This is a press release by the Bristle Publishing Collective, to celebrate publication of Issue 16 of our mag. We are a Bristol based collective, of a dozen folks, with a little spare time to dream and act for a better world. Over the last 5 years we have come together in varying numbers to produce this magazine. We are an independent, alternative, self-funded publication, aiming to provide a space and info for local groups and individuals in Bristol and the south west. However as we think globally, act locally, and vice versa, we accept no geographical boundaries for our thoughts and actions.

Issue 16 contains news, reviews, features, comment and interviews, with an extensive local contacts list. And NO ads. Our articles on issues from squatting and council attacks to anti-war strategies and Iraqi indymedia; the Broadmead (shopping centre) plunder-dome to DIY land use; opposition to GM foods to workers solidarity; reflect our belief in the power of taking direct action. Indeed, our special feature this issue is on that very subject, and looks at local (Bristol) direct action from the 18th century to the present, taking in all the legal advice you may need for a day/night out. There’s even a competition in which you can plan how to stop Bush!

“In essence direct action (DA) means taking action ourselves to defend and improve the quality of our lives and the world around us, independent of political parties, hierarchies, and charities. Those using DA aim to either obstruct another person/organisation from performing something objectionable, and/or act with whatever resources and methods are within their power, either on their own or as part of a group, in order to solve problems. This method & theory is direct in that it seeks immediate remedy, by ourselves, to what is wrong, as opposed to indirect tactics, such as electing someone…” Bristle 16, page 8.

In recent months we have welcomed new faces into the collective, and this issue has a fresh look about it too. The layout is clearer to read, and it is now printed on recycled paper by a workers co-operative (Footprints), and we’ve upped the print run to nearly 1000. We welcome more new faces & input though – articles, graphics, help with distro and layout.

Our website www.bristle.org.uk and the associated email is under reconstruction. For now you can email us at  bristlemag@yahoo.co.uk. The mag costs £1.50, and is available widely in Bristol, from the Porter Butt pub/Harvest Foods/Sub-basement (all Bath), Harlequin Books (Totnes), Speaking Tree (Glastonbury). If you are outside Bristol send a cheque payable to ‘Bristle’ to Box 25, Greenleaf Books, 82 Colston St, Bristol, BS1 5BB and we’ll bung one in the post. Alternatively you can get it via mail order from AK Press and Active Distribution. Active will also be putting it in Freedom bookshop & 56A Infoshop (London), and Cowley Club (Brighton), for us.

Bristle no.17 is already being planned. The deadline for articles is June 15th – get writing. Get involved, get in touch.

“For the boys from Avon & Somerset Constabulary – my 2-finger salute remains intact.” Bristle 16, page 4, Barry Cades’ hand survives another police attack.