earthfirst – Page 246

Police Violence at treesit action in College Grove, Bunbury, Australia

April 10, 2008: Following a pre-dawn raid yesterday at College Grove bushland in Bunbury, 2 activists were arrested with one taken to hospital after a forceful and violent push by WA Police.

April 10, 2008: Following a pre-dawn raid yesterday at College Grove bushland in Bunbury, 2 activists were arrested with one taken to hospital after a forceful and violent push by WA Police. A spokes for the Community Independent Activists (CIA) group says it was the “most violent display by police in 15 years of forest activism…”

The forest rescuers managed to stop heavy machinery for over two hours on the first day of native bushland being cleared for the controversial LandCorp/City of Bunbury land release.

The CIA group are asking for your help in the action. Billeting can be provided for anyone wishing to help out on the ground. Please phone 9791 5515 or 0422 540 756 to get in contact…

Almost one police per protester was sent to College Grove to ensure that industry got to smash down one of the few remaining areas of forest in Bunbury Western Australia.

The group of peaceful activists had been occupying a tree in the College Grove bushland near Bunbury in WA’s south-west. At 5am on Wednesday 9th April around a dozen police officers surrounded the tree.

A tree-sitter removed all ropes for climbing down the 30 metre tuart tree she was occupying and refused to come down. She had been part of a rotation of dozens of concerned local people taking shifts up the old Tuart over the past two months. According to the Bunbury Mail, a cherry picker attempted to remove her at 9am – protesters were told that they would be arrested if they entered the “worksite.”

The CIA told Perth Indymedia today that after a callout to the community. Some 40 people – consisting of elderly people, children, mothers and those not at work – converged at the site and rushed an excavator, playing music and generally making the most of the situation. More police arrived bringing the number to around 40.

A group including elderly and children broke the line and held up the heavy machinery that was clearing a path through the forest to the tree platform.

They left when warned by police they would be arrested, but ran back in front of the moving machine a short time later.

Protestors climbed onto the machine, unfurled a banner along one side and sung songs for almost two hours before police reinforcements arrived and cleared the group. One man used a locking device to lock himself to the grader.

CIA report that two of the group were arrested following a violent and unprovoked attack by police after they refused to loosen their grip on the machine.

South West Environment Centre spokeswoman Susan Hill told the West the majority of people in Bunbury were opposed to the development. “At least 50 per cent of the community of Bunbury want this to remain here and this is our legacy,” she said. She said protests would continue until the developers backed down.

The Tactical Response Group have since left, being replaced by new officers and the CIA group have since reoccupied the tree and are conducting walkthroughs at the site.

Mainstream news cameras were at the scene and reported the violent police actions on south-west television last night.

Please phone 9791 5515 or 0422 540 756 to get in contact… “WA forests need your help”

—

VIDEO: Industry destroys more Australian heritage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWu_5I9ZY2c

Police move in to College Grove
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2FAA9B57rw

WAforests – Youtube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/WAforests

Perth Indymedia Background:
College Grove Tuart action escalates in Bunbury
http://perth.indymedia.org/?action=default&featureview=618

Bunbury Mail
The West
===================================

I’m about to give my own “report” for the events of the 10th (yesterday).

[Reports are being posted by someone else so I’m going to do a mini report in the hope that they will give a more detailed report (according to the needs and philosophies of the local crew)].

Yesterday a person (not sure if I’m able to use his name yet) “locked on” to a machine all day at College Grove. He was allowed by the police to remain locked on, thanks to the outcome of a court case involving another of our crew. The police admitted to being powerless, thanks to the courts and “new laws”.

———————–End of report———————–

Recently one of our crew was acquitted of charges laid against him for an identical action at Arcadia Forest (near Collie) last year.

Well this does not automatically create a “binding precedent” as that happens when a decision is handed down by a higher court (where we’re concerned – higher than the Magistrates court) but myself, Roger and now Dave have been acquitted under similar circumstances. Well it seems to have made an impact on the police, though we have not actually affected an actual precedent.

My PERSONAL feeling is that having lost three consecutive forest cases and accrued in excess of $10,000 of costs as a result, not to mention time wasted and bad publicity, that the police have possibly considered that the benefits of doing what they always do to stop us, is no longer viable.

PHEW! What does this mean? 1). Well we locked on and the cops, as the officer admitted to us ‘Are disempowered” to do anything. 2).We can keep locking on and there is nothing they can do about it.

