between settled communities and those occupying temporary sites.

Len Smith of the British Committee on Romany Emancipation made a formal complaint and statement to Hampshire police, who said they would refer it to the Metropolitan police.

Andrew Ryder of the Gypsy and Traveller Law Reform Coalition lodged an objection with the Press Complaints Commission.

http://media.guardian.co.uk/presspublishing/story/0,7495,1434087,00.html

Links to the Sun stories:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2005111823,00.html

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2005111824,00.html

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,5-2005111578,00.html

Setting out from Mill Cottages, Edale. up Ollerbrook Clough SK128865 up to the top of Kinder Scout at Ringing Roger. Along the tops, heading west to the top of Grindsbrook Clough. Round the ‘mushroom stone’ SK106873 to Grindslow Knoll SK110868. Then back down to Edale.

Quite energetic through the snow. Very sunny day.

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=410650&y=387350&z=3&sv=410650,387350&st=4&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf&dn=818

Check out the pictures on my FotoBlog at:

http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=373952

http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=373969

http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=373983

with another mission, earlier in the week, in a complete blizzard:

Vale of Edale, South towards Mam Tor and Lose Hill, Peak District

http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=368943

http://www.thecannabisfestival.co.uk

The Brixton Cannabis Coalition regrets the decision supported by the Lambeth Executive to ignore the agreed public events policy and try to ban the Cannabis March and Festival on Saturday 7th May because of cannabis dealers at last years festival.

Instead of the application for a licence being taken by the relevant licensing committees the decision has been made by Cllr Clare Whelan, Tory Executive member for Environment and ratified by the Executive. This is contrary to Cllr Whelan’s statement to the Executive on 4th November 2004.

“If an application is received the outcome will be determined in line with the events policy and the decision of the relevant quasi-judicial Licensing Committee”.
The Police and festival organisers were not consulted on the ban.

The Brixton Cannabis Coalition request that our application is dealt with in the normal way. We ask supporters to sign our petition. We also acknowledge and share council concerns regarding cannabis dealers during the march and festival. This is a problem for us and any large open access event in Brockwell Park.

The organisers have requested police action, as in previous years, to deter dealers, but have ultimately no direct control over what they do or how they prioritise the issue of dealers. We invite Lambeth Council officers to join the police and the Coalition to work through these problems in a planning meeting on 11am Monday 7th March at Frank O’Neil House, Clapham Road.

Over the last 6 years the Council have taken the Festival to court twice for alleged minor licencing violations, both times we were found not guilty. They then doubled the cost of using the park by charging us a commercial rate. This year the Council has not even allowed us to put our proposals before the Licencing Committee. This is against the agreed Parks Event Policy. This is political football in Lambeth.

Last year the Cannabis Festival attracted only 4 public complaints, – based on noise, 7 arrests – one for dealing and was enjoyed by many thousands of people. We think there is a question of balance.

In a sane and tolerant society we would be consulted and recognised for putting on a safe and free event, instead Lambeth Council have made no attempt to overcome this problem but simply use it as a means to prohibit us.

We recognise that Cllr Whelan and the Executive may have more than technical problems with us. We suspect their reasons may be political. We may not fit in with their politics, their corporate, public relations driven, glossy vision of Lambeth.

The influx of West Indians from the 50’s, young urban professional clubbers and pragmatic policing in the 90’s, has given Lambeth reputation as a progressive, culturally rich and diverse area. We are part of this diversity.

We invite the Council to work with us and the police to overcome these issues, however if they refuse and simply try to prohibit the March and Festival then we accuse the Executive of being intolerant of diversity. We note the media’s reaction to the Council’s ban has already increased the size of the march. Presumably people will want to do something after the march. The question for the Executive is do they want it done licenced or unlicenced. A bit like the sale of cannabis really.

http://www.thecannabisfestival.co.uk

Major Nottingham fundraiser for campaign against the G8 Summit (which will be in Scotland from July 6th-8th).

The 12th of March is the date for a very large Dissent! fundraising event to take place in Nottingham.

