Regional Stop-The-War News : THE G8 SPECIAL : June 2005 : (VIRTUAL Version)

...........................................................

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

01) * Special Report : ‘Elections & The G8’
02) *~ Bristol Anti-G8 Events & Legal Info
03) *~+ G8 Transport & Accommodation Info
04) * + Anti-G8 Events : Scotland & Globally
05) *~+ Reports : Attempting To Curb Protest
06) *~ National Refugee Week : 17-25th June
07) *~ MORE Bristol & Bath Events In June
08) *~+ MORE Regional Area Events In June
09) * + MORE National Level Events In June
10) ~ Local Peace Vigils & Planning Meetings


GROUP DESCRIPTION :
Bristol STW Coalition produces this newsletter to publicise events & activities in opposition to the so-called 'war on terror'. We are composed of groups & individuals with a wide variety of political & religious views. We are politically non-aligned, but we are also committed to oppose any racist backlash. Bristol STW is not a 'membership' organisation. Any one or group opposed to the 'war on terror' can consider themselves part of Bristol STW, or can continue to be publicised by us while choosing to organise independently of the Coalition. We don't claim (or seek) a monopoly over anti-war sentiment & activity in the city & recognise that many groups & individuals have their own ways of opposing the 'war on terror'. We are also dependent on individual donations for our funding, so if you are able to make a donation please send a cheque or postal order, payable to: Bristol Stop The War Coalition. Post: Box 45, Greenleaf Books, 82 Colston St, Bristol, BS1 5BB. Or you can email us privately :  bristolstopwar@hotmail.com



01) SPECIAL REPORT : ‘ELECTIONS & THE G8’
By Jeremy Clarke of Bristol STWC: “Whether or not you think elections change much, it's clear that the result was a vindication of all those people who have campaigned over the last 3 years to ensure that Iraq remained at the forefront of voters' minds. George Galloway's victory in Bethnal Green & Bow & Tony Blair's face during Reg Keys' speech at the count at Sedgefield are only 2 of the events that will be savoured over the years.
Some previous Labour voters stayed at home, some voted for other parties, some spoiled their ballot papers - millions refused to vote Labour. All commentators agreed that Iraq was the overwhelming reason why. The government assumed until the last few days of the campaign that Iraq wouldn't be an issue; in Blair's famous phrase, the electorate had 'moved on' & forgotten Iraq. The results showed this to be untrue. People may be concerned about schools, hospitals, etc at home; this doesn't mean they aren't concerned about the schools & hospitals our government has helped to destroy in Iraq.
Despite winning a majority in parliament, all the talk now is of how long Blair can remain as prime minister. When he does go it will be because of Iraq, just as with Margaret Thatcher it was the poll tax, & the series of events that will culminate with his resignation go back to the huge mobilisations of people in opposition to the invasion of Iraq in 2003. The millions who marched against the war have given their verdict on the government.
But the call for an end to the occupation must continue. The opposition within Iraq is as strong as ever. In the elections in January, those Iraqis who voted, overwhelmingly voted for parties who said they were opposed to the occupation. Since then those who were elected have struggled to form a government & there is constant back-tracking on suggestions that the occupiers should leave. This can only cause further violence & turmoil.
Attacks against the occupiers & those seen to support them continue. The USA is building huge new fortified bases - hardly the actions of an army intending to leave Iraq in the near future. The opposition within Iraq will be the key factor as to how long the occupation continues; in Britain we must campaign to ensure the issue remains high on the agenda & press for our troops to be withdrawn. Nor can we forget threats to attack Syria & Iran.
The G8 summit is in Scotland in July. This is a focus for the 'Make Poverty History' campaign, calling on the assembled government leaders to spend more on aid to developing countries & cancel debt. The anti-war movement have important arguments to add to the discussion - billions of dollars/pounds have been spent on the invasion/occupation of Iraq. This is money that could have been spent to help developing countries. The G8 leaders cannot expect us to believe that they have the interest of developing countries at heart when they launch military attacks to secure control of their natural resources.
Major demonstrations are being organised to coincide with the summit. The Stop The War Coalition nationally & locally plans to give these protests an anti-war flavour. Elsewhere in this newsletter you will find details of transport to the demonstrations in Scotland. Try to go. Add your voice to the millions who will be there.”



02) COMING UP : BRISTOL ANTI-G8 EVENTS
a) *~ 11th June @ 1:30pm : Make Poverty History Bristol Demo
b) *~ 11th June @ 6:00pm : G8 Action Medics Network Talk
c) *~ 11th June @ 8 til 2am : Dissent! G8 Benefit Night
d) *~ 14th June : Dissent! Film Show & Meeting
e) *~ 19th June : Dissent! Legal Meeting & Info
f) *~+ 6th July : Anti-G8 International Day Of Action

a) MAKE POVERTY HISTORY DEMO : Saturday 11th June
Oxfam are planning a 'Make Poverty History' demo in Bristol on Saturday 11th June, which Bristol Stop The War are supporting. On 11 June the G8 finance ministers meet in London.
THE GIANT HUMAN WHITE BAND: Meanwhile in Bristol a giant ‘Make Poverty History’ white band will form at College Green @ 2pm. Preceeded by a march down Park Street. To take part in the march meet in Berkeley Square (top of Park Street) at 1:30pm, wear white, and bring a banner and a whistle! Meeting Point Map:
 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=357994&Y=173087&A=Y&Z=1
For downloadable posters:  http://www.zaskarfilms.com/images/povhisdemof.jpg
&  http://www.bristolmph.org.uk/resources.htm

