BRISTOL Stop-The-War NEWS : 3rd March 2004

THE GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION : Saturday 20th March : DEMONSTRATE.
Demonstrate Here In Bristol Or In London. ( See Section 8 ).

BRISTOL-STOP-THE-WAR PUBLIC MEETING: Tuesday 16th March.
David Shayler (Former MI5) Will Be A Key Speaker. ( See Section 6 ).

CRUCIAL NOTE: A US base behind the scandal regarding US requests to the UK to spy on the UN Security Council is NSA Menwith Hill, UK. There will be a demonstration of this base on Friday 19th March. ( See Section 7 ).


CONTENTS CODE:

* New Section...  ^ Updated Section...
~ Bristol / Regional Events... + National / International Events...

01)  ~+ Strike: International Women's Day: 8th Mar
02) *~  Talk On Iraq: 'Absence Of Truth': 8th Mar
03) *+  G.R.O.W Network Gathering: 12-14th Mar
04) *+  Demo: Labour Party Conference: 13th Mar
05) *~  Rising Tide Conference In Cardiff: 13th Mar
06) *~  Talk: Guantanamo & Civil Liberties: 16th Mar

     THE WEEKEND OF ACTION 19-20th MARCH
07) *~+ Bristol & National Events For 19th March
     THE GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION 20th MARCH
08) ^~+ Bristol & National Events For 20th March

09) *~  Get Involved! Dorset Conference: 27-28th Mar
10) *~  Film: Bristol Indymedia Film Night: 29nd Mar
11)  ~+ Easter March To Aldermaston: 9-12th Apr
12) ^   News: U.S Sponsor Regime Change In Haiti
13) ^~  Local Peace Vigils & Planning Meetings
14)  ~  Bristol & Regional MESSAGE BOARDS

"~Get off the Internet, I'll see you in the Streets..."



1)  STRIKE : INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY : MONDAY 8th MARCH
For A History Of This Day:
 http://www.isis.aust.com/iwd/stevens/contents.htm
MAIN EVENT: GLOBAL WOMEN'S STRIKE : MONDAY 8th MARCH
To Read This Call To Action In Full, Please Visit:
 http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2004/01/284171.html
To Become A Global Women's Strike Contact: POST: Crossroads Women's Centre. 230a Kentish Town Rd. London NW5 2AB. Or: PO Box 287 London NW6 5QU. Tel: 02074822496. Fax: 0207209476
Email:  womenstrike8m@server101.com  http://www.globalwomenstrike.net
TAKING ACTION : As far as we are aware there is not currently a Global Women's Strike contact in Bristol. While this would be useful, it is not a barrier to women organising events & actions. Here are some ideas of how to use the Strike:
Publicize the Strike at meetings. ~  Ask your group or trade union to endorse or pass a resolution of support & to make a donation. ~ Attend Strike meetings, or form your own group - (see contacts above). ~ Take the Strike to the media, & contact your local press,
TV & radio to tell them what you're planning. ~ Mount an exhibition of the work that women do & highlight our contribution to the anti-war, anti-poverty & human rights movements. ~ Make a Strike banner to take to pickets & demos. ~ Tell men their support is welcome.
MORE IDEAS:  http://www.globalwomenstrike.net/English/TakingAction2003.htm
BACKGROUND: "The Strike is part of the movement against war not only in Iraq but Palestine, Chechnya, Colombia, Congo, Kashmir... Our priority is to highlight the struggle women make, from which the whole movement benefits, but which is often ignored as unwaged survival work. We demand the $900+ billion spent on military budgets is used for basic survival - clean water, food security, healthcare, housing, education, safety from rape & violence, protection of our planet... The Global Women's Strike was born in
1999, when women in Ireland welcomed the new millennium with a general strike. On 8th March 2000 the Strike went Global. Since then we've been campaigning to get recognition & wages for all unwaged work women do, as well as for pay equity. These are joint levers
against women's poverty, exploitation & discrimination. The Strike has brought together women in over 60 Countries, including grassroots organisations with impressive track records, who also demand a world that values all women's work & every life, & who have achieved much. They are now part of an international network of Strike co-ordinators. The Strike establishes that as carers, waged or unwaged, we are always workers, & that we have the power to bring the whole economy to a halt."
TAKE THE EQUALITY TEST:  http://www.thefword.org.uk/features/equalityquiz.live