The event, which will probably get over a 1000 people in, will see a large variety of bands, dj’s, vj’s, poets, artists, break dancers, and other performances on various stages throughout the night.

The pre-sale of tickets will start at the beginning of February. Venue TBA. Much help will be needed in the week before and especially on the day itself to get this off the ground.

PLEASE COME AND HELP! ! ! ! !

Full event details at http://www.m12.org.uk.

Email: info@m12.org.uk

Led by a wagon and horse and Romani musicians, Travellers will march through central London on Saturday, 9 April, calling for an end to evictions.

PLEASE JOIN US by coming to St James’s Church, Piccadilly, at 12 noon for the Commemoration of Roma victims of genocide and ethnic cleansing.

The march will start at approximately 1.30. It will be followed by a public meeting to launch the first-ever Traveller election campaign.

A candidate will be adopted stand against anti-Gypsy Tory MP John Baron, who is leading the campaign to “clear” Dale Farm, the biggest Traveller community in the UK.

Meanwhile, Cliff and Janie Codona have been forced to leave Woodside – having spent four years trying to get planning permission for their caravan park.

More details:
call Grattan Puxon 01206 523528

Global blogger action day called
By Jo Twist
BBC News science and technology reporter

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4278241.stm

The global web blog community is being called into action to lend support to two imprisoned Iranian bloggers.

The month-old Committee to Protect Bloggers’ is asking those with blogs to dedicate their sites on Tuesday to the “Free Mojtaba and Arash Day”.

Arash Sigarchi and Mojtaba Saminejad are both in prison in Iran.

Blogs are free sites through which people publish thoughts and opinions. Iranian authorities have been clamping down on prominent sites for some time.

“I hope this day will focus people,” Curt Hopkins, director of the Committee, told the BBC News website.

The group has a list of actions which it says bloggers can take, including writing to local Iranian embassies.

The Committee has deemed Tuesday “Free Mojtaba and Arash Day” as part of its first campaign.

It is calling on the blogsphere – the name for the worldwide community of bloggers – to do what it can to help raise awareness of the plight of Mojtaba and Arash as well as other “cyber-dissidents”.

Some blogs have already posted messages about the day, and some have downloaded the banner to mark it.

“If you have a blog, the least you could do is put nothing on that blog except ‘Free Mojtaba and Arash Day’,” said Mr Hopkins.

“That would mean you could see that phrase 7.1 million times. That alone will shine some light on the situation.

“If you don’t have one, find one dedicated to that – it takes about 30 seconds.”

Technorati, a blog search engine, tracks about six million blogs and says that more than 12,000 are added daily.

A blog is created every 5.8 seconds, according to a US research think-tank.

‘No man’s land’

The Committee to Protect Bloggers was started by US blogger Curt Hopkins and counts fired flight attendant blogger Ellen Simonetti as a deputy director.

She has since started the International Bloggers’ Bill of Rights, a global petition to protect bloggers at work.

Although not the only website committed to human rights issues by any means, it aims to be the hub or organisation, information and support for bloggers in particular and their rights to freedom of speech.

The Committee, although only a month old, aims to be the focal point for blogger action on similar issues in the future, and will operate as a non-for-profit organisation.

“Blogging is in this weird no man’s land. People think of it as being one thing or another depending on their point of view,” said Mr Hopkins.

“Some think of themselves as pundits, kind of like journalists, and some like me have a private blog which is just a publishing platform.

“But they do not have a constituency and are out there in the cold.”

‘Everyone doing it’

A spokesman for Amnesty International said: “Just as the internet is a tool for freedom, so it is being used as an excuse for repression.

“Amnesty International has recorded a growing number of cases of people detained or imprisoned for disseminating their beliefs or information through the internet, in countries such as China, Syria, Vietnam, the Maldives, Cuba, Iran and Zimbabwe.

“It is also shocking to realise that in the communications age just expressing support for an internet activist is enough to land people in jail.”

It is not just human rights issues in countries which have a track record of restricting what is published in the media that is of concern to bloggers.

The question of bloggers and what rights they have to say what they want on their sites is a thorny one and has received much press attention recently.