b) G8 ACTION MEDICS NETWORK MEETING : Saturday 11th June @1:30pm
Email:  mattnewton@riseup.net Want to be part of the Medic Plan for the July 2005 G8 Protest? The Action Medics Network are planning to co-ordinate first aid cover for the many actions planned over the week. YOU DONT NEED TO BE A MEDIC. We are looking for nurses, doctors, funders, medics, first-aiders, drivers, admin/phone people, child-carers, vegan cooks, & ‘sidekicks’ - calm people to support the above. There will be a a brief talk at the Bristol Uni Student Union. Queens rd, Clifton for anyone interested in helping.
For more info visit  http://www.actionmedics.org.uk/G82005.html

c) BRISTOL DISSENT BENEFIT NIGHT : Saturday 11th June @6:00pm
As Bristol DISSENT prepares to join the hoardes of gatecrashers determined to shut down the G8 summit at Gleneagles in July, this is a callout to... JOIN THE RESISDANCE!! A benefit night for Bristol DISSENT: Live bands - The Spartans, Band 6 and Kilnaboy DJs - Jon TOSSER, Filfy H and Macanudo playing a volatile mix of ska, punk, reggae, drum 'n bass, dub, folk and beats well into the night... @ the Full Moon, Stokes Croft, Bristol. 8pm - 2am. £5 on the door. All proceeds to fund local involvement in the demonstrations and actions against the G8 summit. For more info see  http://www.dissent.org.uk Map:
 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=359098&Y=173881&A=Y&Z=1

d) BRISTOL DISSENT! FILM & MEETING : Tuesday 14th June @8pm til 2am
Regular open meet of Bristol Dissent group. 7.30pm at Kebele social centre, 14 Robertson Rd, Easton, BS5 (tel 0117 939 9469). Planning, discussion & organising meet for dissent against the G8 in Scotland & locally. Lots of info available. All welcome.
Contact  dissentbristol@subsection.org.uk See  http://www.dissent.org.uk
FILM SHOW:  http://www.camcorderguerillas.net/ At start of meet hope to show the Camcorder Guerrila Collectives film 'Why close the G8, Gleneagles 2005'
OTHER MEETS: 28 June, 7.30pm: (address as above)

e) DISSENT! G8 LEGAL OBSERVER TRAINING & INFO : Sunday 19th June
For volunteers going to Scotland. Training & discussion meet for volunteers for G8 legal support in Scotland. We need ‘legal observers’ - & people to help run a 24-hour legal office - confirming their involvement so that we can plan ahead for the protests. Training will be from 2 - 5pm on Sun 19th June. Location to be confirmed after booking. You can read up on the work of the legal support team here  http://www.g8legalsupport.info along with an outline of what legal observers do. The website also has a draft ‘Activists guide to Scottish law’, & useful links. If you would like to know more & speak to someone locally then email:  bristol_g8workshops@riseup.net or Tel: (0117) 939 9469. WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO - “You don’t need legal training. - You stay with protesters – if they move you go with them; if they get penned in so do you; if they block a road you stay nearby. - You do not give info/evidence/a witness statement to the police. - You do not negotiate with the police, nor tell protesters what to do. Your only interaction with the police should be to check names of people arrested/why; & perhaps to clarify why they may have issued a particular instruction/section (for your notes of course).”

f) ANTI-G8 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACTION : Wednesday 6th July
International day of action against the G8. Bristol actions details to follow.
Watch  http://bristol.indymedia.org and  http://www.dissent.org.uk for details.



03) BRISTOL & NATIONAL G8 TRANSPORT & LEGAL INFO
a) ~ Bristol Coach Leaves 1st July - Returns 2nd July
b) ~ Bristol Coach Leaves 1st July – Returns 3rd July
c) ~ Bristol Minibus Leaves 2nd July - Returns 8th July
d) ~+ National 2nd July Transport & Accomodation Advice
e) ~+ Transport for 6th July? Bob Geldof’s Call To Action

a) COACH LEAVES 1st JULY – RETURNS 2nd JULY
For the Make Poverty History (MPH) Demo on 2nd July, the National Union of Teachers have booked a coach leaving Bristol 9pm on 1st July & returning from Edinburgh at 11pm on Sat 2nd July. Because this transport is subsidised by the NUT it will only cost £15 - other coaches booked will cost more. Tel: (0117) 9556198. Tickets from Greenleaf bookshop, 82 Colston St. Map:  http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=358598&Y=173249&A=Y&Z=1

b) COACH LEAVES 1st JULY – RETURNS 3rd JULY
Bristol Organisers:  http://www.bristolmph.org.uk Organised by MPH for the 2nd July Demo. Depart Bristol (Anchor R), Fri 1st July, 7.30am. Estimated arrival, 5pm. Depart Edinburgh, Sun 3rd July, 10.00am. Cost: £55. You can book seats on these coaches in on the main MPH site. Email:  andy@inwebs.co.uk Visit:  http://mph.travelscotworld.co.uk/home/form.htm

c) MINIBUS LEAVES 2nd JULY – RETURNS 8th JULY
Bristol CND has generously funded a minibus to Scotland for G8 - so the only travel expenses for the week for those travelling on it, will be £25 per head for petrol and possible maintenance expenses. Bring a TENT and a sleeping bag. There is apparently going to be a severe shortage of in-door accommodation in Scotland, so a tent is a must.
DRIVERS NEEDED: We have one driver definitely signed up – Another thinking about it. Please - if you have a D1 licence and 2+ years driving experience – get in touch. Tel: (0117) 9466885. Cheque or postal order to Margaret Jones, Flat 4, Burlington Court, Burlington Rd, Bristol BS6 6TN. ITINERARY: Sat 2nd – Travel to Scotlans; Sun 3rd - Conference in Edinburgh; Mon 4th - Blockade at Faslane; Tue 5th - Demo at Dungavel Detention Centre; Wed 6th - Demo at Gleneagles; Thur 7th - Chill-out day; Fri 8th - Travel back to Bristol.