HOWEVER! It’s still early days. It’s damn fine news but I would like to seek legal advice before recommending a course of action.

In the meantime, stay radical.

From ‘The West’:
Police move on College Grove protesters – 11th April 2008, 16:00 WST

http://southwest.thewest.com.au/Regionals.aspx?MenuID=277&ContentId=67471

Police have issued seven move on notices to protesters at College Grove bushland to keep people from entering the LandCorp housing development site.

Yesterday a man chained himself underneath a front end loader, halting the movement of the vehicle for several hours.

Acting Inspector Eric Asjes said the protesters had to accept the democatic process and allow police to devote their manpower to other causes.

“I don’t think the protesters are doing the right thing here, to cause so much grief and loss of manpower is really not the aim of the protest but it is affecting our ability to attend other jobs,” Insp Asjes told thewest.com.au

Arson series and communique (Athens Thessaloniki, Greece, 9/4/2008)

“Arson series against four car agencies and a car expo with mostly Italian brands, as well as at the Greco-Italian School, from around 12:50 to 1:15 the midnight, damaging or totally destroying 35 cars by improvised incendiary devices set by unknown persons”

“…A gas canister device blasted around 1:05 after midnight, at a clothes agency on Vas. Irakleiou 18, in the center of Thessaloniki…”

Source: www.naftemporiki.gr/photos/photo.asp?id=8190

The “Conspiracy of Cells of Fire” claimed responsibility for the actions via e-mail to directactiongr@yahoo.gr. This is a translation of the communique:

On Wednesday April 9 we spotted and torched agencies of Italian interests (Car agencies, Greco-Iralian school bus). By this movement, we send to the imprisoned Italian comrades accused for membership in F.A.I. (Informal Anarchist Federation) our salutation with fire. This is how we re-activate vigorously the internationalist revolutionary solidarity.

The Italian comrades of F.A.I. form a federation that through its offensive actions, as the one of 21/12/2003 setting of explosive devices outside the house of -the president of E.U. at the time- Romano Prodi, or of the 3/3/2005, with their triple bomb attack outside carabinieri barracks, at Genova and Milano, claiming: “…We consider essential that every person that isn’t tamed by the fake prosperity that democracy provides, must express his/her rage with his/her action and by every means, we will keep on intruding your dreams, your economic interests and your peace. It won’t take you much time to understand the consequences of your indifference (abstract of a F.A.I. communique).

In this tough route they selected, there were also losses. Arrest warrants, imprisonments, juridical farces. The last years, the Italian state attacks brutally the insurrectional part among the Italian anarchists. Apart from perennial captivities, certain other comrades as Massari, Rosa, Fantazzini, are n’t accompanying us anymore in this dangerous route to the wild rebellion, since they were murdered by the Italian state. But neither death is able to erase the rage from the eyes of the insurgents.

The cells of F.A.I. and not only them, strike back and attempt to create a condition of omnipresent conflict, where there is no place for compromise.

In its declaration, F.A.I. mentions: “Strike and destroy the responsible for the repression and exploitation. Strike and destroy the prisons, the banks, the court-houses, the barracks…”

Accomplices in the crime of direct revolutionary action, we seek, through our attacks, to form a range of dislocation of the uneventful social peace. To commit the crime of ending the silence, to overcome the postponements and the hesitations, to live beyond the laws that enslave and the conventions that shoot in the back. And the only precise way to achieve this, is to participate in the revolutionary war, declared since the beginning.

This is our way to spread the fire of conscience, in this combatant condition that we selected for ourselves.

We don’t abandon any imprisoned comrade, neither in Greece, nor in Italy, nor anywhere.

Revolutionary salutations to the imprisoned Italian comrades, accused for membership in F.A.I.

Freedom for all imprisoned Italian comrades accused for subversive practices.

It all continues, we’ll be back soon.

Conspiracy of Cells of Fire

Note: Previous actions of the Conspiracy of Cells of Fire:

Three day festival of fire:
http://directactiongr.blogspot.com/2008/03/three-days-of-fire-athens-thessaloniki.html

In solidarity to Giorgos Voutsis-Vogiatzis:
http://directactiongr.blogspot.com/2008/02/series-of-arson-attacks-athens.html

In solidarity to Vaggelis Botzatzis:
http://directactiongr.blogspot.com/2008/01/series-of-incendiary-attacks-athens.html

Update 12/4: The following note appeared in the guestbook:

“Within the context of actions of offensive solidarity to the Italian comrades of FAI, we also attacked (same day and same hour with the comrades in Athens) 2 targets of Italian interest: An Italian brand commercial store in the center of Thessaloniki and a Benetton subsidiary in Kalamaria.”