High profile cases in which employees have been sacked for what they have said on their personal, and often anonymous blogs, have highlighted the muddy situation that the blogsphere is currently in.

“This is a big messy argument,” explained Mr Hopkins.

He added: “It is just such a new way of doing business, there will be clamp downs.”

But the way these issues get tested is through the courts which, said Mr Hopkins, “is part of the whole messy conversation.”

“If you haven’t already got bloggers in your company, you will have them tomorrow – and if you don’t have a blogger policy now you had better start looking at having one.

Mr Hopkins said that the blogsphere – which is doubling every five months – was powerful because it takes so little time and expertise to create a blog.

“Everyone does this – mums, radicals, conservatives,” he said.

Many companies offer easy-to-use services to create a blog and publish it in minutes to a global community.

“That is the essential difference. What I call ‘templating software’ gives every single person on Earth the chance to have one.

“You don’t even have to have your own computer.”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4278241.stm

Actually, being a piece of advertising, that has been ‘Subvertised’, it is a tory election poster that they thought should have said.

“The law should protect me, not burglars!”

I think you get the idea. Nottingham might see some more of this 🙂

http://www.subvertise.org for other examples

a few more piccys on my FotoBlog at: http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=357202

and, on Indymedia at: http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305629.html

More links about this subject, check out:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/gall/0,8542,708140,00.html
http://www.subvertise.org
http://tash.gn.apc.org/gal_ps-arty1.htm
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2004/10/299957.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/arts/story/0,3604,707822,00.html
http://subvertise.org/details.php?code=8
http://subvertise.org/details.php?code=581
http://www.venue.co.uk/global/global04_32.pdf
http://bristol.indymedia.org/newswire/display/15870/index.php

[this especially interesting, trying to get it on the telly]
http://barcelona.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=557
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2001/05/5060.html

With the commencement of the Hunting Act 2004, this week, the League Against Cruel Sports, Huntwatch, Hunt Sabs and others, ask people to be on the look-out for such illegal activities. Further, and most importantly, to gather evidence of a suitable standard to help gain a prosecution.

http://www.huntcrimewatch.com

Please email them if you can help with any of the following activities:

If you want to attend an ‘introduction day’ to hunt monitoring.
If you see or hear anything that you think might be relevant and useful. If you have them, please send us details of where hunts are meeting. You might find this information by looking in local post offices and shops where hunts will sometimes advertise their meets. You could also phone your local hunt to find out where they are meeting.

Please see “Masters of Foxhounds Association” http://www.mfha.co.uk where you will find a list of hunts with contact details.

If you can help donate equipment such as video cameras (even if they are old-fashioned ones), camcorder batteries and tapes, handheld GPS, mobile phones, walkie talkies, compasses, binoculars, or small audio cassette recorders. Anything donated could be passed on to monitors who might need it.

Please send them news cuttings from your local papers with information about the hunt which will help us to piece together their movements and intentions.

Spread the word about the programme and the other ways in which people can help and encourage others to join us.

eMail at: info@huntcrimewatch.com

http://www.league.uk.com

The Law: Hunting Act 2004: http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2004/20040037.htm

On Tuesday 15th Feb, around 30 cyclists gathered at about 3pm in Nottingham for a critical mass ride with the theme of ‘no more blood for oil’ and ‘no G8 2005’, together with raising the issues of transport priorities in the city.

We set off towards the city centre and went round and round a key rounabout in the city centre until we became victims of our own sucess ie we couldn’t move because the roundabout was backed up with stationary traffic. We then set off through the centre of Nottingham and down to another key roundabout with chants of ‘no more blood for oil’ and ‘get out your car and on your bike’.

The drivers must have supported us because they were all beeping like mad at us. One or two SUV drivers seemed particularly inconvenienced, especially when they tried to pass us by mounting the pavement which they suddenly found to be blocked by bikes.

We cycled round for around two hours and fun was had by all.
It is hoped to make the critcal mass a regular monthly event so watch this space for news.