d) NATIONAL 2nd JULY TRANSPORT & ACCOMMODATION ADVICE
i) COACHES & TRAINS: Other groups will be booking coaches too.
Visit:  http://www.makepovertyhistorytravel.org/home/travel.htm &  http://www.resist.org.uk/
For info on public trains which are already confirmed, visit:  http://www.thetrainline.com
ii) ACCOMMODATION in Edinburgh - You can book various types of accommodation from the main MPH site: Visit:  http://mph.travelscotworld.co.uk/home/homepage.jsp

e) TRANSPORT FOR 6th JULY? : BOB GELDOFS’ CALL TO ACTION
A statement from Naional Stop The War. “Since Bob Geldof has asked for a million people to go to Edinburgh, interest in the G8 summit has gone through the roof. The mobilisation to Scotland will be massive. We should double our effort to get people to the protests. Many groups have booked transport for the weekend of 2nd July for the Make Poverty History Demonstration, now we should take up Geldoff's call and book coaches to get people up for Wed 6th also.” For updates please visit the links in Section 4, or  http://www.stopwar.org.uk



04) ANTI-G8 EVENTS IN SCOTLAND & GLOBALLY
 http://www.g8alternatives.org.uk &  http://www.dissent.org.uk &  http://www.live8live.com &  http://www.resist.org.uk &  http://www.g8bikeride.org.uk &  http://cca.movingpages.org/callout.htm &  http://www.makepovertyhistory.org &  http://www.g8blockades.org.uk &  http://www.faslaneg8.com Please visit the above websites for more detailed info on events in response to the arrival of the G8 from 6th – 8th July. The G8 countries are the UK, USA, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan & Russia. They are at the heart of corporate globalisation & the key exponents of a neoliberal economic agenda. An agenda which essentially promotes & protects free trade in all its forms. All aspects of life, from the production & exchange of essential goods & services, through to our health care & education, are to be determined by the forces of the "free market", maximising profit for the few at any human or environmental cost.

SUN 19th JUNE : “G8 Bike Ride” The Mission: “We will be setting off from London on 19th June to cycle to Scotland for the G8 Summit. Not only is this the most environmentally sound way of getting there, but it should be great fun and will provide excellent opportunities to network. and to make plans for action on arrival. More Info:  http://www.g8bikeride.org.uk/
SAT 2nd JULY : "Make Poverty History" Demonstration, Edinburgh. This promises to be the largest demonstration in the history of the Scotland. A diverse group of Churches, NGOs, Trade Unions, environmentalists, and ordinary citizens will march to end poverty in the UK and around the world. More Info:  http://www.makepovertyhistory.org/
SAT 2nd JULY : Hundreds of thousands will head for the Scottish capital on this day. Here's where the simultaneous LIVE8 concerts are taking place: UK - Hyde Park, London; France - Palais de Versailles, Paris; Germany - Brandenberg Gate; Berlin, Italy - Circus Maximus, Rome; USA - Museum of Art, Philadelphia. More Info:  http://www.live8live.com/
SUN 3rd JULY : "Ideas to Change the World". G8 Alternatives Summit, Edinburgh, Usher Hall, Queens Hall & Edinburgh University, from 10am till 9pm. Will feature prominent speakers from around the world. The purpose is to present a serious ideological challenge to the corrupt policies and ideology of the G8. More Info:  http://www.g8alternatives.org.uk
MON 4th JULY : Faslane Nuclear Base Blockade. 30 miles west of Glasgow, Scotland, "You Can't End Poverty Unless You End War". Faslane is home to the UK's own WMD Programme. The G8 use massive military power, war & occupation to pursue profit & power. Join us to block all gates into the base. More Info:  http://www.faslaneg8.com
TUE 5th JULY : "Open Borders, Close Dungavel” hundreds of people - including families with children - are imprisoned behind the razor wire of Scotland’s shame: Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre. They have committed no crime. They have merely crossed borders - fleeing persecution & poverty. More Info:  http://www.g8alternatives.org.uk
WED 6th JULY : March Against the G8, Gleneagles Hotel, Gleneagles, Perthshire. "Another World Is Possible". Assemble 12noon at Gleneagles Train Station for a march to the gates of the Gleneagles Hotel on the opening day of the G8 Summit. The G8 countries have appointed themselves rulers of the world, & have brought us war, occupation, corporate globalisation, poverty & environmental devastation. More Info:  http://www.g8blockades.org.uk/
FRI 8th JULY : ‘G8 Climate Action’ This is a call for a global day of action on the root causes of climate chaos. Come to Scotland & join us on the streets & on the golf courses. Or do whatever you can wherever you are to resist the fossil fuel madness & make the dream of a socially just, sustainable future a reality. More Info:  http://cca.movingpages.org/callout.htm



05) REPORTS : ATTEMPTING TO CURB PROTEST
What follows are a number of reports on attempts by the police, and powers-that-be, to curb the legitimate right to public protest. The attempt by the MOD and North Yorkshire Police to secure an ASBO order against a 63yr old activist and grandmother provides an indication of the real targets of recent legislation. As with various parts of the Prevention of Terrorist Acts, it is not only thugs’ or ‘terrorists’ who are at the receiving end of these draconian powers, but protesters against such things as illegal wars, and the inhuman economic policies of the G8.

