Just after eleven the groups converged on a large field opposite the airport. Within minute tripods were erected and occupied with a large banner reading "Climate Camp, No Airport Expansion" slung between the two.
Tripods over the camp (1)
Tripods over the camp (2)
Tents go up
First police foray
Amateur FIT team give it their best shot
(
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=sipson&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&sa=N&tab=wl) , half way between Sipson and Harlington villages. Vans were being quickly unloaded, tape was marking out the barrios and tents were being erected. Despite the pitch darkness kitchens were being organised and a village began to take place. Midnight saw the arrival of the first police - does overtime kick in at a higher rate after the witching hour? Five vans lined up outside the west gate, a couple more outside the east gate and several saloons denoting the presence of senior officers.
A phalanx of cops poured on to the site and demanded to speak to the leaders. A quick call out for people to the main gate seemed to overwhelm them and they beat a hasty retreat back to the vans, a fairly low grade FIT team videoing and stumbling over the bracken as it went.
The mood on the site is one of great elation. After months of planning and anticipation the day has finally arrived and the site is taken.
Comments
Hide the following 3 comments
Brilliant
12.08.2007 14:49
On my way
Hurrah!
13.08.2007 12:01
What a wonderful way to start the week!
bonzo doodog
Landowner permission
13.08.2007 22:23
“Any person who gains access to and/or occupies these fields is doing so unlawfully and should vacate the field”
-- Imperial College statement on the occupation
Matt
e-mail:
matt@blissett.me.uk