More piccys on my FotoBlog at: http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=353433

and, an Indymedia entry at: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305420.html

Sumac ‘Events’ Diary: http://www.veggies.org.uk/arc/event.php?ref=213

* * * * * *

McDonalds, Nottingham.

After the Critical Mass Bike Ride around Nottingham, a few folks went down to the local McDonalds, to hand out leaflets and the tell passers by, about the court success of the McLibel Two.

Very well done guys.

Dosen’t anyone think that Burger King and the like, are needing a bit more attention?

FotoBlog at: http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=353453

Indymedia entry at: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2005/02/305441.html

Quarry firm and national park discuss land-swap

David Ward :: Monday February 14, 2005
The Guardian

http://society.guardian.co.uk/environment/story/0,14124,1412417,00.html

They are not coming down from the trees or filling in the tunnels yet. Nor will they abandon the hammock-like nets they have stretched across a deep and silent quarry filled with infant trees.

But there are signs that eco-warriors might be about to win their long battle to ensure that quarrying will not destroy the peace of the Nine Ladies, a bronze age stone circle on the moor above Endcliffe and Lees Cross quarries near Matlock in the Peak District.

Some thought they might leave when planners and the Stancliffe Stone company announced a cautious deal last month to solve the problem of squaring stone extraction with the protection of a treasured landscape in the world’s second most visited national park.

But the protesters say they will not budge until they are certain. “This is our national park,” said Julie, who has lived there for four-and-half years.

“We have put so much effort in here and I’m not willing to see it sold off for the profit of a few people.”

There are about 60 dwellings on the site, many of them, including a caravan up a tree and a narrow corrugated iron hut, rather more sophisticated than those built at the Newbury bypass or Manchester airport protests.

“Even if nothing happens for two years, it would be daft for us to move out if we have already been here for five years,” said Wookie.

In 1952, in the run-up to the creation of the Peak District National Park, the government granted planning permission for quarrying at the two sites until 2042. But in 1996, park officials listed Lees Cross and Endcliffe as dormant under the 1995 Environment Act, arguing that they had not been worked for many years.

Last year, Stancliffe went to the high court to claim that the quarries were active. They lost but appealed, with the case due back in court next month.

Now the park has agreed to a suggestion by Stancliffe that both sides ask for the appeal to be adjourned while they negotiate a land swap, with Stancliffe giving up its right to work in the two contentious quarries while seeking permission to cut stone on a site at Dale View close by.

To do that, the quarry company would have to make a completely new, and possibly unprecedented, planning application to cut stone in the national park because the scheme would not be covered by the 50-year-old permissions. Securing that permis sion could prove tricky. “None of us can predict … what will be in Stancliffe’s planning application, none of us can predict how we as officers will react to it, and none of us can predict the outcome when it comes to the planning committee,” said Jim Dixon, the park’s chief executive. “But we have made it very clear to Stancliffe that if they put in an exemplary application, address very thoroughly issues such as lorry movements, and are prepared to offer Endcliffe and Stone Lees, then there is a precedent for us approving that kind of proposal. If at the end of that process, Stancliffe are unhappy with the permission or we refuse it, we go back to where we are now.

“But the general sense of what we are doing now is mediation, trying to resolve the issue without the game of dice that is the high court,” he said.

The eco-warriors suspect a deal has been done behind closed doors, although the park denies this. “If I was the national park, I’d tell Stancliffe, ‘We’ve got you by the short and curlies. If you want to discuss the land swap seriously, drop the court action now’,” said Ben Hartley, a long-term protester.

The general manager of Stancliffe, Mike Jones, said the company wanted to secure the jobs of 68 workers and ensure that stone would be available for construction work.

“We are looking for an extension at Dale View quarry which is more in keeping with the park’s principles for quarrying,” he said.

“After the adjournment hearing we would hold a pre-consultation meeting with local residents, the park and other interested groups such as the Campaign to Protect Rural England, so that we can hear the views of interested parties.”

Sorting out the land swap deal could take two years. “This is becoming a running sore,” Mr Hartley said.

“The park is leaving it all hanging. Stancliffe could reactivate their appeal at any time and could win if the political environment changes. It’s a very powerful iron they have in the fire.”

