The struggle for peaceful protest

EPISODE TWENTY THREE: “Criminally insane… Ordinary People”

A new day brings a new protest at Menwith Hill.  Sylvia and Betty, another close friend and ally, greet the morning traffic into the Spy Base with banners of peace whilst standing strong against an antagonist policeman.  Back at the camp personal tensions run high between Helen and Sylvia, as thoughts turn to the lack of involvement in the peace movement.  Feeling the weight of peace firmly on their shoulders, perhaps it is not surprising that the women aren’t always smiling?

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Breaking Point?

EPISODE TWENTY TWO: “LOOSE PEA IN A DRUM”

Helen and Sylvia’s trial for terrorism fused together two very different women.  Their contrasting personalities, beliefs and ways of working have slowly come under strain and in this episode we catch a glimpse of the tension that runs throughout their friendship.  Whilst united by peace, the woman freely admit the need to find common ground in their personal partnership, but is this one resolution too far?

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A Grandmother in Distress

EPISODE TWENTY ONE: “PROTEST HEAVEN”

After years of campaigning along with countless arrests, court cases and prison stays, Helen surprises everyone when she reveals her nerves over this particular trial.  With friends and fellow campaigners striving for a way to make the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act inoperable, the responsibility of setting a legal precedent begins to take its toll.  But do they expect too much from her?

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‘Terrorist Grannies’ told to prove what happens at Menwith Hill

EPISODE TWENTY: “PROTECT THE ILLEGAL LAW BREAKING”

The prosecution decline the judge’s informal request to provide information about Menwith Hill and details about the designation of sites under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act.  With the burden of proof falling heavy on Helen and Sylvia, it is up to these two Yorkshire grandmothers to find expert witnesses to speak on their behalf.  With the prosecution and defence failing to reach deadlines, the women begin to question whether their trial for terrorism will ever be over and if their evidence will be allowed to be heard.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Find out more about Menwith Hill by watching episode 3 in the Opening Trilogy

Find out what happened last time Helen and Sylvia were in court – watch episode 16

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The Women’s Peace Camp: Since 1994

EPISODE NINETEEN: “BY CONFRONTING OUR GOVERNMENT”

Anne and Helen reveal more about camp life, from living under canvas and the responses they get from the public to their (not so covert) operations to break into Menwith Hill.  Whilst living outdoors presents certain challenges it becomes clear that the social element of mixing with like minded individuals across the generations, makes up for any discomfort these grandmothers may endure.  Luckily in this windy lay by, just outside Menwith Hill, the police are also on hand to check they survive the elements to protest another day.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Find out more about Menwith Hill by watching episode 3 in the Opening Trilogy

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