2)  TALK ON IRAQ : ABSENCE OF TRUTH : MON 8th MARCH
Organisers Link:  http://www.bathstopwar.org.uk
DATE: Mon 8th March. TIME: 7:30-9:00pm. FREE ENTRY
VENUE: Friends Meeting House. York St. Bath. MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=375000&Y=164500&scale=10000
SPEAKER:  ALAN SIMPSON MP (Chair Of Labour Against the War)
Labour Against the War:  http://www.labouragainstthewar.org.uk/
Contact: LAtW. PO Box 2378, London E5 9QU. Email:  latw@gn.apc.org
BACKGROUND: "Labour Against the War is the Labour Party & Trade Union campaign against military action against Afghanistan & neighbouring countries in the aftermath of 9/11. We condemn the terrorist outrages in the US on 11th September 2001 as a violation of human rights, & an attack on working people of many races. We believe that military action in response to 9/11 will neither eradicate the threat of terrorism nor create a stable international framework in which the rule of law will be observed. We call on the British government to pursue non-military solutions to the 'War on Terrorism' including diplomatic & political initiatives, to bring the alleged perpetrators of terrorism to justice - including state terrorists who act in violation of international law - & bring real humanitarian aid to the people of the world. We are totally opposed to any wars of military adventurism. We oppose any clampdown on civil liberties & asylum & will stand up for civil rights in an open, democratic society.  We shall oppose racist scapegoating of the Muslim community. We will work within the Labour Party & Trade Union movement to promote these aims throughout the labour movement."


3)  THE G.R.O.W NETWORK GATHERING : 12th - 14th MARCH
Grassroots Opposition To War (G.R.O.W) Link:  http://www.grow.org.uk/
DATE: Fri 12th - Sun 14th March. TAX: £12 / £7 (For The Full
Weekend). Includes floor space for sleeping if needed– bring a mat & sleeping bag, & wrap up warm! PLUS: A meal ticket is available for only £10 for 6 meals. Book by Mon 8th March.
ADVANCE BOOKINGS: Please include a name, address & phone number, & whether you need the meal ticket, & full payment. Please send details & cheques (payable to GROW) to: GROW, 29 Gensing Road, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex TN38 0HE. Tel: 0845 458 3116. Email  info@grow.org.uk
VENUE: Sumac Centre, 245 Gladstone St, Nottingham NG7 6HX. MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=461000&Y=341500&scale=10000
OUTLINE AGENDA : FRIDAY 12th MARCH (Evening): 7:00pm: Discussion With Guest Speakers. How Can We Stop The 'War On Terror'?
SAT 14th MARCH (All Day): Workshops & Discussions: (a) Opposing The Police State (Campaign Against Criminalising Communities). ~ (b) Thinking Together For Effective Campaigning (GROW). ~ (c) Taking The Direct Action Movement Forwards (Pledge Of Resistance). ~ (d) Starting New Local Groups (GROW). ~ (e) Oil, War & Climate Change
(Rising Tide). ~ US/UK Counter-Terrorism Exercise 2005: Building A Campaign (GROW). PLUS: Music In The Evening.
SUNDAY 14th MARCH (All Day): DEVELOPING GROW: Workshops & Discussions: (a) Review Of Principles / Common Ground. ~ (b) Structure, Representation, Decision-Making & Media Relations. ~ (c) Website: Contributing Content, Suggesting Services. ~ (d) GROW:
Regional & National Networks, Local Activist Groups Or Both? ~ (e) Next Actions. NOTE: Final Agenda May Differ.
 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristol-stop-the-war-coalition/message/2358
BACKGROUND: "The UK Chief of Defence Staff has said the 'war on terror' might last half a century. We need to build a campaign prepared for the long haul, & prepared to tackle the roots of the problem, not just its symptoms. GROW, as a network of local & national groups, intends to contribute to the strengthening of this campaign.
Instead of a central committee deciding what's to be done, we believe in a non-hierarchical organization where initiatives come from local groups. Instead of just holding London-based media events, we believe our energies can also be focused on establishments that constitute the war machine such as military bases & companies. We believe the political system has to be fundamentally changed to be accountable to
the grassroots. Instead of the same old formula of marches & rallies, we believe direct actions are needed. Instead of relying on Westminster to act morally, we believe people can act to physically prevent immoral actions being carried out."


4)  DEMONSTRATE : LABOUR SPRING CONFERENCE :  SAT 13th MARCH
Organisers Link:  http://www.manchesterstopthewar.org
JOIN IN THE TOPPLING OF THE STATUE OF 'BLIAR'.
More Info From Manchester, Email:  info@manchesterstopthewar.org
Post: Greater Manchester Against War, c/o PO Box 111, Manchester, M21 0YU
DATE: Sat 13th March. PLACE: MANCHESTER CITY
ASSEMBLE: 12:00noon @Oxford Rd. (Near The BBC Buildings). MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=384500&Y=396500&scale=10000
TRANSPORT FROM BRISTOL: There will be transport from Bristol, but we need to get an indication of how many people are interested in going so as to not to waste precious funds on surplus coaches. Tel: 0117 3730099 if interested. Coach tickets are likely to cost £12 / £6. You will be contacted with details of the meeting point.
BACKGROUND: Tony Blair's government has been thrown into crisis over its refusal to accept responsibility for the war on Iraq. Time & time again it has lied to the people of this country & to parliament. The Hutton report is widely disbelieved & the new government inquiry consisting of parties & people who supported the war in the first
place does not in any way match the demand for a full public inquiry into the political causes for the war.
Now with further revelations from former GCHQ translator, Katharine Gun, about US requests to the UK to spy on members of the UN Security Council in the lead up to the invasion of Iraq, & allegations from Clare Short of similar spying by the UK on Kofi Annan, the utter corruption of the New Labour regime, & the unelected criminal cabal
in Washington, is laid bare. This will be a great opportunity to confront Blair & his immoral career obsessed New Labour cronies face to face.