DON’T MENTION THE WAR : “Police attempt to ban anti war event at the G8. Lothian and
Borders police have moved to ban the Stop the War Coalition's plans to hold a rally in Edinburgh during the G8 protests. Initial discussions with the police and the council were proceeding without any problems. The Coalition regards this move as a very serious attack on the right to protest. It is reminiscent of the governments attempts to stop the anti war movement protesting on February 15th 2003. It appears to be part of an attempt to ensure the
War in Iraq is not raised during the G8. The Stop the War Coalition have organised 11 of the biggest demonstrations overall of which have gone off without a hitch. We will not accept this attempt to muzzle the anti-war movement.” More Info:  http://www.stopwar.org.uk/

SHEFFIELD MUZZLED : “In Sheffield, where G8 protests were planed - they have been banned. Parallel to the G8 ministerial meeting from 15th to 17th June various actions & a counter-conference will take place, where in workshops, panels, film-screenings & discussions, dissent with the G8 will be further developed & expressed. These days in Sheffield will be highly policed with thousands of officers expected. Their very presence will prove to state politics in so-called democratic countries relies on sheer deterrence & terror against any opposition. After negotiations with the police SAG8 was told no marches or demos will be tolerated. SAG8 is calling for a massive response to this outragous violation of civil liberties. Join the Protest & Resist! SAG8 has secured convergence spaces to host people from outside Sheffield from 11th - 18th June.” More Info:  http://www.sheffield.dissent.org.uk

HOLY HOTELS : In response to the exclusion zone around the Gleneagles Hotel during the G8 Summit, ‘G8 Alternatives’ issued this statement. “We wish to state our support for the demonstration planned by G8 Alternatives past the Gleneagles Hotel during the G8 summit on Wed 6th July. We believe that those who wish to raise their voices against the injustice of war & mass poverty created by the G8 should have the right to protest near the summit. We would remind the Scottish Executive, Perth & Kinross Council & Tayside Police of their obligations as Public Authorities under the Human Rights Act to facilitate the right to peaceful protest & freedom of assembly & call on these bodies to uphold the democratic right to collective peaceful protest at the G8 summit.” More Info:  http://www.g8alternatives.org.uk
To show support send an email with ‘support’ in the header to:  g8_alternatives@yahoo.co.uk
Map Of Closed Roads:  http://www.nadir.org/nadir/initiativ/agp/resistg8/media/roadclosed.htm

COACHNAPPED : “A group of anti-war protesters who were turned away from an RAF base in 2003 have won the right to appeal in the House of Lords. The 120 protesters were stopped by police from joining a demo outside RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in March 2003 (home of the B52 bombers). They were searched for 2 hours, prevented from leaving their coaches & ordered to return to London under police escort. Fairford Coach Action took Gloucestershire police to the High Court last year. Two rulings found police acted unlawfully in 'coach-napping' the protesters, but were right to turn them away. Mr Schust said: “Following the mixed results in the other courts, we decided to go for a complete win, appealing the point that the police could turn us away on a whim, without cause or arrests. Gloucestershire Constabulary have decided not to appeal the point they lost. So they’ve accepted that holding us on the coaches was unlawful. If police are allowed to prevent people legally protesting, this will have dire consequences for our society's freedom.”  http://www.fairfordcoachaction.org.uk/

ASBO’ED : “A district judge has refused to impose an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) on a peace campaigner for protesting at a US listening base. Police & the MoD applied for the Asbo after Mrs Percy, 63, of Hull, was convicted of 5 offences relating to her at nearby Menwith Hill Spy Base. Mrs Percy has made many peace protests including climbing the gates of Buckingham Palace shortly before a visit by US President George Bush in 2003. Ministry of Defence Police Agency & North Yorkshire Police had jointly applied for an Asbo. But she will instead face a curfew for eight weeks between the hours of 2000 & 0600 BST & has been ordered to pay £1,000 costs. Rejecting the order District Judge Anderson said: "I am firmly of the view courts ought not to allow anti-social behaviour orders to be used as a club to beat down the expression of legitimate comment & the dissemination of views of matters of public concern." More Info:  http://www.caab.org.uk/



06) NATIONAL REFUGEE WEEK : 17th - 25th June 2005
 http://www.bristol-city.gov.uk/ss_main/ss_ref_asylum_ref_week_2005.html “Welcome to the Refugee Week Inter-Cultural celebrations in Bristol. Everyone is welcome at these events. Thousands of people all over the country are preparing to take part in the 7th annual Refugee Week festival, celebrating the enormous economic & cultural contribution that refugees & asylum seekers make to the UK, & promoting understanding about the reasons why people seek sanctuary. The theme for Refugee Week this year is Persecution.”

FRI 17th JUNE : ‘Exiles Express – Dance Party’ Kuumba Arts, 20-22 Hepburn Rd, St Pauls BS2. Featuring Soukous Kumbele’s Congolese Rhumba, Helele Band’s Cameroon influenced dance music, Fidelis Mherembi, M’bira from Zimbabwe, Somali traditional dancing, & more. Entry £5. 8.30pm - 1.00am. There are no tickets, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. First band on stage at 8.30pm. More info: Lorraine Ayensu, Tel: 0117 903 6672

SAT 18th JUNE : ‘The World on Our Doorstep’. FREE EVENT. Stapleton Rd, Easton (near the Leisure Centre). 11.00am to 5.00pm. Live Music, Street Market, Community stalls, Workshops & Gymnastic displays. Learn how to trace your ancestors with the Records Department. Lots more. More Info: Dennis Wise, Tel: 0117 903 6416
‘Celebrating Sanctuary’. Art Exhibition FREE EVENT. The Pierian Centre, 27 Portland Sq, St Pauls, BS2. Art work by asylum & refugee artists about asylum & refugee issues. Open to the public on the 18th, 19th, 20th & 25th of June. More Info: Tel: 0117 924 4512

SUN 19th JUNE : ‘Big Fun Day’. FREE EVENT. National Refugee Week Inter-Cultural Celebrations in Queen Square, Bristol City Centre. 12pm – 7.30pm. Live dance, music, poetry & art with workshops & performances throughout the afternoon. Music & Dance, International Games, Info Zone, Art Workshop, Children’s play space, Well Being area & much more! Bring a picnic to share. More Info: Tribe of Doris, Tel: 0845 458 0190