He, Rosie and Wookie are looking forward to spring. But they do not believe it will be the last season they will spend at Stanton Lees.

http://society.guardian.co.uk/environment/story/0,14124,1412417,00.html

Cold today or what!!, blasting northern gale, so put on a pace, to keep warm. I could see snow on some far peaks, about 20 miles north.

Had started out from Monsal Head, along Monsal Dale, walking out west first of all, along the River Wye. Then returned on the other bank, back to the viaduct.

Then Struck north to Wardlow village. You can see this trig for miles all around.

Map of the Area at:
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=417500&y=371500&z=4&sv=417500,371500&st=4&ar=N&dn=863

Triangulation Pillar at Wardlow [S4192]:
http://www.trigpointinguk.com/trigs/trig-details.php?t=6739

at: OS Ref: SK178739

More piccys of this landscape at:
http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=351831

I had gone to the University of Nottingham students ‘Peace Conference’. Attended by the usual suspects, and a few extra, but really, not enough new faces. I had put in a couple of hours, listening to speeches, but I was getting a backache, so went outside for a walk.

A distant ‘kodo’ style drumming attracted my attention from the Lakeside Arts Centre, on the other side of the grounds. ‘Twas then I realised the so colourful spectacle I was missing!

There was some Chinese classical pieces, the regulation and truly splendid dragon, acrobatics, dance, and a children’s choir. I piece also put together by the Chinese society from Broxtowe College, here in Nottingham.

More piccys on my FotoBlog at: http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=353970

I wasn’t expecting any of this when I awoke this morning: but I’m going to put myself out, to find more of this culture’s entertainments. A fantastic performance.

Lakeside Arts – University of Nottingham :: http://www.lakesidearts.org.uk

Royal shrovetide football is an ancient annual event that takes place in Ashbourne, Derbyshire on Shrove Tuesday. It has little to do with normal football, for the game has few rules. Murder and manslaughter are barred as is the transportation of the ball by vehicle. Play after midnight is also forbidden.

There are 2 goal posts, one at Sturton Mill, the other at Clifton Mill, a distance of 3 miles apart, and the 2 sides are made up of those that live north of Henmore Brook, called the Uppard`s, and those who live south of it, called the Down`ards. In reality anyone can join in the fun.

Ashbourne town centre is boarded up for the occasion and the game starts around 2pm, with a leather and cork ball being `turned up` at Shaw Croft by a local dignitary, usually after a short speech.

The ball is hardly ever kicked, but mostly `hugged` by a scrum which tries to move forward. At times there seems to be hardly any movement at all, except for players desperate to get into the scrum. Sometime or other, the ball has to go into Henmore Brook and everyone follows, regardless of the soaking they will get.

If a goal is scored before 5pm, a new ball is turned up at Shaw Croft, as the scorer is allowed to keep the ball. Women do take part and have occasionaly scored.

It is called `Royal` because in 1928 the ball was `turned up` by the then, Prince of Wales, later to become Edward the Eighth. In 2003 the ball was turned by by Prince Charles.

More pictures on my FotoBlog at: http://tashcamuk.fotopages.com/?entry=347178

The Green Man connection
Whilst the crowds gather to watch the game and the players enjoy a little pre-game refreshement, others are in the Green Man Royal Hotel continuing the Shrovetide tradition.

The Green Man Royal Hotel is the venue for the pre-game luncheon.

Here, the starter, the Shrovetide Football Game Committee and other dignitaries spend a couple of hours of socialising over drinks and a roast dinner.

The Shrovetide Anthem is sung and the starter is usually invited to make a brief speech after lunch.

It is here where the crowds get their first match-day glimpse of the ball as it is carried out of the Green Man (under guard!) and taken to the Shaw Croft car park.

The Green Man, a former coaching inn, has hosted the Shrovetide lunch since ancient times.

Once the ball has been carried out of the Green Man Royal Hotel, the starter is ‘guarded’ as he carries it along Dig Street and into the Shaw Croft car park. The guards are necessary to prevent over-eager players or souvenir-hunters from stealing the ball!

