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Archive for July, 2012

EPISODE EIGHTEEN: “THE LIFE OF THE INSURGENT”

Helen sets up a new peace camp just outside the perimeter of Menwith Hill and with the help of fellow protester, Kate Holcombe, quickly establishes a place for her renewed campaign.  This episode gives a taste of camp life, from the mix of characters and tales of past police encounters to the vehicles that quickly decorate the scene: from caravans and police cars to prison vans!  There is always a serious and heartfelt purpose behind all of Helen’s antics but the women always ensure they have a good giggle, testing the police and being prepared to drive themselves to court in Helen’s new prison van if needed!

FURTHER INFORMATION

Watch Episode 3 in the Opening Trilogy to find out more about Menwith Hill.

For further information about Kate Holcombe’s campaign visit her blog: Direct Action Station

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EPISODE SEVENTEEN: “WHAT HAVE I DONE ANNE?”

Anne Lee is the ‘wise owl’ behind the scenes of those Disarming Grandmothers!  Often in the background, researching and preparing cases, she too has dedicated her life to opposing Menwith Hill Spy Base.  Helen and Sylvia often tap into Anne’s knowledge and together they come up with new ways to present their case and bring their campaign into the public domain.  These three Yorkshire grandmothers represent the brains, the humour and the soul of the peace movement and together they are truly disarming.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION

Watch Episode 2 & 3 in the Opening Trilogy to find out more about the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act, Helen and Sylvia’s act of protest and Menwith Hill Spy Base. 

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EPISODE SIXTEEN: INFAMY AT LAST

Helen and Sylvia’s trial has been adjourned and a hearing takes place to decide what elements of their defence are legitimate to be used in their trial.  But the women and the press appear misled, as the difference between a formal direction and an informal request, means that perhaps nothing, after all, has been decided.  381 days after their arrest it seems the women are no closer to bringing the real issues into a British Court.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Read intial news reports:

BBC

Telegraph and Argus

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EPISODE FIFTEEN: THE SYSTEM WOULD FALL DOWN

In this episode we see Helen and Sylvia campaign in their own ways to raise awareness of the global implications of US Military Bases.  Helen addresses a Capital Woman Conference whilst Sylvia stands shoulder to shoulder with the Chagossians, as they await a verdict from the Appeal Court on their right to return home.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Find out more about the current situation in Diego Garcia.

Read a speech delivered by Sylvia to the UN Working Group in Geneva about the Chagossian people and their right to return home.

Find out more about the UK Chagos Support Association.

Watch ‘Stealing a Nation’ a documentary by John Pilger about Diego Garcia.

CREDITS

Special thanks to:

Capital Woman

Emily Thornberry MP

UK Chagos Support Association. 

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