MON 20th JUNE : ‘World Refugee Day’. FREE EVENT. 1.30pm - 2.20pm. Central Library, College Green. Balaphon from the Cameroon with Alphonse Daudet Touna. Come & find out about the services the library offers including a wide range of books & other material in languages other than English. More Info: Tel: 0117 9037244

WED 22nd JUNE : ‘Bristol Silent Refugees’. Giving voice to our Zimbabwean Community. The Pierian Centre, 27 Portland Square, St Pauls, BS2. 12.00 noon to 12.00am. The Pierian Centre in partnership with Bristol Zimbabwe Association hosts 12 hours of Zimbabwean food, music, & drumming workshops. More Info: Tel: 0117 924 4512

THU 23rd JUNE : ‘Migrant Voices’. Speedwell Technology College, Speedwell Rd BS15. This is a hard-hitting show combining live performance & DVD technology. Using a combination of theatre, music & ‘actuality’ (recorded voices captured by video or audio), they create entertaining & thought-provoking issue-led. Public Performance at 7.00pm. Tickets £6 / £4 concessions. More Info: Ruth Pickersgill, Tel: 0117 903 7722

FRI 24th JUNE : ‘Exiles Express - In Concert’. QEH Theatre, Jacob's Wells Rd, BS8. Reem Kelani & Band. Highly acclaimed Palestinian artist bringing Palestinian folk songs to life through Jazz & traditional Arabic expression. Accompanied by her unique multi-cultural band playing piano, violin, double bass, daff, tombak, darabucka & frame drums. Start 8.00pm. Tickets: £12£10. Available from QEH box office Tel: 0117 930 3082

SAT 25th JUNE : Football Tournament. FREE EVENT. 10am until 4pm, St Pauls Sports Academy. Refugee teams & mixed community teams are invited to take part in the 3rd Annual Refugee Week Football Tournament. This year we want to expand the tournament and involve even more teams, including womens teams. The tournament is free & all competitors will have a free lunch. More Info: Heather Barham, Tel: 0117 953 1329.



07) MORE BRISTOL & BATH EVENTS IN JUNE
a) *~ 9th June : Palestine ‘Info For Action’ Meeting
b) *~ 9th June : Community Radio In Mexico Benefit
c) *~ 11th June : Bath ‘Oil Dependency’ Naked Bike Ride
d) *~ 15th June : ‘Hoodies & Asbos’ Socialist Worker Talk
e) *~ 16th June : Palestine Community Links Meeting

a) PALESTINE ‘INFO FOR ACTION’ MEETING : Thursday 9th June
Link:  http://www.palsolidarity.org Email:  tomirving@riseup.net Bristol ISM (International Solidarity Movement) are holding an info for action. An ISM activist just back from six weeks in the West Bank will be talking about the 'realities on the ground' in occupied Palestine, about ISMs work in supporting the Palestinian non-violent resistence & about how Bristol-based affinity groups can get out there post-G8 & be a part of the 2005 campaign. TIME: 7:30pm. VENUE: Malcom X Centre. Ashley Rd / City Rd, St.Pauls. Map:
 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=359540&Y=174198&A=Y&Z=1

b) COMMUNITY RADIO IN MEXICO BENEFIT : Thursday 9th June
More Info:  http://www.nodo50.org/cipo Email:  poxx@rocketmail.com
Two films will be shown, made by CIPO-RFM (a group of indigenous communities working for social and economic justice in Southern Mexico, & performances by: Spanner (ska/punk), Band 6 (ska/punk), & DJS: Tomba, Macanudo, Clandestino, & Dub Dave playing: hiphop / ska / funk / latino / dub / reggae / drumnbass / classics / til 2am. Delicious Mexican food will be served! Suggested donation 3 quid (no one turned away through lack of funds).
VENUE: The Plough, Kilburn St, Easton, (off Easton Rd) Map:
 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=360996&Y=173789&A=Y&Z=1

c) WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE IN BATH : Saturday 11th June
More Info:  http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/uk/bath Email:  uk@worldnakedride.org
This year, The Wheel Thing will host the launch of the first World Naked Bike Ride in Bath. If you have questions, get in touch with the UK rides coordination: Jesse at 0781 458 7361. This should be an amazing afternoon of various things going on, and a great supportive setting for the race against oil and clothing dependency. Participants should assemble at 3pm in Green Park Station's temporary velodrome & expect to ride between 3pm & 4pm - the ride time will be announced on the day (& possibly beforehand on the above website.) The Wheel Thing is providing free camping for cyclists, so why not show up earlier in the week and come to the whole festival from Wednesday the 8th through to the extra day of celebration on Sunday. Related:  http://www.greenparkstation.co.uk/whatson/calendar/ &  http://www.littlefiets.com/

d) ‘HOODIES & ASBOs’ : SOCIALIST WORKER TALK : Wednesday 15th June
Link:  http://www.geocities.com/bristolswp At a time when the police and MOD have begun attempting to use ASBOs against political protesters (see section 5) this event is all the more relevant. The government has made a concerted to create an environment of fear & mistrust by scapegoating & criminalisng our young people. Since the election, Charles Clark has announced that tackling 'yob culture' will be a priority for Blair's third term. But what's the reality about young people, anti-social behaviour and crime and what can be done about it? VENUE: Kuumba Centre, Hepburn Rd, St Pauls. TIME: 7:30pm Map:
 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=359219&Y=173991&A=Y&Z=1

e) PALESTINE COMMUNITY LINKS MEETING : Thursday 16th June
Link:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristol_psc/ This will be a meeting to set up community links between St. Wereburgh’s (Bristol) and Tulkarm (Palestine). It has at last proved possible to contact people in Tulkarem, and also in the Balata refugee camp in Nablus. There are now a number of projects that could be supported: a kindergarten, school & orphanage in Tulkarem, & the youth media project in Balata. There is much enthusiasm for supporting the Tulkarem orphanage. In the end, however, it has been agreed that St. Werburgh's people should decide what they would most like to do. To this end, a meeting will take place on Thursday 16th June, @ 7.30 pm (St. Werburgh's Community Centre). Horley Rd. Map:
 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=360302&Y=174507&A=Y&Z=1