As it is paraded through the town crowds cheer and follow the ball to its starting point – a specially-constructed plinth. The starter mounts the plinth and holds the ball aloft for all to see.

The players are reminded of the rules which state that the game must not be allowed to wander onto church ground or the memorial gardens and that residents’ private property (including cars!) must be respected and should not be damaged.
After that, the National Anthem is sung and a chorus of Auld Lang Syne.

Then, at 2pm, it’s all up to the starter – he lifts the ball high and throws it into the waiting crowd.

Often, the ball is immediately lost from sight as it is grabbed by a large scrum of players, known as the ‘hug’.

From there, it’s anybody’s guess as to where the ball will go and it can often be stuck in the same spot for many, many minutes as the opposing teams push against each other.

Frequently, the ball ends up stuck in the River Henmore.

History
Shrovetide football has been played for centuries and possibly for over 1,000 years.
The origins of the annual Ashbourne Shrovetide football game have long been lost in the midsts of time after a fire at the Royal Shrovetide Committee office in the 1890s.

The earliest surviving reference to the game is from 1683 when Charles Cotton, who penned ‘The Compleat Angler’, wrote about it.

There are many versions as to the true origins of the game – but the most popular seems to be the theory that the ‘ball’ was originally a head tossed into the waiting crowd following an execution.

There have also been several attempts to ban the game – the most famous being in 1349 when Edward III tried to outlaw it as he claimed it interfered with his archery practice!

And in 1878 the game was briefly banned after a man drowned in the Henmore. Local land-owners signed petitions and refused to let the game take place on their properties.

The game has received true ‘Royal Assent’ only twice – in 1928 the Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII, turned up the ball. This is when the event officially earned the designation Royal Shrovetide Football.

Later, in 2003, HRH Prince Charles turned up the ball. He had agreed to start the game for the two previous years but had to cancel due to Foot-and-Mouth, which forced the cancellation of the game, and the death of his aunt, Princess Maragaret.

Records show that 1943 was the first year in which the ball was goaled by a woman. Doris Mugglestone goaled for the Up’ards and Doris Sowter goaled for the Down’ards – both on Ash Wednesday.

Rules
There are actually few ‘rules’ to playing in the Ashbourne Shrovetide Football Game – but there are some pointers to getting the best from the game and understanding it.

Many local traders have become wise to the ‘hazards’ of Shrovetide Football over the years and these days Ashbourne town centre is boarded up for the occasion.

This helps protect property from a surging ‘hug’ and protects the players from the possibility of broken glass.

The main rules of the game are:
Keep the ball out of churchyards, the cemetery and the Memorial Gardens.
Do not trespass on other people’s property.
You must not intentionally cause harm to others.
The ball must not be hidden in bags or rucksacks.
The ball must not be transported in motorised vehicles.
Murder and manslaughter are barred

One of the earliest rules, from ancient times, states that players must not murder their opponents!

The players are divided into two teams, the Up’ards (those born north of the River Henmore) and the Down’ards, but in reality anyone can join in the fun.

There are two ‘goal posts’ – one at Sturston Mill, the other at Clifton Mill, a distance of three miles apart.

The ball is hardly ever kicked, but mostly hugged by a scrum which tries to move forward as each team pushes towards its own goal post.

A ball is goaled by tapping it three times against a marker board attached to the stone goal plinth.

If the ball is goaled before 5pm, a new ball is turned up at Shaw Croft, as the scorer is allowed to keep the ball.

Ashbourne Town Site
http://www.ashbourne-town.com/events/football.html

Shrovetide Football Guide
http://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/features/attractions/ashbourne_shrovetide_football

Shrovetide Game History
http://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/features/attractions/ashbourne_shrovetide_football/history.shtml

http://www.guardian.co.uk/idcards/story/0,15642,1404479,00.html

The government’s plans for compulsory identity cards raise serious questions about human rights and the invasion of privacy, an influential all-party group of MPs and peers has warned.

The joint parliamentary committee on human rights has also sharply criticised ministers for claiming that their ID card legislation is compatible with human rights conventions without giving any explanation to support the claim.

