At roughly 12.30 people gathered at Market Place for a noise demo against Raytheon Systems' office at Soane Point, Market Place. The office was the home of Raytheons Javelin Missile Project (an anti-armour missile used to devestating effect in Iraq and elsewhere). Drums were banged, whistles blown, music played and leaflets distributed.

An attempt by some activists to occupy the premises was unfortunately foiled by security and a quick response from the cops, however the noise demo continued for over two hours with masses of people stopping to read the banner (Arms Trade in Reading?!? Lets Shut it Down!) and leaflets. These recieved an excellent response with allmost all the people supportive of the action. Building workers next door gave their vocal support too.

Some activists also broke away from this demo to pay a visit to Thales Research and Development building at Worton Grange nr Reading, where the gates were shut and a banner hung. Thales are up to their eyeballs in the defence industry as well as attempts to introduce ID Cards.

Anti-armstrade actions will continue everywhere throughout the year leading up to 13-16th September, when the UK Government and Reed will attempt (hopefully unsuccessfully...) to hold the DSEi arms fair at Docklands Arena, Canning Town, London. Last year thousands protested, this year we'll shut em down!!!!

And please remember the Big Blockade of Faslane Nuclear Base, Scotland on 4th July. This action will be part of a week of actions against the G8 Summit in Scotland and related issues from 1st - 9th July

For more info on the ongoing resistance against the DSEi arms-fair please see www.dsei.org
For more info on 'Beyond ESF' please see www.wombles.org.uk
For more info on the ResistG8 mobilisation please see www.resistg8.org.uk and www.dissent.org.uk