5)  RISING TIDE CONFERENCE IN CARDIFF : SAT 13th MARCH
"Oil, War, Climate Change & Capitalism: Making The Links Globally &
Locally" Organisers Link:  http://www.risingtide.org.uk
Email: info@risingtide.org.uk Contact Rising Tide: 16B
Cherwell St, Oxford OX4 4BL, Tel: 01865 241 097
DATE: Sat 13th March. TIME: 10:00am-6:00pm. BY DONATION
VENUE: East Moors Centre, Sanquahar St, Splott, Cardiff. MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=320000&Y=176500&scale=10000
PROVISIONAL AGENDA: A Full Day Of Workshops, Talks & Films, Including: Blackwood Road Protest: background talk by activists living at the camp followed by action workshop on what to do to help. ~ Rising Tide: the global political background to oil, war & climate
change, plus workshops on specific issues, e.g. the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline. ~ Cardiff Anarchist Network - workshops on taking effective direct action, overview of a year's campaigning, & top tactical tips.
Related Links:  http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2004/02/285042.html
 http://www.geocities.com/bozavine/can/ &  http://www.risingtide.org.uk/
GET INVOLVED: If you would like to talk, or run a workshop, we may still be able to fit you in. For More Info Tel: 07949 284368 or Email:  cardiff@risingtide.org.uk
BACKGROUND: "Whether you are an anti-war protestor, an environmental or human rights campaigner, do a bit of recycling, or are simply are interested in finding out more about the issues, then this is the event for you. Rising Tide is a grassroots network of independent groups & individuals committed to taking action & building a movement against climate change. We are non-hierarchical & do not have a formal membership, but Rising Tide in the UK is part of the international Rising Tide Network. A wide range of groups are involved, including student groups, direct action activists, community groups, unions, church groups & energy advice centres. We encourage an ever more vibrant & diverse movement. Rising Tide argues that climate change is an issue of social injustice, & is a direct result of the economic domination of Northern interests & transnational corporations. We call for `climate justice' through solutions that address structural inequalities & recognise the historical responsibility of the rich nations for the problem."


6)  PUBLIC MEETING : GUANTANAMO BAY & CIVIL LIBERTIES : TUE 16th MAR
Full Title: 'Guantanamo Bay & Civil Liberties In Britain'
Organisers Link:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristol-stop-the-war-coalition/
DATE: Tue 16th March. TIME: 7:30-9:15pm. FREE ENTRY
VENUE: Bannerman Road School, Easton, Bristol. MAP BELOW:
 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=360758&Y=173941&A=Y&Z=1
SPEAKERS INCLUDE: David Shayler (Former MI5 & Whistle Blower).
Anne Gray (Campaign Against Criminalising Communities - CAMPACC).
Links:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/shayler &  http://www.cacc.org.uk/
WHAT CAMPACC SAY: "The `War on Terror' is a war against dissent, solidarity & democracy. It is a fabricated emergency for generating & manipulating public fears. As in Orwell's 1984, permanent propaganda campaigns continually invent enemies to justify a perpetual war. How did this happen? Long before the 11th September attacks, the Terrorism Act 2000 had already extended the definition of terrorism - to include simply 'the threat' of 'serious damage to property', in ways 'designed to influence the government' for a 'political cause'. It extended police powers to detain `suspects' incommunicado. In
effect, that law created new crimes of association & suspicion. It stigmatized a wide range of legitimate political activity as 'terrorism'."
ABOUT DAVID SHAYLER: "In 1997 David Shayler wrote a number of articles for a leading Sunday Newspaper alleging that MI5 was incompetent & had engaged in illegal phone taps. In 2002 he was jailed for 6 months, & released after 6 weeks. During his closing
speech Shayler repeated claims that he was gagged from talking about 'a crime so heinous' that he had no choice but to go to the press with his story. The 'crime' was the alleged MI6 involvement in the plot to assassinate Gadaffi in 1996. Similar allegations have
emerged in the book, Forbidden Truth, by 2 French intelligence experts who reveal that British intelligence paid large sums of money to an Al-Qaeda cell in Libya in an attempt to assassinate Colonel Gadaffi."
MORE:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/shayler/article/0,2763,837332,00.html
While David Shayler has his own views on the 'War on Terror', this is an opportunity to hear from someone who has inside knowledge on the workings of British Intelligence, & in light of the recent allegations from Katharine Gun, this public meeting should prove to
be all the more pertinent & relevant.
MORE:  http://www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk/issues/katharine-gun.shtml