Solidarity to the prosecuted for the FAI.

Conspiracy of Cells of Fire (Thessaloniki Cell)”

Solidarity with Tara in Ireland – trip reportback

A group of us from Brighton went over to Ireland recently to support the Irish protesters attempt, to halt the work on the M3 Motorway.

The 50km, four lane stretch includes a huge, 53 acre interchange, with two massive orbits and 10 flyover bridges, the construction has already diverted gabhra rivers historical waterways, and heavy machinery have bulldozed ancient tombs and graves within the sacred valley.

Whilst the money spinning, toll roads are being built by Dick Cheyneys’ Halliburton company, SIAC and Ferrovial are the real criminal companies responsible for most of the carnage.

If the motorway is not stopped or re-routed it will destroy one the most important archaeological landscapes in Europe, and wipe out a huge amount of Irelands culture, history, identity and heritage.

On the 15th of march we arrived at the direct action camp, which is situated on top of the ancient monument of Rath Lugh. This is one of 150 sacred sites within the Tara Complex, and one of the 43 that has been wiped out along the route of the motorway.

The protesters have built a number of walkways linking tree houses together, and built various lock on’s, the security have been heavy handed in removing the protesters from the Rath Lugh Site but other camps are being set up along the route to continue the battle to save the Tara.

Equipment and people are urgently needed!!

One of the first things I noticed when I got there was the intimidation and the threats of violence from the security, they had metal bars and lumps of wood and they were ready to lash out at anyone who tried to physically stop the construction.
I still went digger diving everyday, but because I had a camcorder with me this acted as a deterrent against their assault.

When we arrived Lisa Feeney AKA “Squeek” had just come out of a 20ft deep tunnel, after being down there for 60hrs. Her father and uncle were guilt tripping her saying she was selfish and she was going to die. So Lisa agreed to come out of the tunnel but only if a 12 point agreement was signed between her-self and the National Roads Authority, the N.R.A representative Kevin O’Rourke signed the agreement which stated that all work would be stopped for one month, after Lisa came out the tunnel the agreement was breached by the NRA within 24hrs, they lied and claimed no agreement made.

The protesters will now make an application for an emergency injunction at the supreme high court, because of the discrepancies over the Compulsory Purchase Order on Rath Lugh, which is currently breaking the national monuments act of 2004.

The N.RA. have admitted that they have been working off inaccurate maps since the planning process, but still continue to claim that they are not damaging the 2000 yr old fort.

Archaeologists have contradicted this by stating that the motorway will cut open the hillside leaving it entirely unstable, as it is built on an esker – this is a ridge made of small rocks left behind by the glacier that formed the local hills and valleys since the last age. It’s pretty obvious that if you damage the foundation or the esker you will also damage the monument.

During the visit I went to another other solidarity camp, which is on the foot of the hill of Tara. This is where a sacred fire has been burning since summer solstice 2006, people have come from all over the world to keep the fire burning, although no-one lives there officially. People take part in a rota-system, but recently the O.P.W (office for public works) which is the gov’t body responsible for looking after Irish heritage and the public land have given a notice for the people to leave the area within seven days.

The people who really care for the land are refusing to leave, they are a diverse group of local artists, musicians, and members of the public, that are taking the responsibility to create a world heritage park, their aim is to promote the potential of the area for education, sustainability and heritage. The group currently holds talks lectures, and workshops on crafts and history.

An official proposal for the world heritage park is being created, but unfortunately it has to be your gov’t that nominates monuments for world heritage status. The Irish people can not count on their gov’t to do that, so the people want to illustrate this themselves. In hope that people power will demand that Tara gets the respect it deserves.

To Chk out up-dates on this campaign go to www.savetara.com or www.tarapixie.net
The protesters at Tara have asked me to call out for climbers and tunnelers which are urgently needed to share skills etc…

If you can’t get over to Ireland to protect Tara then you can target the SIAC construction companies,UK partners based in Gloucestershire and Sussex.