The report from the committee of MPs and peers, chaired by the Labour MP Jean Corston, says they have serious human rights concerns over key parts of the legislation including:

· The extent of personal information held on the central computer register.

· The potential for personal information to be recorded without the knowledge or consent of the individual concerned.

· The potential for discrimination by making registration compulsory for certain groups, such as foreign nationals.

· Personal information that can be disclosed to public service providers as a condition of access to public services.

· Provision for extensive data sharing across both the public and private sectors.

The committee said: “The information which the bill envisages will be held on the register allows for significant intrusion into private life.”

The committee’s report was welcomed by the Liberal Democrats and by Liberty, the civil rights organisation. The Lib Dem president, Simon Hughes, said Charles Clarke “must listen to this crystal-clear warning”. Shami Chakrabarti of Liberty said it was meticulous in pointing up the numerous flaws in the legislation.

But the Home Office said it would respond in due course to the committee’s concerns, adding that the MPs and peers had also concluded that the European convention on human rights did not prevent the issue of any form of identity card.

“Twenty-one out of the 25 European states have identity card schemes, which underlines the point that ID cards do not raise concerns under the convention,” said a Home Office spokesman.

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ID cards put human rights at risk, say MPs and peers – Independent 3 Feb 2005

http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/story.jsp?story=607251

Proposals for ID cards which lie at the heart of Tony Blair’s pre-election programme were dealt a devastating blow yesterday as senior MPs and peers declared they risked infringing human rights.

Plans for compulsory biometric ID cards and a national identity database could breach the right to privacy and protection against discrimination enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, a powerful committee of MPs and peers said. A report by the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights, which checks that all law complies with the convention, warned that the legislation contained a string of potential breaches.

Human rights campaigners and MPs condemned ID cards for heralding a “surveillance society” and said yesterday’s report struck at the core of the Government’s plans. But Downing Street insisted planned ID cards would not violate international human rights law. It warned that doubts had been raised about the use of cards in preventing terrorism or crime, one of the key justifications for ID cards in human rights law.

Wide-ranging powers to hold information without consent, make cards compulsory for people applying for passports and allow organisations inside and outside government to access information about people all raised serious questions, the committee said.

In a letter to Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, the committee demanded answers to 14 questions about the impact of the ID Card Bill on human rights. Their 30-page report was published before members of the committee question Mr Clarke about his proposals next week, with the ID Cards Bill going through the Commons.

The report rejected claims by ministers that ID cards would initially be voluntary, saying people would be forced to join a national identify database if it was linked to passport or driving licence applications.

The committee also raised questions about information to be held on ID cards, which could include previous addresses, immigration history and details of previous requests to access information by police, prospective employers or other bodies. The report warned that the Bill was “potentially highly intrusive of private life”, raising the prospect of any organisation asking people to produce an ID card or agree to an identity check before dealing with them.

The committee expressed concern at the lack of safeguards in the legislation and attacked the former home secretary David Blunkett, condemning as “deeply unsatisfactory” his failure to explain how the Bill conformed with human rights law.

Shami Chakrabarti, director of the pressure group Liberty, said the report was a “road map” for future legal challenges.

Its been a thing on the news of late, with the anniversary of Auschwitz liberation that first, young folk don’t know where / what that is, and on realising that, a few journo went off to ask a few more samples of young people, we’ll you don’t know about that then, what about Hitler? Who? so, education and history is worse than many of us thought …..

I had no interest in history myself at the secondary modern school I went to. I raised a laugh in the corridor a few time with the funny “History, no, future in it!”

HoHo. But not true is it. Those who don’t know any history are condemned to repeat mistakes etc …. and stuff seems to ‘come round again’, which means you stand a better chance of prediction, if you’ve got some idea what’s’ happened before.