7)  THE WEEKEND OF ACTION : EVENTS FOR FRI 19th MARCH
a) *~ Critical Mass Demo In Bristol @5:30pm
b) ^+ Block The Base @Menwith Hill @12:30pm
c)  ~ Benefit Night: Depleted Uranium @8:30pm
a) BRISTOL CRITICAL MASS AGAINST THE WAR : FRI 19th MARCH
'No War 4 Profit & Oil. Join The Critical Mass Cycle Against Capitalism & War.' Bring whistles, colour, flyers, humour & anger. Anything on wheels without an engine (as well as people on foot) welcome to help shut down Bristol & bring a breath of fresh air to our polluted streets, largely created by our dependency on oil.
DATE: Fri 19th March. MEET @5:30pm Outside The Arnolfini, Dockside
(At the end of Narrow Quay & Prince St. City Centre) MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=358500&Y=172500&scale=10000
BACKGROUND: "The name 'Critical Mass' is taken from a 1992 documentary about bicycling, 'Return of the Scorcher'. The film describes a scene in China where cyclists cannot cross intersections because there is cross-traffic & no traffic lights. Slowly, more & more cyclists amass waiting to cross the road, & when there is a sufficient number they are able to move together with force of numbers."
For More Info On Critical Mass Events:  http://criticalmassrides.info/
b) BLOCK THE BASE AT NSA MENWITH HILL : FRIDAY 19th MARCH
For More Information Visit:  http://www.blockthebase.org.uk
DATE: Fri 19th March. TIME: 12:30pm Onwards.
CAR POOL: Meet outside the Hippodrome by the Taxi rank, City Centre @8:00am. Just turn up if you have a car with spaces, & if you haven't got a car but want to get there. You need to take the gamble, & to share petrol money. MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?gride=358590&gridn=172858&title
DIRECTIONS: NSA Menwith Hill is 8 miles from Harrogate on the A59 going West. Coming out of Harrogate on the A59 there are signs to RAF Menwith Hill. You will eventually see big white `golfballs'. As you near NSA Menwith Hill there is a pub called 'Black Bull' on your right. Just past the pub turn right into Cold Coates Lane (there is a sign post to RAF Menwith Hill). The police will direct you from there.
MENWITH HILL ROAD MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=420000&Y=450000&scale=200000
AIMS OF THE BLOCKADE: "Their will be a demonstration for those who do not wish to take part in direct action. The main blockade will aim to shut down or disrupt Menwith Hill for as long as possible using non-violent direct action."
BACKGROUND: "The Menwith Hill spy base, in North Yorkshire, is run by the National Security Agency (NSA) of the US. The NSA was set up by Presidential decree in 1952 without debate in the US Congress. International communications, including private telephone calls, faxes & e-mails are intercepted from around the world by NSA Menwith
Hill. In 1997 a European Parliament report made it clear civil liberties are threatened by the NSA at Menwith Hill. Information collected goes directly to Fort Meade, Maryland in the US. The UK government is given selected information on a 'need-to-know' basis
via GCHQ, Cheltenham."
ORGANISED BY: Yorkshire CND. 22 Edmund St, Bradford, BD5 0BH. Tel: 01274 730795. Email:  info@yorkshirecnd.org.uk Web:  http://www.yorkshirecnd.org.uk
c) DEPLETED URANIUM BENEFIT NIGHT : FRIDAY 19th MARCH
Info:  nddusupportfund@burntmail.com Related:  http://www.pandoraproject.org
DATE: Fri 19th March. TIME: 8:30pm Till Late. TAX: £5 / £4.
VENUE: The Polish Club. 50 St Pauls Rd, Clifton, Bristol. MAP BELOW
 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=357610&Y=173487&A=Y&Z=1
POPACATEPETL play an irresistible combination of Brazilian samba & Trinidadian calypso, mixed in with some very diverse influences. They are also very funny.....
LINK:  http://www.unobserver.com/index.php?pagina=layout5.php&id=1205&blz=1
BACKGROUND: "Nibby David became ill whilst working in the aerospace industry in the west country. He continued in his job until life threatening ill health forced him to stop in 1995. In 2000 tests showed he was riddled with Depleted Uranium (DU). Broadly 1/3 of
Gulf War veterans in the US & UK are suffering damage to their health linked with Uranium poisoning. In the recent war on Iraq it is estimated 10 times more DU was dropped on Iraq by the US & UK  than in the 1st Gulf War. Nibby has a case in the High Court this year
which is of international importance. His case is a simple personal injury case, but many will benefit if he wins."
FUNDS ARE BEING RAISED TO BRING OVER EXPERT WITNESSES
If you can help please make cheques payable to: 'The Nibby David DU Support Fund'. POST TO: Box 98, Greenleaf Books, Colston St. Bristol BS1 5BB