Lancing Business Park
Lancing
West Sussex
BN15 8TY
Tel: 00 44 (0) 1903 755991
Fax: 00 44 (0)1903 755384
E-mail: r.thomson@grahamwoodstructural.co.uk
Website : www.grahamwoodstructural.co.uk

To see films www.schnews.co.uk/schmovies
click on: “Tara tara tara” and “skulduggery”

Be inspired – take action – get involved

“What [the people in power] can’t live with is sustained pressure that keeps building, organisations that keep doing things, people that keep learning lessons from the last time and doing it better the next time.” – Noam Chomsky

Be inspired by the stories on these pages of people taking radical direct action to stop the trashing of the earth. There’s the upcoming food & climate day of action, on 3rd June, plus a Mass Trespass at an open-cast coal mine site, in Derbyshire, on 26th May.

But that’s not all – people have been taking ecological direct action on a whole load of issues here in the UK and further afield. Check them out here, by region or issue.

This year’s EF! Summer Gathering (or follow the link to the left) is from Wednesday 27th August to Monday 1st September 2008, if you want to plot & plan, and laugh & chat with old friends & new.

But that’s not all – people have been taking ecological direct action on a whole load of issues here in the UK and further afield. Check them out here, by region or issue.

This year’s EF! Summer Gathering (or follow the link to the left) is from Wednesday 27th August to Monday 1st September 2008, if you want to plot & plan, and laugh & chat with old friends & new.

“You see, in life, lots of people know what to do, but few people actually do what they know. Knowing is not enough! You must take action.” – Anthony Robbins

At the winter moot in Nottingham, people got together and inspired each other to take action. Some people got together with others in their areas and formed new groups – contact them if they’re nearby, or get your own ecological direct action group together. Give us a shout if you need a hand.

“The time for networking is over, the time for evidence is over. There is only time for action. No more spectators, only players.” – Bill Mollison

OIL FOR BLOOD ENTERPRISES!!!! “SHELL”ING THE ENVIRONMENT!!!!!!!

NIGERIAN YOUTH LEAGUE PROTEST AGAINST THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION OF THE NIGER DELTA!!! SHELLS MOST PROFITABLE VENTURE!!!!!

We are the Nigerian Youth League and have been given a mandate by different youth groups in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria to carry out a protestes against Royal Dutch Shells activities in the region. These are the allegations below:

1. Environmental degradation

NIGERIAN YOUTH LEAGUE PROTEST AGAINST THE ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION OF THE NIGER DELTA!!! SHELLS MOST PROFITABLE VENTURE!!!!!

1. Environmental degradation
2. Destruction of the Bio Diversity- no more fishes for a farming community
3. Contribution to Societal corruption-BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
4. The catalyst of Socio-economic and political instability of a region
5. Scorched earth policy and the destruction of peoples livelihoods for Oil!!!!

DATE:28TH APRIL 2008!!!!

VENUE:SHELL CENTER
2 YORK WAY
WATERLOO
SE1 7NA

For further info please contact daniel@nigerianyouthleague.org

or visit our website on

www.nigerianyouthleague.org

Every one is welcome to join this historic moment where the environment will be more important than money and politics!!!!!!!!!!!

Best regards

Execs

Sea Shepherd Crew Attacked By Mob Of Seal Hunters

6.04.2008
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s ship, the Farley Mowat, was attacked this morning by a mob of 30-40 angry fishermen. The attack took place while berthed in the French islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon. The Farley Mowat was berthed in St. Pierre to transfer video footage of the Canadian seal slaughter onto shore and await the resumption of the slaughter, which was temporarily suspended after the death of four sealers.

Tensions quickly escalated in St. Pierre as the growing mob hurled rocks, threats, and insults at crew members of the Farley Mowat. Cameraman Simeon Houtman was assaulted by an axe-wielding fisherman after stepping onshore to film the incident. “The fisherman raised the axe above his head with one arm and tried to knock Simeon back with his other. Simeon jumped back onto the ship just before the mob threw our gangplank into the water,” said Peter Hammarstedt, First Officer of the Farley Mowat.

Captain Alex Cornelissen requested assistance from the French police–at least half a dozen of whom were present at the scene–but they did nothing to defend the ship or crew against the mob. Instead, the police suggested that Sea Shepherd should leave St. Pierre immediately. Captain Cornelissen explained to the police that it would take some time to warm the engines in order to leave port safely and avoid serious engine damage. He requested protection during that time, but the police did nothing other than stand by and watch as fishermen hacked at the mooring lines of the Farley Mowat with an axe and ripped the gangplank from the ship, setting it dangerously adrift into the harbor. After the mob severed head and bow-spring lines from the bollards, Sea Shepherd crew members scurried to pull in lines and prevent them from drifting back towards the screw or into the bowthruster. “The mob responded with a rain of stones and rocks that were thrown with the intent to injure,” said Hammarstedt.

