Quaker Faslane Protest, 4^th & 5^th March, (notes from meeting on 31/1)

Programme

Saturday 3/3/07

Friends are encouraged book early if they intend to travel by train.

Arrive from 5pm onwards for shared food and a 7pm final training / briefing meeting

Legal Support Registration Forms will be issued - the Police will check you ID with our Legal Support

Bust Cards will be issued (these will tell you what if you are arrested)

Sunday 4/3/07

Coach or minibus transport will be provided to Faslane, leaving Glasgow Meeting House at about 9am

Meeting for Worship from 11am to 12 noon.

Non-violent peaceful protest to be maintained at all times - you will not be arrested unless you want to be arrested: this will happen if you choose to sit in the road in front of the gates.

We do not want more than half of the group to be arrested.

Coach or minibus to return Glasgow by about 4pm

Those friends wishing to stay longer on Sunday to return via lifts / train.

Monday 5/3/07

Details of protest to be arranged at meeting on 3/3/07.

Expected afternoon release from custody of anyone held by police on 4/3/07

Tuesday 6/3/07

Expected afternoon release from custody of anyone held by police on 5/3 - All return home.

Transport:

Lifts may be available with some friends going by car - if you have space in your car and would like to offer lifts, please consider sending an e-mail so that friends are aware of any offer.

A coach and / or a mini bus will be hired to ensure that everyone can be transported to Faslane and return to Glasgow in time for trains if anyone is returning on Sunday night.

Accommodation:

Floor space at Glasgow FMH is available 3^rd 4^th 5^th March

Map will be issued at next meeting and sent by e-mail to all

Address: Friends Meeting House, 38 Elmbank Crescent, Glasgow G2 4PS near Charing Cross Station

Youth Hostel accommodation is available - details have been sent and can be sent again

Glasgow friends can offer a limited number of beds

Please contact Robert Keeble on 0113 2422208 or e-mail robertkeeble@hotmail.com - if you require a bed or would like to sleep at the Meeting House (ring if no e-mail reply).

Roles:

Legal Observers: Kathy Benson - further volunteers are also needed - this is an easy role and involves observing and recording any Police action at close hand (the Police recognise this role - the legal observers will wear a high visibility vest with LEGAL OBSERVER on it)

‘Buddy’s‘ In addition to Legal Observers, we will also be using a ‘Buddy System’ ie, all friends who are expecting to be arrested will have a ‘buddy’ who will watch that person at all times.

Tracker / Legal Support: Hugh Hubbard, Martin Biggs and Gerard Benson (another volunteer may be needed for Monday).

Car Drivers: 3 drivers expected - please e-mail the group if you will also be taking a car.

Tips:

Bring lots of ‘snack’ food that does not need cooking - muesli bars / chocolate / hot drink flask etc

Wear lots of warm layers of clothing and a warm hat - don’t get cold !

Have a good water-proof jacket, trousers and shoes.

If arrested:

Make sure you have already eaten some food, have a soft covered book with you (ask to keep the book when your possessions are being taken off you at the Police station) also wear a ‘fleece’ type top which could be used as a pillow (again, ask to keep this item).

Important: give your address as detailed on the Legal Support Registration Form

All Police Cells have to have a notice displayed in them telling you what you rights are - if it is not there, request it. It will tell you that you can request water at any time, request a doctor / solicitor, have a right to request a pencil/paper, can request to use a private toilet if you are in a cell with two others.

If you have any dietary needs or medical needs, make sure that you tell the desk officer before you are put in the cells - these needs will be met in full.

Next Meeting is on Wednesday 21/2/07 at 7pm at Carlton Hill, Leeds and will be preceded by a soup supper. Agenda will be: final arrangements and PUBLICITY.

PUBLICITY:

Please consider what publicity you can do in your local area prior to going to Faslane - start discussion this with friends in you meeting now - maybe fix a date, possibly Friday 2/3/07,then arrange the actual detail of the publicity event at the meeting on 21/2/07.

Writing a letter to your local paper is the easiest way to get media coverage.

Contact your local radio station before you go to Faslane - many people have done live radio interviews to the home radio stations from outside Faslane Base (or even on the way to the Police station !)

Make large bright banners to carry and hang on the base fence at Faslane - they will need tying on with string or you can use wooden pegs as a wedge to hold them in place.

Possible publicity event / themes at Faslane could be a row of bright umbrellas each with a very large letter spelling out ‘NO TRIDENT’, Glasgow friends also have a large number of the plain white over-alls and have suggested they could be marked as ‘WMD Inspectors’.

=========================================================================Saturday 24/2/07 National No Trident Rally / Stop The War Rally in London - coaches are going from all major cities - Leeds has 4 coaches - tickets £20 (£15 /£10 if reduced income). Leeds pick-up will also be from outside Carlton Hill Meeting House at 7am - you Can park your car at the Meeting House for the day. To book a Leeds coach ticket ring 07875 666239.

For other towns and cities - see CND or Stop the War Websites.