8)  THE GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION : EVENTS FOR SAT 20th MARCH
a)  ~ Demonstrate In Bristol @12:00noon
b) ^+ Demonstrate In London @12:00noon
c) ^~ Benefit Night: Bristol-Stop-The-War @8:30pm
UPDATED UK STRATEGY: As well as demonstrations called for villages, towns & cities across the UK, there will also now be a National demonstration in London. In Bristol on this day last year we saw the largest demonstration in living memory within our city. Please join
with us again, & please bring your children along too.
BACKGROUND: Over 150 of the world's largest anti-war organisations, as well as thousands of sub-groups, individuals & local collectives have joined the global call to action. This day has now been endorsed by the Global Assembly of the Anti-War Movement, which met at the World Social Forum in January, in Mumbai, India. Please join with us & demonstrate on this 1st anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.
DOWNLOAD A BRISTOL LEAFLET FOR THE GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION:
 http://bristol.indymedia.org/newswire/display/13401/index.php
a) BRISTOL DEMONSTRATION (Regional) : SATURDAY 20th MARCH.
Children Are Very Welcome. More Info:  bristolstopwar@hotmail.com
MEETING POINT @12:00noon Opposite The Hippodrome, St. Augustines Parade, City Centre. (Site Of The Bristol Peace Vigil). MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?gride=358590&gridn=172858&title
b) LONDON DEMONSTRATION (National) : SATURDAY 20th MARCH.
Marching From Hyde Park To Trafalgar Sq. More Info:  http://www.stopwar.org.uk
Coach Tickets From Bristol : £12 waged - £6 concessions.
Tickets From : Greenleaf Books, 82 Colston St, City Centre. MAP:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=359000&Y=173000&scale=10000
Coaches Leave Bristol @8:30am & will be back in Bristol by 8:30pm. Meet in the morning opposite the Hippodrome, St. Augustines Parade, Centre. MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?gride=358590&gridn=172858&title
c) BRISTOL-STOP-THE-WAR BENEFIT NIGHT : SATURDAY 20th MARCH.
In Support Of Bristol-Stop-The-War & Colombia Solidarity Campaign.
TIME: 8:30pm - 1:00am. TAX: £4 waged / £2 concessions (On The Door)
PLACE: Bristol County Sports Club. 40 Colston St. City Centre. MAP:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=358500&Y=173000&scale=10000
LINE-UP: Robb Johnson, Rita Lynch, Plus Support. An evening of punk rock & political resistance from the ever fiery Rita Lynch & the outstanding Robb Johnson. 'Her vocals fall between intense rage & soothing beauty, yet still bordering on a raw, jagged edge.' (Sugar Shack Records on Rita Lynch). 'Love songs as touching as the political material is sharp' (Red Pepper on Robb Johnson).
IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT BUT WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A DONATION:
Please Make Cheques Payable To: Bristol Stop The War Coalition.
Post To: Greenleaf Books, 82 Colston St, BOX 45, Bristol BS1 5BB
THIS IS ALSO IN SUPPORT OF COLOMBIA SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN:
Please Make Cheques Payable To: Colombia Solidarity Campaign
Post To: PO Box 8446, London N17 6NZ. Tel 07743 743041
Link:  http://www.colombiasolidarity.org.uk Email:  colombia_sc@hotmail.com
BACKGROUND: "The Colombia Solidarity Campaign campaigns for a socially just & sustainable peace in Colombia based on respect for the human rights & diversity of the Colombian people. Escalating US involvement in this country brings it firmly within the 'war on
terror', & deserves our attention. The greatest mistake of all would be to believe the US wants peace in Colombia. On the contrary, in the name of counter terrorism Bush is pushing the country ever deeper into war. US policy is driven by the need to break all resistance to its geo-strategic project of the Free Trade Area of the Americas.
It is a policy of aggressive pacification, not peace."
BOYCOTT COCA COLA: "8 Sinaltrainal Union Leaders, representing workers in bottling plants in Colombia, have been murdered since 1990, killed by right-wing paramilitary death squads allegedly hired by subsidiaries of Coca Cola. A US Judge in a case brought by the
United Steelworkers Union on behalf of Sinaltrainal, ruled that Coca Cola's Colombian subsidiaries do have a case to answer."
MORE INFO:  http://www.colombiasolidarity.org.uk/cocacolacampaign.html