Without engine power, the Farley Mowat drifted uncontrollably in serious danger of crashing into nearby rocks and/or ships in the harbor. Captain Cornelissen had no choice but to start the engines cold–risking irreparable damage–in order to avoid a potentially lethal collision. Although the Farley Mowat was able to escape the hostile crowd at St. Pierre, the extent of engine damage sustained remains undetermined. Fortunately, all crew members were on board during the attack, and no-one was injured.

http://www.seashepherd.org/

BlokR was a success! Copenhagen action day report – Ungdomshus update

The transformed BlokR action was held on April 3rd as planned. About 5-6000 people took part in the massive demo, that went by many of the places in Copenhagen that have supported Ungdomshuset and housed its activities for the last year or more. The route took nearly four hours to walk and every mile was severely enjoyable and festive with four speaker trucks playing everything from rock through disco to electronica.

The demo was received at the square in front of Nørrebrohallen where G13 started by four tripods with banners in the colours of the four blocks, roman candles and a big banner saying simply “ungdomshuset”.

Even though the mood at the demo was festive the speakers kept emphasizing that the battle is not yet over and that Thursday demos will continue until we are in actual physical possession of a new house. And even after that has happened, most likely the Thursday demos will continue, because the council has still not come through on its promise of a new children’s house that they took away and promised to replace about five years ago.

From the speaker trucks a solidarity greeting was also sent out to the activists in Bukarest actioning against the NATO summit there. So the struggle continues.

———

10.4.2008
At the last Monday meeting of the Ungdomshusets, consensus was reached to agreeing to an offer of a new building in Northwest of Copenhagen on Dortheavej 61.

The new solution for an Ungdomshus in Copenhagen has been agreed by all parties involved. The final decision still rests with the city council and will be formalized on June 11th, but publicly several politicians, including the mayor Ritt Bjerregaard, have ok’ed the solution and Ungdomshusets Monday Meeting has agreed as well.

The new house will be in what is now a local culture centre under the council. It will be in two connected buildings, one of which will be split in half. The culture centre will remain in the other half of the building and the city council has agreed to build a new add on to compensate for the space lost to the new Ungdomshus.

The first part of the take over (the smaller building comprising 600 m2) will happen on July 1st. After that the main building will be available for take over on January 1st next year.

There has been very positive contact between the left radical scene and the leaders of the culture centre, who are welcoming the new house.

Humboldt Forest Defense Action Camp and Skillshare 2008

Preliminary announcement of the next Forest Defense Skillshare. We’ll be rendezvousing in the Ancient Redwoods here in Humboldt. More details will be out shortly. Inviting old-timers and newcomers alike!

We’ll be rendezvousing in the Ancient Redwoods here in Humboldt. More details will be out shortly. Stay tuned at our blog http://humboldtforestdefense.blogspot.com/

Join us May 2nd through May 9th to share and acquire skills for non-violent direct action focused on defending our forests!

Reading: Common Ground, squatted community garden, to re-open 12 April!

Spring re-energises squatting gardeners to dig-in and continue the struggle!

1. Common Ground Squatted Community Garden Re-Opening, 1pm, 12th April!

Time: Open from 1pm, Community BBQ (traditional & vegan) from 3pm, live acoustic music from 6pm.
Date: Saturday 12th April

Spring re-energises squatting gardeners to dig-in and continue the struggle!

1. Common Ground Squatted Community Garden Re-Opening, 1pm, 12th April!

Time: Open from 1pm, Community BBQ (traditional & vegan) from 3pm, live acoustic music from 6pm.
Date: Saturday 12th April
Venue: Common Ground Community Garden, entrance through alleyway next to (Ex) Womens Information Centre, Silver Street, Reading, RG2.

Contact: Telephone 07774023475 on the day for latest information.
Email katesgrovegarden@yahoo.co.uk any other time.

2. ‘Plan B’…

If necessary, we will take the celebration to the spoilsport authorities!

3. Common Ground Collective joins anti-capitalists!

We unite to fight for “Everything for Everyone!”

4. Plans for new ‘authorised’ community garden in Katesgrove progressing.

Anyone interested urged to get in contact.

**********************************************************************************

1. Common Ground Squatted Community Garden Re-Opening, 1pm 12th April!

Gardeners reaffirm “We will always value community, democracy and common sense over property rights and beurocracy!”