Gypsy evictions all over the place, since the passing of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. A lot of the gypsies thought it didn’t apply to them, only these hippy convoy types, and we don’t like them, so, ‘good riddance’. Some of us on this side of the fence said, they do mean you also. We saw a divide and rule mentality going on here. So on the day of enactment of the CJA at 9.30am, ‘Gypsies’ were the first to have some of the provisions applied. Downhill for all of us, ever since. Shame we couldn’t have stood more together, but, to late now. Most of my tribe has left, years ago, fearing yet more laws against them, and perhaps, a re-run of history.

http://www.travellerslaw.org.uk

Aside from my ‘alternative’ credentials, I am also a member of the National Union of Journalist. I have recently qualified from the NUJ ‘Reps’ Course. An effort for us to get better skilled and ‘stick-up’ for members against ever tightening restrictions ….

I was asked to produce a seminar, and made these notes to cover, some of my issues of concern.

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As a ‘Freelance Photo-Journalist’, issues of concern are very different to those ‘office based’ workers

The main issue of concern to me, at the moment, are primarily in ‘Public Order’ matters.

· Press card recognition by the authorities, the police in particular, since they frequently control access to locations. So often, the press card raises little more than a chuckle.

· Advice in defence in court after charges. Primarily arrest for obstruction.

· Civil claims for wrongful arrest and assaults.

· Identity: The wearing of NUJ ‘bibs’. Attitudes of police and protesters to this.

· Dealing with requests from police and authorities for film and footage. They say: ‘for the investigation of crimes’ [this became public as an issue, after the Metropolitan Police request to media organisations and freelances, after the Poll-Tax Riot in London]

· Giving evidence in court after ‘actions or events. ? An impartial observer, or not. Is work available to police or public / protestors, equally?

· Only one solicitors firm now accredited by NUJ, Thompson’s. But, they don’t have depth of experience to handle most of this. Their main experience is in employment rights, contacts etc. They know little on the issues, faced out here on the street. (NUJ, saving money after loose RSI case a while ago).

Thus, many of us have to organise amongst ourselves, aside from the NUJ. Shame, wasn’t always like this!

Other Freelance concerns

· Widespread theft of copyright.

· Media customers asking / demanding ‘All Rights’ perpetual (i.e. Not licensed for specific use or time. This was how we used to do business, and generate an income.

· Competition from ‘Royalty-free’ libraries / sources. This activity lowers standards for photojournalism. (Now the Sunday Supps, are full of ‘lifestyle’ and food and ‘posh house’ pictures. Used to be an outlet for the photo-essay, on issues of concern)

· Freelances not adequately trained for dangerous assignments. They are considered ‘dispensable’ compared to sending ‘staffers’.

· Much difficulty in getting adequate insurance for person and kit. Staff journalists are frequently in the same dangers, but company deals with insurance and looking after dependents etc.

· Under representation of freelancers to get any ‘muscle’ within main union activities.

· All the usuals about pensions, representation, fair dealings etc.

My degree in Photography at Nottingham Trent University [a while ago now], didn’t cover any of this.

I came across this quote the other day in Howard Chapnick¹s book – Truth Needs No Ally:

On Giving Away Pictures

“Every professional photographer, at one time or another, has received a phone call or letter reading as follows: “Our organization would like to use your photograph in a brochure [or advertisement, or magazine, or audio-visual presentation]. We are a non-profit organization that has no budget for the purchase of the photograph, and we hope that you will provide the picture without charge.” My standard answer is an emphatic “no.” I am tired of the exploitation of creative people by non-profit organizations. You may think this a crass and overly commercial response, but let’s consider it for a moment.

What about the person who wrote that letter or made that call? Does that person get paid for his or her job as the editor or art director of the publication? What about the rest of the staff of that non-profit organization? Do they get paid for their efforts? Does the paper company charge for the paper used: in the brochure or publication? Do the typesetter, color separator, half-tone maker, printer, and binder get paid? The answer is a categorical “yes.” So why should the photographer be the one who is asked to contribute the work without compensation?

My position is that if everybody is donating their services, and no one is getting paid for a project that is altruistic and idealistic, then, and only then, should a photographer ever consider donating the reproduction rights to his or her photograph.”

Chapnick, H. (1994) Truth Needs No Ally: Inside Photojournalism.

Columbia: University of Missouri Press. P334-335. / change in my lifestyle.

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