9)  GET INVOLVED! CONFERENCE IN DORSET : 27th - 28th MARCH
Related Link:  http://www.dorsetstopwar.org.uk/
A two day forum exploring how local actions can create global change.
DATE: 27-28th March. TIME: 9:30am-5:45pm on both days.
TAX: £12 per day / £20 for both. (Concessions available - Contact 01963 370175). ADVANCE BOOKINGS: Please provide a name & address & which days you will attend. Cheques payable to: Luci Carolan/Get Involved. Post: Get Involved. c/o North Dorset Green Party, 1st Floor, 14 High St, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8JG
VENUE: Sherborne School, Abbey Rd, Sherborne, Dorset. MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=363500&Y=116500&scale=10000
DIRECTIONS: Sherborne is on the Waterloo - Exeter St. Davids Rail line. The station is a short walk from the School. There is a car park attached to the School Sports Centre, reached from Acreman St, which will be signposted.
WORKSHOPS ON: Co-operatives, Depleted uranium, Wind turbines, & more. Covering issues from the local to global, from affordable housing, co-operatives & communication, to our effect on our environment, & the part individuals can play in creating peace & security in our communities as well as on the world stage.
For The Full List Of Events:
 http://www.dorsetstopwar.org.uk/sherborne.htm
OUTLINE OF EVENTS : SATURDAY 27th MARCH
9.30am: Arrival & Coffee. ~ 9.45am: Workshops (a) Living, Working & Trading Co-operatively. (b) Spheres of Government - Reclaiming Our Voice & Re-inventing Democracy ~ 11.15am: Coffee. ~ 11.30am: Wind Turbines - The Great Debate. ~ 1.00pm: Lunch. ~ 2.00pm: Workshops (a) Non Violent Communication. ~ (b) Depleted Uranium & Child Victims Of
War. ~ 3.30pm: Coffee Break ~ 3.45-5.15pm: SPEAKERS: George Galloway MP & David Taylor (Green Party) Where Now for the Stop the War Movement? ~ 5.45pm: Finish.
OUTLINE OF EVENTS : SUNDAY 28th MARCH
9.30am: Arrival and Coffee. ~ 9.45am: Workshops (a) Affordable & Sustainable Housing For Local People. (b) Local Trading Schemes in the Southwest. ~ 11.15am: Coffee. ~ 11.30am Myth Busting - The reality & myth of seeking asylum. ~ 1.00pm: Lunch. ~ 2.00pm: 
Workshops (a) Inter-Faith Dialogue - Representatives of the main world religions. ~ (b) National & International Legal Action Against the Invasion of Iraq. ~ 3.30pm: Coffee Break. ~ 3.45-5.15pm: SPEAKER: Bruce Kent - (Bruce Kent is one of the longest serving voices of the Peace Movement) What Lessons Can The Peace Movement Learn From Iraq?
~ 5.45pm: Finish.


10)  FILMS : BRISTOL INDYMEDIA FILM NIGHT : MON 29nd MARCH
Organisers:  http://bristol.indymedia.org &  http://www.cubecinema.com
DATE: Mon 29nd Mar. TIME: 7:30-10:00pm. (Bar Open till 11:00pm).
TAX: £3/£2* (*though no one turned away through lack of funds)
VENUE: Cube Cinema. Dove Street South. Kings Square (Off Jamaica St.)
MAP:  http://www.cubecinema.com/directions.html INFO: Tel: 0117 9074190
An ongoing showcase of contemporary filmmakers who are finding new forms of cinema to show resistance to globalisation throughout the world.
MAIN FEATURE: "AFGHAN MASSACRE: THE CONVOY OF DEATH.'
"A rare outing for this powerful film exposing the U.S role in the massacre of three thousand unarmed prisoners of war in Afghanistan. It tells of the horrific forced journey undertaken by thousands of prisoners who surrendered to the U.S military after the siege of Kunduz. Thousands of Taleban prisoners were forced into sealed containers & loaded onto trucks for transport to Sheberghan prison where many suffocated to death en route. Up to 3000 now lie buried in a mass grave. Afghan Massacre tells of how U.S Special Forces took control of the operation, re-directed the containers carrying the living & the dead into the desert & stood by as survivors were shot & buried. Were they involved in a war crime?"
For More Info:  http://www.acftv.com/news/article.asp?news_id=108
LINE UP INCLUDES: 'THE SOCIETY OF THE MERCHANT VENTURERS'.
"A presentation & discussion from Rich Cookson (Big Issue/Venue) about the secretive organisation This will be alongside the only film in existence about them, made in 1995 by James Garrett for HTV who will also introduce the discussion."
For More Info:  http://www.merchantventurers.org
ALSO SCREENING: An inspiring selection of INDYMEDIA film shorts.


