Dear All

A brief report of what happened today in Exeter and Devon in response to the outbreak of war…

THURSDAY

IN EXETER;

Banner drops off many bridges

Hundreds of schoolkids walked out from Priory, West Exe, St Peters schools and others

They went up to the city centre and met the lunchtime rally called by Exeter STWC; they were also joined by a march of 400 to 500 from the Uni and FE College. In total approx 1200 people protesting in the city during the day. The main road bridge over the River Exe was blockaded by school students (the police went in very heavily).

Also the Tax Office was occupied – as protesters said "we don’t want our taxes to fund this war" – the occupation lasted for 45 minutes. 8 protesters were arrested after chaining themselves across the main road bridge over the River Exe.

In the evening 400 met up and after speeches – including from Iraqi exiles – marched round the city – we attempted to blockade a petrol station but were blocked off by police. A sit down followed.

ELSEWHERE IN DEVON:

500 kids walked out of lessons from Clyst Vale school and held a protets meeting on the playground that went on all day
50 protested in Exmouth in the evening
200 schoolkids walked out from Ivybridge school and marched thru the town
70 protested in Barnstaple and have set up a Peace Camp in the middle of a roundabout!
30 protested in Okehampton at lunchtime
there were protests by schoolkids in Torquay
and (not in Devon) in Dorchester apparently the police had to be called to protect 4 soldiers from angry anti-war campaigners!
FUTURE ACTION

THIS SATURDAY;

NATIONAL PROTEST IN LONDON – contact the Peace Shop in Exeter for tickets for coaches

LOCAL PROTEST IN EXETER – meet 1pm at Eastgate on Exeter High Street(opposite Boots)

TUESDAY – Exeter STWC organising meeting in the Art Room at Exeter Phoenix at 5.30pm