08) MORE REGIONAL AREA EVENTS IN JUNE
a) *~ 11th June : Swansea Anti-G8 Day Of Action
b) *~ 11th June : Reading Anti-G8 Action Day
c) *~ 11th June : Aldermaston Womens’ Peace Party
d) *~ 12th June : Yeovil Peace Industries Benefit
e) *~ 14th June : Cardiff Anarchists Anti-G8 Benefit
f) *~ 14th June : Slough ‘Ozric Tentacles’ Regugee Benefit
g) *~ 14-18th June : Salisbury ‘Talking To Terrorists’ Theatre
h) *~ 15th June : Wrexham Refugee Week Event
i) *~ 17th June : Swansea ‘Fight Poverty Not War’ Rally
j) *~ 17th June : Cardiff Palestine Solidarity Film Night
k) *~ 17-19th June : Oxford ‘Living On The Cusp’ Seminars
l) *~ 18th June : Birmingham WDM Annual Conference
m) *~ 18th June : Bangor ‘Olive Grooves’ Benefit
n) *~ 23rd June : Birmingham Make Povery History Benefit
o) *~ 28th June : Somerset ‘Transforming Violence’ Talk
p) *~ 9th July : Birmingham ‘Peace Tax Seven’ Open Day
q) *~ 23rd July : Wolverhampton ‘Cuba & Venezuela’ Party

a) SWANSEA ANTI-G8 DAY OF ACTION : Saturday 11th June
Link:  http://www.makepovertyhistorywales.org.uk
Join the Swansea Day Of Action to raise awareness about the G8 protests & the Make Poverty History Campaign.We hope to make it as striking and noisy as possible. Dress To Express! Bring your Drums! MEET: 12:00noon. Castle Square, Swansea.

b) READING ANT-G8 ACTION DAY : Saturday 11th June
For More Info Email:  dan@met.reading.ac.uk “We have invited people from WDM, Christian Aid, Make Poverty History, Peace & Climate Change groups. Local groups to share their action plans in Reading & Scotland. VENUE: RISC Conference Room. 35-39 London St. Reading. RG1 4PS. 10am for 10.30 start - 3pm finish + lunch. Free Entry.

c) ALDERMASTON WOMEN’S PEACE CAMP PARTY : Saturday 11th June
For details how to get there ring 07969 739812, email:  info@aldermaston.net (sorry chaps! it's a women-only event). The British government is taking measures to put in place the facilities to build a new generation of nuclear weapons at Aldermaston. AWPC is 20 years old, All women who have ever been to camp - & women who have never been before - are invited to celebrate our birthday. PLACE: Bluebell Wood, Tadley, Berkshire.  http://www.aldermaston.net

d) YEOVIL PEACE INDUSTRIES BENEFIT : Sunday 12th June
Benefit Concert in support of the campaign for peaceful industries in Yeovil. TIME & VENUE: 3pm, Octagon Theatre, Yeovil, BA20 1UX. Tickets: £5 or £3 concession. Contemporary & classical music. This benefit gig is being held to further Yeovil Social Forums quest of conversion from war to peace industries in Yeovil.

e) CARDIFF ANARCHISTS ANTI-G8 BENEFIT : Tuesday 14th June
SWAG8 get together with those funky Cherry Bomb people to present an intoxicating cocktail of live bands, DJs & visuals with a dash of G8 info available for those that like to feed their head. TIME: 7:30pm till late. £2 entry. VENUE: Toucan Cardiff, 95 St Mary Street, Cardiff CF10 1D. More Info:  http://riseup.net/cardiffanarchists

f) SLOUGH ‘OZRIC TENTACLES’ REFUGEE BENEFIT : Tuesday 14th June
Ozric Tentacles, the ultimate sonic rock adventurers - for the latest and greatest "Maharajah Cabaret" - The event is organised in support of Refugee Week and Slough's refugee community. VENUE: Vikram's Occasions Palace, 15 - 23 Church Street, Slough, SL1 1PL. £10 advance, £12 door. More Info & Tickets Visit:  http://tinyurl.com/bzwed

g) SALISBURY ‘TALKING TO TERRORISTS’ THEATRE : 14th – 18th JUNE
Directed by Max Stafford-Clark. “Interviews of people who were involved in terrorism. They talked to politicians, warriors, journalists, hostages, psychiatrists & peacemakers. Their stories take you from Iraq, Israel, Uganda, Ireland, Turkey, & the British Establishment. VENUE: Salisbury Playhouse. Tel: 01722 320333 Visit:  http://www.salisburyplayhouse.com

h) WREXHAM REFUGEE WEEK EVENT : Wednesday 15th June
Link:  http://www.bannertheatre.co.uk “Wild Geese is a song and video ballad of exile & migration, using live music and video to highlight the contradictions in the position of migrant workers, often trapped in some of the poorest jobs, which no-one else will do, but vilified in parts of the media. TIME: 6.30 pm - Lecture Hall, NE Wales Institute, Wrexham. Free Entry. Info & Tiickets Tel: 029 2043 2990. Sponsored by Refugee Week Wales.