11)  EASTER MARCH TO ALDERMASTON : 9th-12th APRIL 2004
Organisers Link:  http://www.aldermaston2004.net &  http://www.aldermaston.net
Easter 2004 will see a 3 day march from London to Aldermaston (Berkshire) to protest the development of a new generation of nuclear weapons.
BRISTOL MOBILISATION: We are hoping to mobilise a march from Bristol also. If interested please contact:  c.paterson@dial.pipex.com or alternatively contact: Aldermaston 2004 c/o AWPC, 18 Greenway Rd, BS6 6SG. Tel: 0117 9734672
STOP THE NEXT GENERATION OF WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION!
MARCH - London to Aldermaston. Easter 2004. Email:  info@aldermaston2004.net
BACKGROUND: "The UK is gearing up to develop a new generation of nuclear weapons at Aldermaston Atomic Weapons Establishment, near Reading. We plan to show how people feel about Britain preparing to build new weapons of mass destruction, with a march from London to Aldermaston over Easter weekend 2004. The march begins with a major rally at Trafalgar Square on Fri 9th April. The entire route is about 50 miles, & is accessible from major public transport links at all times. The march has been called by Aldermaston Women's Peace Camp, National & London CND, & other groups. Now we want & need your help!
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Please get in touch if you can offer support, whether it's accommodation, contacts for catering, entertainment, foot massage, or any of the 101 things that a dedicated band of marchers will need. If you want to volunteer to march then let us know, as we plan to organise accommodation for a 'core'  who have registered in advance, so get in quick & book your bed/floor space. Or if you live outside the Thames Corridor & want to organise a 'feeder march' from your area, then get in touch too.
OTHER WAYS TO HELP: Donations are a necessary part of the action. If you'd like to add your voice by making a donation, send a cheque to: Aldermaston2004 c/o AWPC, 18 Greenway Rd, Bristol BS6 6SG.


12)  NEWS : U.S SPONSORED REGIME CHANGE IN HAITI
Full Story:  http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=17995
"In the wee hours of March 1, US Marines landed in Haiti hours after President Jean-Bertrand Aristide succumbed to demands from an armed opposition that he step down & go into exile – although persistent rumors on the ground maintain he was arrested by US forces. As rebel troops entered the capital Port-au-Prince, the UN Security Council
approved a resolution authorizing a multinational force to restore order, & French troops are also on the way. The rebel army, hobbled together from anti-government gangs & militias & led by former army officers, has achieved its aim of Aristide's ouster. It seems the cost will be the loss of Haiti's sovereignty to foreign occupation
troops - yet again.
This overthrow had been in the making since Dec 1990, when Haiti's first free election was held. The winning candidate, with two-thirds majority, was the populist priest Aristide, backed by a vigorous grassroots movement known as Lavalas. But 7 months later, Aristide's government was overthrown in a military coup. No government on earth
recognized the military junta, but as Noam Chomsky noted: 'Washington maintained close intelligence & military ties with the new rulers while undermining the embargo called by the Organization of American States, even authorizing illegal shipments of oil to the regime & its wealthy supporters.'
In July 1993, Aristide was made to sign the Governor's Island Accord, a US-backed 'peace accord' with the illegal military junta that terrorized Haiti for 3 years. The Accord forbade Aristide from running for re-election once he was restored to power, & gave amnesty to death-squad terrorists of the junta. The junta then refused to abide by the accord, prompting Clinton to send in troops in Sept 1994. Aristide finished his term, although conditions imposed on him - such as an IMF-style 'free market' reform of the economy - eroded his popularity. But Aristide continued to stand up to the IMF &
international creditors, demanding a deal that would not impose harsher austerity on Haiti, the poorest country in the western hemisphere.
In 1995 Rene Preval, a close friend of Aristide, was elected president. His government faced serious political deadlock, & in 1999 Preval declared that Parliament's term has expired & began ruling by decree. The last elections took place in Nov 2000. Aristide won his second non-consecutive term - amid allegations of irregularities by the US & the opposition. Marc Bazin, a former World Bank official backed by the White House, won only 14 percent of the votes. To the dismay of Washington, Aristide was president again.
US & international donors blocked financial aid, alleging the elections were 'flawed.' Arisitide, in need of funds to implement social plans, was immobilized. Only in July 2003, the Inter-American Development Bank resumed loan programs. At the same time, the arming & funding of Aristide's opposition – including the paramilitary leaders at the forefront of the campaign of terror during the 1991-94 military junta – continued. Ira Kurzban, general counsel to the Haitian government, told Pacifica Radio's Democracy Now on Feb 25 that the US government was directly involved in a new military coup attempt against Aristide. 'This is a military operation,' he said, 'it's not a rag-tag group of liberators, as has often been put in the press.'
France was the first to call for Aristide's resignation as rebels seized the northern half of the country in late February. The French hold grudges against Aristide for his demand last April that France pay back the $22 billion (adjusted for inflation & interest) that Haiti had to pay in 1863 for French recognition of the republic, which became independent in 1804 – the 2nd in the hemisphere after the US in 1776, & the first independent black republic in the world. Ironically, the new uprising came weeks after Haiti had celebrated the bicentennial of its independence.
In a Feb 12 letter to Secretary of State Colin Powel, US Republican Barbara Lee wrote: "Our failure to support the democratic process & help restore order looks like a covert effort to overthrow a government. There is a violent coup d'etat in the making, & it appears that the US is aiding & abetting the attempt to violently topple the Aristide Government. With all due respect, this looks like 'regime change.' How can we call for democracy in Iraq & not say very clearly that we support democratic elections as the only option in Haiti?"  The New York Times reported Feb 12 that US officials 'hint[ed]' the Bush administration might support replacing Aristide - although he had 2 years left in office & was elected democratically." Edited From A Story By Nirit Ben-Ari & Bill Weinberg, AlterNet, March 1, 2004


