Helen continues with her appeal and is dismayed when her expert witnesses are unable to defend her argument that the interception of communications, carried out by Menwith Hill, is an illegal act. Helen’s argument, throughout this case, has been that the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act provides a layer of protection to America’s global surveillance outside of war time, which is in breach of our human rights. But with a lack of approved evidence to back up her claim, it seems that this veteran peace campaigner has finally been defeated. As Helen and Sylvia leave court for the last time, emotions run high. Realistically, the enormity of the task at hand was always going to be just out of reach, however, Helen and Sylvia’s courage and determination to try to change a global inequality and an oppressive law, is remarkable; it is undoubtedly the human spirit which held the hidden successes during this trial for justice.
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?
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
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
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.
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.
Almost a year since their arrest, Helen and Sylvia’s trial for terrorism begins. The consequences of a conviction could result in 51 weeks in prison and/or a £5,000 fine, however, it seems when facing potential incarceration there is always time for a little light relief first!
Their defence argument centres on the legitimacy of choosing the sites which are to be designated under Section 128 of The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA). By designating sites of nuclear and/or military interest under the act – sites which are likely to attract anti-nuclear, anti-war and environmental campaigners, they argue that freedom of speech and the right of protest is being severely threatened.
In relation to the designation of U.S Spy Base Menwith Hill under the act, they raise the question of whether a British law can and should be used to protect American interests. With the Judge taking an interest in the designation of sites under SOCPA and how these decisions arise, it seems that these two grandmothers from Yorkshire may be onto something; the question is, are they up to it?
For a greater understanding of their initial act of protest which led to the charge, watch “A terrorist but not a violent terrorist” in the opening trilogy.
Sylvia and I take a walk around the perimeter of Menwith Hill and find ourselves accused of forming an unlicensed procession! Coinciding with a small organised CND demonstration at the entrance to the base, our walk took the police’s interest as being potential ‘splinter group’ activity. This episode serves as an example to the everyday erosion of basic civil liberties which peace campaigners, in particular, find themselves regularly challenging.
FURTHER RESOURCES
Watch Episode 3 in the Opening Trilogy to find out more about Menwith Hill.
Three episodes about the grandmothers, their ‘serious organised crime’ and the Spy Base they trespassed into. A starter pack if you will before the series gets under way.
EPISODE ONE: “NUTS IN A FUNNY WAY”
Helen John and Sylvia Boyes are as similar as they are different. This episode looks at the women behind the campaign: their family’s reaction and their reasons for protest with a little military drive by thrown in…
FURTHER RESOURCES
For further information about Fylingdales please visit CND or the RAF website.
Find out why Helen and Sylvia were concerned about an attack on Iran
EPISODE TWO: “A TERRORIST BUT NOT A VIOLENT TERRORIST”
On 6th April 2006, former Greenham Common protesters, Helen and Sylvia walked over a yellow line at U.S Spy Base, Menwith Hill. The yellow line represented the boundary of a designated site under The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act, one which, if crossed, was punishable by up to 51 weeks in prison and/or a £5,000 fine. Helen and Sylvia believe that section 128 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act, which is part of the Terrorism Act, adds a layer of protection to American war fighting and is a backward step for civil liberties. Their act of protest made front page of the Independent, sparked a trial for terrorism and caught the eye of a filmmaker who decided to tell their story.
Read a statement from Liberty highlighting their concerns of Government legislation that works to stifle protest on the news page.
EPISODE THREE: OUTSIDE THE PERIMETER FENCES
This episode examines the US Spy Base, Menwith Hill, in Yorkshire. Hearing from David Cameron (when he was speaking as leader of the opposition) CND and Helen and Sylvia, this episode asks the question whether national security is ever worth compromising our civil liberties for.
Disarming Grandmothers 