i) SWANSEA ‘FIGHT POVERTY NOT WAR’ RALLY : Friday 17th June
Email:  swanseacoalition@hotmail.com For The Run Up To The G8 Protests. TIME: 7:30pm. VENUE: Environment Centre, Pier St., Swansea. Speakers: Andrew Murray - Chair Stop The War Coalition UK; Jane Richmond - Environmental Activist; Dr Prodromos Panayiotopoulos - (Swansea Author of 'World Development-'); Chaired by Phil Broadhurst - OXFAM

j) CARDIFF PALESTINE FILM NIGHT : Friday 17th June
Email:  a.jinks@ntlworld.com Link:  http://www.sheffieldpsc.org.uk/vfr.shtm “Musheir El-Farra will attend this screening of the film, ‘Voices Through The Rubble’ 30 mins/no cert. Dir: Jeni Vine.“Musheir El-Farra takes us on a journey through the devastated homes & refugee camps of his besieged homeland. We hear interviews from those whose houses are being systematically destroyed in the Rafa area, at the Southern tip of Gaza.”

k) OXFORD ‘LIVING ON THE CUSP’ SEMINARS : 17th – 19th June
Link:  http://www.livingonthecusp.org ‘Living On The Cusp’ is a 3 seminar. For more info & costs please visit the link, or Email:  georgegiangrande@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 01803 868766. “Our present course is leading to an unprecedented environmental crisis which, if left unaltered, will lead to an economic & social collapse. This collapse will probably be triggered by peaking world oil production. This peak will probably occur within the next 5 years.”

l) BIRMINGHAM WDM ANNUAL CONFERENCE : Saturday 18th June
‘Whose Rules Rule? African Answers.’ “In a year when the UK Government claims Africa is centre stage in its international policy, will rhetoric be matched by real political action? Join African Diaspora groups in examining African development from an African. TIME & VENUE: 2 - 5:30pm, Disabled Access. Aston University, Central Birmingham. To register or for info, tel: 0800 328 2153. visit:  http://www.wdm.org.uk/news/events/wrr05/index.htm

m) BANGOR ‘OLIVE GROOVES’ BENEFIT : Saturday 18th June
Email:  bangorpeace@dslw.net Link:  http://www.davidrovics.com “David Rovics is one of the most prolific & castigated protest songwriters in the world at the moment. His songs are available for free download from his website. Entry £7, profits to the Palestinian Olive Tree Campaign, re-planting olive groves uprooted by the occupying Israeli military. TIME: 6 till 12am. VENUE: Hendre Hall, Bangor. Directions:  http://www.hendre.welshnet.co.uk/hendre.html

n) BIRMINGHAM MAKE POVERTY HISTORY BENEFIT : Thursday 23rd June
Email:  austin@bham-oxfam.org.uk Link:  http://www.aquila-music.co.uk Aquila will be playing. Other bands TBC. “Hugely dark, romantic rock and roll. In a world where everyone wants to be different, and few manage it, Aquila stand out like the star their name suggests." Tara Glanville, BBCi. VENUE: Boiler Room, Big Peg, 120 Vyse St, Jewelery Quarter.

o) SOMERSET ‘TRANSFORMING VIOLENCE’ TALK : Tuesday 28th June
South Somerset Peace Group. Karen Payne talks about ‘Transforming Violence’, an organisation with strategies for preventing & healing violence at all levels of society. TIME: 7:30pm. £2 Entry. VENUE: Minster Rooms, Court Barton, Ilminster, TA19 0DI. Tel: 01460 53165. Email:  awigmore@phonecoop.coop Link :  http://www.southsomersetpeace.infoaction.org.uk

p) BIRMINGHAM ‘PEACE TAX SEVEN’ OPEN DAY : Saturday 9th July
Email:  robin@robin-brookes-design.co.uk Link:  http://www.peacetaxseven.com “Did you oppose the war in Iraq? Did you oppose Trident? As a taxpayer, you paid for it anyway. The Peace Tax Seven are looking for ways to broaden tax resistance, to empower people who can’t withhold income tax, for example because of PAYE. TIME: 11am – 4pm. £5 entry. VENUE: Priory Rooms, Friends Meeting House, 40 Bull St., Birmingham B4 6AF.

q) WOLVERHAMPTON ‘CUBA & VENEZUELA’ PARTY : Saturday 23rd July
Link:  http://www.wolvestuc.org.uk “Garden party to celebrate & learn about Latin America. Politics, Live Music, Film & Food. The ‘Miami 5’ are serving sentences in prisons throughout the US for defending their country against US based terrorism. 4pm - late evening, Fallings Park, Wolverhampton. For more info & address of party: Email:  dave-viv@blueyonder.co.uk Links:  http://www.venezuelasolidarity.org.uk &  http://cuba-solidarity.org.uk



09) MORE NATIONAL LEVEL EVENTS IN JUNE
a) * + 11th June : The World Naked Bike Ride
b) * + 12th June : ‘Reflections On Palestine’ Conference
c) *+ 23-25th June : International ‘Peak Oil’ Conference
d) * + 29th June : Iraq Petroleum Conference Protest
e) * + 4th July : Independence Day @ Menwith Hill
f) * + 13th July : Israeli WDM Lobby Of Parliament
g) * + 31 July-15 Aug : Colombia & Venezuela Delegation

a) THE WORLD NAKED BIKE RIDE : Saturday 11th June
Link:  http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/uk/london/index.html “The 2nd worldwide naked protest against oil dependency. No! Nudity isn't required to participate in this ride. Please try to challenge yourself. Wear as little as you can while still feeling comfortable about it. Respect your own boundaries! Go as bare as you dare! Visit the link above for more info.