13)  LOCAL PEACE VIGILS & PLANNING GROUPS
a) THE DAILY BRISTOL PEACE VIGIL: The Independent Bristol Peace Vigil is an open space for discussion, as well a crucial focus to Bristol's campaigns. We've kept vigil every night (except Sundays) since a few days after 9/11, & we'll keep Vigil onwards into the future, but we do need your support to keep our flame alive. If you can only make it
for 15 minutes, or a couple of times a month, please still come.
Everyone's welcome at the Bristol Peace Vigil.
TIMES: MON-FRI 5:30-6:30pm & SAT 3:00-4:00pm. PLACE: City Centre.
(Opposite The Hippodrome. St. Augustines Parade). MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?gride=358590&gridn=172858&title
b) BATH PEACE VIGIL: Every Saturday 11.30am-12.30pm. Bath Abbey. (Off
York Street. From the Station walk up Manvers St)  MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=375000&Y=164500&scale=10000
c) EASTON VIGIL: Every Friday. 5:00pm-6:00pm. Corner of Robertson Rd & Stapleton Rd. MAP:  http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=361000&Y=174500&scale=10000
d) THE BRISTOL-STOP-THE-WAR PLANNING GROUP: Everyone's welcome. We hold a Bristol-Stop-The-War meeting every week, as a forum for local groups to inform each other of their intentions, of finding people to work together on projects, & as a venue where large scale Bristol Demos are agreed & planned. We don't vote at these meetings, as we're
not here to force adherence to a consensus view. We do instead discuss issues until we reach broad consensus.
DATE: Every Thursday. TIME: 7:00-8:30pm. PLACE: St. Mary on the Quay Hall. City Centre. Colston Ave. (Opposite War Memorial). MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=359000&Y=173000&scale=10000
e) BATH-STOP-THE-WAR: Meet every other Wed. NEXT: Wed 3rd March.
TIME: 8:00-9:30pm @Friends Meeting House. York St. MAP BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=375000&Y=164500&scale=10000
Bath Website:  http://www.bathstopwar.org.uk/
f) MONTPELIER-STOP-THE-WAR: Meet on the 1st Wed of each month.
TIME: 7:00-8:00pm @Bristolian Cafe. Picton St. MAP BELOW.
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=359000&Y=174000&scale=10000


14)  BRISTOL & REGIONAL MESSAGE BOARDS
Bristol now has 3 message boards for anti-war & activist mail, plus a Bristol IMC newswire, & a regional Enrager.Net news & discussion forum. Please make use of them, as not all Bristol anti-war news makes it onto Bristol-Stop-The-War News.
a) BRISTOL-STOP-THE-WAR FORUM: Bristol-Stop-The-War now accepts general post from national & regional groups on all issues to do with the 'War On Terror'.
TO JOIN: email:  bristol-stop-the-war-coalition-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
EMAIL:  bristol-stop-the-war-coalition@yahoogroups.com
Visit The Forum:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristol-stop-the-war-coalition
b) UWE & BRISTOL UNIVERSITY FORUM: Open to both UWE & Bristol University Students, as well as regional universities, so do please send us details of events.
TO JOIN: send a blank email to: uwestopwar-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
EMAIL:  uwestopwar@yahoogroups.com
Visit The Forum:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/uwestopwar/
c) BRISTOL ACTIVISTS FORUM: Bristol Activists is independent of the anti-war movement, & accepts posts on a wide range of political issues, including the war.
TO JOIN: send a blank email to:  bristol-activists-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
EMAIL:  bristol-activists@yahoogroups.com
Visit The Forum:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristol-activists/
d) NOTES ON ALL THE ABOVE FORUMS:
NOTE i) The Bristol-Stop-The-War forum & the University Forum, & are both set-up in a 'Webpage & Newsletter' format. This means the only mail you receive direct to your inbox is a regular newsletter, with all other mail viewed on the webpage.
NOTE ii) The Bristol Activists Forum is set up in an 'Individual Email & Daily Digest' format. This means all emails sent to the group emails are received in your inbox.
NOTE iii) If you have a Yahoo email you can post *from* the webpage on these forums, but you otherwise need to post *to* the webpage from your normal email.
e) BRISTOL IMC NEWSWIRE (Bristol Indymedia):  http://bristol.indymedia.org
Submit Your Own Articles On IMC. Also UK IMC:  http://www.indymedia.org.uk
f) ENRAGER.NET South West Forums:  http://enrager.net/web/britain/southwest
Submit Your Own Articles On Enraget.Net: Also UK:  http://enrager.net/web/



"If you go to one demonstration and then go home, that's something, but people in power can live with that. What they can't live with is sustained pressure that keeps building, organisations that keep doing things, people that keep learning from the last time and doing it better next time." Noam Chomsky

SAY YES 2 PEACE ... SAY YES 2 PEACE ... SAY YES 2 PEACE