Common Ground Collective plan to re-open the squatted community garden (1) in Silver Street to the public from 1pm on Sat 12th April, with a free BBQ (traditional and vegan) from 3pm and live acoustic music from 6pm. (2)

Following the garden being closed down by landowners Reading Borough Council (RBC) in Oct 07, it turned out that RBC intend to privatise the site, flogging it off to the multimillionare ‘Unite Group’, a company specialising in providing privately owned student accomodation and renowned across the country for ripping students off in the process (3).

However, five months have now passed during which the people of Katesgrove have had one of our few potential green spaces denied from them and despite RBC and Unite saying a contract would be signed in December 07, no progress seems to have yet been made. Even if a contract were to be signed tomorrow, which we vehemently oppose as being undemocratic (4), no planning permission could be granted for months, leaving the land desolate and unused for the duration when families from the neighbourhood could be enjoying it.

For this reason, we have resolved to once again take direct-action and re-open Common Ground Community Garden to our neighbours and anyone who cares to enjoy it, beginning on Sat 12th April. We have chosen this date to tie in with a European ‘day-of-action for squats and autonomous spaces’, where similar activities will take place across the UK and in more than 20 cities Europe wide. (5)

As always, we hope that RBC will see sense and allow the garden to be re-opened. Clearly we disagree on what should happen to the site long term, but surely it does not make sense to see the site once again abandoned for a significant amount of time when it could be providing much needed green space and relaxation to people and families from around the area. We encourage RBC to support us and to discuss methods of alleviating any concerns they might have.

However, as previously, we aim to go ahead regardless of the the views of the authorities. We will always value community, democracy and common sense above property rights and beurocracy.

2. ‘Plan B’…

We recognise with sadness that there is a (hopefully very small) possibility that the authorities will not see sense and could succeed in physically preventing us re-opening Common Ground. But never fear, ‘Plan B’ is here!

In this situation, the entire event will simply be relocated into the Town Centre, taking place exactly as advertised but in the area immediately in front of the Civic Centre and law courts, behind the Police Station and just off Hosier Street. (6)

If members of the public cannot find us at Common Ground in Silver Street, they are encouraged to join us at this second location. Alternatively, people can ring 07774023475 on the day for up to date information.

3. Common Ground group joins anti-capitalists!

In early March, Common Ground Collective agreed to affiliate to anti-capitalist organisation ‘Reading Grassroots Action’ (RGA). RGA aims to organise in a directly-democratic way (i.e. everyone involved is equal), taking direct-action to defend and improve our lives, supporting other communities and groups of workers locally and globally and uniting and linking with others to continue the growth of the global ‘anti-capitalist’ movements.

Several people involved in Common Ground, including many of those who originally started the garden project, were allready members of RGA, and Common Ground view this step of joining RGA ‘en masse’ as an entirely logical one. The principles which underpin Common Ground – including opposition to developmentimposed from outside and above the community, a belief that land should be under the ‘common ownership’ of the people (its use decided by and for the benefit of everyone affected not by minorities for private profit), as well as our use of direct-action and direct-democracy – are taken to their logical conclusion in RGA’s more general anti-capitalist, egalitarian, communistic hallmarks. (7)

As Common Ground said in our very first press-release, “by cultivating unused derelict land without the consent of authorities and landowners, we present a positive demonstration of resistance to the (dominant) set of priorities which sees our local environment as just another (exploitable) commodity”. And by joining with RGA we declare our intention to continue this struggle in all areas of life, uniting to fight for “Everything for everyone”! (8)

4. Plans for new ‘authorised’ community garden in Katesgrove
progressing.

Meanwhile, several people involved in Common Ground/RGA, are working to ensure that an ‘authorised’ community garden is established in Katesgrove. As a response to Common Ground Community Garden, RBC offered two other sites of derelict land, to be used for such a project. Following meetings with both RBC, local councillors and Katesgrove Residents Association, plans are progressing.

The conditions of the RBC offer have now been clarified, satisfying all involved that there is definite potential worth working for. Katesgrove Residents Association have happily agreed that any ‘authorised’ community garden could be managed under their name, and research is ongoing into the method of legally insuring any such garden. All involved are very positive that this project can be realised over the next year or so, and we strongly encourage anyone iterested in any capacity to get in touch via Common Ground’s email address: katesgrovegarden@yahoo.co.uk

***********************************************************************************

Common Ground continue to meet at 3pm, every Sunday, in ‘The Turks’
pub on the London Road. Everyone who can agree to work within the RGA hallmarks
(found at www.rgacollective.org.uk) and Common Ground aims, is welcome to join us.