b) ‘REFLECTIONS ON PALESTINE’ CONFERENCE : Sunday 12th June
Link:  http://www.aqsa.org.uk “Towards a New Liberation Theology: Reflections on Palestine”. Religion, particularly in the Palestinian context, has been portrayed as a hindrance to peace. This conference aims to discuss the role religion plays in the lives of peoples struggling for justice. Register For Free Tickets: Tel: (+44) 20 8904 4222. Email  conference@ihrc.org. TIME: 9:30am - 7:00pm. VENUE: Brunei Gallery, School of Oriental & African Studies. University of London, Thornhaugh St., Russell Sq., London, WC1H 0XG

c) INTERNATIONAL ‘PEAK OIL’ CONFERENCE : 23rd - 25th JUNE
“What Will We Eat As The Oil Runs Out?” – A Major International Conference organised by the Foundation For The Economics of Sustainability (FEASTA) “Humanity's present food production & distribution systems are dependent on inputs of fossil fuels. Unfortunately, many experts think that world production of cheap, easily-produced oil will begin to decline within the next 5 years.” VENUE : University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland. Details & booking form:  http://www.feasta.org/events/foodconf/food_conference.htm Tel: +353 (0)1 405 3615 Fax: +353 (0)1 405 4835 Email: mailto: feasta@anu.ie Link:  http://www.feasta.org


d) IRAQ PETROLEUM CONFERENCE PROTEST : Friday 29th June
Email:  stopthepillage@yahoo.co.uk “Thanks to the Coalition Provisional Authority's Order 39 the occupation of Iraq has coincided with a mass selling-off of Iraq's public assets. There has been an ongoing campaign opposing this process, which amounts in international law to the illegal pillage of Iraq. STOP THE PLUNDER OF IRAQ!” Protest outside Iraqi Petroleum Conference 2005‚ 10.30am, The Hilton, Paddington. Assemble 10.30am Edgware Rd Tube.

e) INDEPENDENCE DAY @ MENWITH HILL (Yorkshire, UK) : Monday 4th July
Organisers Link:  http://www.caab.org.uk Email:  caab@btclick.com Tel/fax no: +44 (0)1943 466405. ‘Independence From America’ Demonstration. Music by: CHUMBAWAMBA (Acoustic). This year, Scott Ritter (former UN weapons Inspector in Iraq from 1991-98) will be the guest speaker. His presence will be a magnet for the media, particularly now that Menwith Hill is in the spotlight following the coverage of Lindis's court case (See Section 5), & thel situation of a Scott Ritter speaking outside the world's largest US intelligence spy base. TIME: 12noon – 4/5pm. PLACE: NSA Menwith Hill (near Harrogate, North Yorkshire).

f) ISRAELI WDM LOBBY OF PARLIAMENT : Wednesday 13th July @7:00pm
“Israel has hundreds of nuclear weapons & other weapons of mass destruction. Israel has a partnership agreement with NATO, & the British arms trade has provided it with submarines & aircraft to oppress the Palestinians & undermine their resistance to occupation. The British government, the EU & you could persuade Israel to change.” Supported by organisations including: Campaign Against Arms Trade [CAAT], Campaign to Free Vanunu, Pax Christi & Stop The War Coalition. More Info:  http://www.palestinecampaign.org/events.asp?d=y&id=1472

g) COLOMBIA & VENEZUELA DELEGATION : 31st July – 15th August
“A delegation of students & human rights activists will be in Colombia (31st July-6th August), prior to the World Festival of Youth & Students in Caracas, Venezuela (7th-15th August). There we will participate in a Social & Humanitarian Crisis Forum in Saravena, to support the right of our Colombian partners to social protest & freedom of expression. Finally, we will be joining a caravan of Colombian youth & to the festival in Caracas.” Interested In Joining The Delegation? More Info, Email:  colombia_sc@hotmail.com Post: Colombia Solidarity Campaign, PO Box 8446, London N17 6NZ. Link:  http://www.colombiasolidarity.org.uk



10) LOCAL PEACE VIGILS & PLANNING GROUPS
a) ~ Daily Bristol Peace Vigil
b) ~ Friday Easton Peace Vigil
c) ~ Saturday Bath Peace Vigil
d) ~ Weekly Bristol STW Meeting
e) ~ Regular Bath STW Meeting

a) DAILY BRISTOL PEACE VIGIL: The Independent Bristol Peace Vigil is an open space or discussion, as well a crucial focus to Bristol's campaigns. We've kept vigil every night (except Sundays) since a few days after 11th Sept 2001, & 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:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?gride=358590&gridn=172858&title
b) EASTON PEACE VIGIL: Every Friday. 5:00pm-6:00pm.
Corner of Robertson Rd & Stapleton Rd. MAP:
 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=360947&Y=174700&A=Y&Z=1
c) BATH PEACE VIGIL: Every Saturday 11.30am-12.30pm. Bath Abbey. (Off York Street. From the Station walk up Manvers St). Please come & support this regular, long-established & powerful witness to the futility of war. MAP:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=375000&Y=164500&scale=10000
d) 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 Bristol events (meetings, demos etc) 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: Victoria Methodist Church. 1A Whiteladies Rd, Bristol, BS8 1NU (bottom of Whiteladies Rd.) MAP:
 http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=357830&Y=173465&A=Y&Z=1
e) BATH-STOP-THE-WAR: Hold Regular Meetings. For Details Tel: 01225 315480
Email:  postmaster@bathstopwar.org.uk Visit:  http://www.bathstopwar.org.uk


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For general enquiries email:  bristolstopwar@hotmail.com
For News Around Bristol Visit:  http://bristol.indymedia.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


"The corporate revolution will collapse if we refuse to buy what they are selling - their ideas, their version of history, their wars, their weapons, their notion of inevitability. Remember this - we be many and they be few. They need us more than we need them. Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing." Arundhati Roy.

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