We can be contacted by email at katesgrovegarden@yahoo.co.uk.

************************************************************************************

Notes for the editor:

1. Taking inspiration from New York, where working-class, mostly immigrant, communities had illegally transformed hundreds of derelict lots into wonderful community gardens (see http://www.weareeverywhere.org), Common Ground was originally created by squatters and local residents in Jan 07 on land owned by RBC. RBC had left the land and surrounding buildings a needle-covered derelict junkyard for more than five years beforehand. Despite legal threats (including an injunction barring the opening and an viction notice being served), the garden was opened in May 07, recieving huge support throughout the community and beyond, as well as favourable media reports including television news clips. Over the summer, the garden was enjoyed by local people – young and old – everyday and several well attended community events were held in the garden including BBQ’s, live acoustic music shows, an art day and a talk by a visiting indigenous ‘land-rights’ campaigner from Mexico. Two ‘eviction days’ were seen off by local protest and refusal to cooperate, before the garden and nearby squat was finally evicted, through physical force, on 18th October.

2. Seven acoustic acts, ranging in influence across folk, punk, ska, country and hip-hop, are confirmed: Neil Sutherland ( http://www.myspace.com/neilsutherlandacoustic), Naomi-Hates-Humans ( http://www.myspace.com/?????), Sam Russo, Kelly
Kemp ( http://www.myspace.com/?????), Smoky Bastard ( http://www.myspace.com/smokybastard??) and Clayton Blizzard ( http://www.myspace.com/claytonblizzard).

3. Unite Group hope to construct a huge (300+ capacity) development on the site, renting rooms to students at overall prices potentially £1000’s above the average cost of university owned accomodation. This is despite two student halls buildings having lain empty for two years less than 200 yards away. For information and links to complaints and campaigns against Unite Group from around the UK, please contact Common Ground.

3. RBC is negotiating the privatisation (flogging off) of land which is currently publicly-owned, behind closed doors and away from the community and public. There has been no public consultation about whether the land should or should not be sold, let alone ‘who to’ and ‘for what purpose’. We do not consider a planning consultation to be be anything like adequate, as this would come after the land had been sold and planners can only consider specific concerns, not taking into account wider social or environmental factors. Democracy can only mean something if local communities have direct control over their own resources.

4. Please see http://april2008.squat.net for more information or http://www.indymedia.org.uk for articles about specific actions planned. So far we know of actions planned in London, Leeds and Manchester, as well as Reading and 20 other cities around Europe.

5. We have chosen this location as we feel it would be an apt protest
against the authorities actions surrounding Common Ground, as well as
expressing our opposition to the possible further privatisation of publicly-owned land
in this area and any potential negative effects against the market, which is of major benefit to low-income residents like ourselves.

6. For more information please see http://www.rgacollective.org.uk. RGA is currently based on the ‘Hallmarks’ of global anti-capitalist network ‘People’s Global Action’. These hallmarks and more information can be found at http://www.agp.org. RGA currently meets at 8pm every Thursday, in the Turks pub on London Street. Anyone who agrees to work within the hallmarks is welcome. Everyone is free to make proposals and discuss items on the agenda, all members (i.e. those who have attended four or more meetings) have an equal vote and roles of ‘chairperson’ and ‘minute-taker’ are rotated each week.

7. “Everything for Everyone, Nothing Only for Ourselves!” is the
slogan of Mexico’s ‘Zapatista’ rebel communities. RGA and particularly Common
Ground was greatly inspired by their struggles.

Common Ground
http://www.rgacollective.org.uk

I Bike MCR Festival

I Bike MCR is a grassroots festival organised voluntarily by a group of cyclists in Manchester, UK that want to promote cycling and bike related activities no matter how crazy they seem, such as Bicycle Polo.

They aim to promote cycling in Manchester and also introduce new bike sports and events to cyclists and to share our skills and experiences with cyclists that might not have had the opportunity to try something before e.g. bicycle polo or alleycat racing.

–Friday 4th April–
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=10032456724
Midnight Ride to Formby

Sunrise swim. Meet at The Sandbar at Quarter to Midnight to ride. Bring good lights, food, towel, swimming stuff, warm clothes, bike etc.

It’s about 40 miles and as its a night ride we’ll take to the road which we should have more or less to ourselves. A few stop offs for some light refreshment is likely.

“An adventure by moonlight. We’ll ride thorugh mostly traffic free country lanes, settling into groups to ride with people going at a similar pace. Stopping off now and again for a swig of something to warm us up. Flying through little villages, past dark fields, under a blanket of stars and a black sky dotted with bats…we’ll feel tired and wonder why we’re not in our beds at times and we’ll never get that nights sleep back. But it’ll be worth it. And as we ride into the sunrise and towards the shore of Formby where our cheerleaders, the red squirrels, will meet us..we’ll be glad we did it….even if it rains the whole way!!!”

–Saturday 5th April–
Bicycle Polo class
1pm Platt Fields Park

The MCR Dropouts bicycle polo team will teach you how to play the sport and help you get a team together for the tournament.

–Sunday 6th April–
1pm The Pankhurst Centre
Ladies Day
Clitical Mass Ladies Bike ride to Reclaim the roads and feel confident by riding together (and to socialise!)…with a talk about the history of cycling and women and a ladies only bike maintenance class.

–Friday 11th April–
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=22597226472
Hell Of the North West III
A fast ride around our city. Get to the checkpoints get back.
Alley Kitten Race- As above but on kids bikes or shoppers!
To participate in this event please register ASAP by emailing cantgoslo@gmail.com

Followed by party at The Sandbar, everyone welcome (whether participating in the alley cat/kitten or not). With DJs and a chance to hang out/socialise with MCR bike
community.

–Saturday 12th April–
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=12227197436
2pm Bicycle Art Parade
Meet at Cathedral Gardens next to Victoria station on Saturday 12th April at 2pm for a nice picnic in the park and to admire each others fancily decorated steeds and
riders (bring some nice picnic food and drink)..also if you don’t get chance to bling your bike before you come, there will be opportunity and materials to do it there…

Also there as part of the Autonomous Spaces Event will be Folk bands, a soundsystem, magic tricks, street theatre and art session! then we shall ride around the city showing off how great our blinged-up bikes look..

–Sunday 13th April–
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=9591312073
Beer Ride
Meet at Noon at Cathedral Gardens, next to Victoria train station for a ride into the peaks with a few stops at some nice country pubs.

We won’t be cycling uber fast but it is quite a distance (obviously people can drop off whenever they like). We will give everyone points to cycle to together and so
the faster ones get to the pubs first and wait for the others (which might slow them down on the next leg!)

Be prepared to ride about 30-40 miles at a steady pace. We hope to be back in MCR by the evening.

–Saturday 19th April–
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=22520893208
Yo Fixie III
2pm outside The Sandbar

An event for fixed gear riders. With comps inc: Track Stand, Track Skid, Sprint and more.

To participate in this event please register ASAP by emailing cantgoslo@gmail.com

The Sandbar have very kindly agreed to putting on an amazing “street party” type thing at the back of the bar, with a dj and outdoor bar, during the Yo Fixie event so even if you haven’t got a fixed wheel bike you can come down and watch the others and socialise with other bike lovers.

–Sunday 20th April–
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=9971607739
Bicycle Polo Tournament
1pm Platt Fields Park

Teams from around the UK compete to win the I Bike MCR Polo Tournament with a game of bicycle tag at half time that’s open to everyone to join in…so whether you’re a polo player or not come down with your bike and have a go..

ace prizes to be won!!

If you want to play with your team REGISTER ASAP at info@ibikemcr.org.uk

If you want to start your own team to play in the tournament but want some tips come to practise on Saturday 5th April, Bicycle Polo class, 1pm Platt Fields Park

–Friday 25th April–
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=14320240405
Critical Mass Bike ride
6pm Central Library

Followed by End of I Bike MCR Festival Party
(everyone invited!!!):
8pm – 2am Aqua Bar, Albion Street, MCR
With…
Bands: Cash for Your Stories, The Autonomads, The Kirkz and Hail Brethren
DJ’s from Pick Your Own and Longshot play Dub, reggae, ska, dubstep, disco etc
AND the Rollapaluza guys roll up to put on a Roller Race!!!

Roller Race- The final heats will be amazing short races after competitors have set their qualifying times. “It’s a drama – the gritting of teeth and twisting of faces,
as riders give everything in those 20-something seconds of each race. Only opera could portray the intensity and drama.” (Therese Bjorn, www.londonmessengers.org)

———————————————-
I Bike MCR Festival from Friday 28th March to Friday 25th April 2008
Email: info@ibikemcr.org.uk
Web: http://www.ibikemcr.org.uk/festival.htm