Climate Chaos – Page 144

Critical Mass reports – London, Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol, Edinburgh, York

London:
The cycle police were pretty laid back and vastly outnumbered, though they did still try to manage the ride by blocking the front so that the back could catch up. What does it matter if a 1,000 riders get split into two or more though? Towards the end of the ride the police seemed to give up doing anything, they didn’t even try to stop a couple of cars going the wrong way down a one way street, and they just blended in and became a part of the Mass.

The police intervened with an incident with a young rider at King’s Cross. I couldn’t make out whether the rider had been involved in accident and the police were just taking particulars or if the rider was being reprimanded. Anyway this led to some booing from the Mass.

Participants did quite a lot of blockading traffic and even a small sit
down in Parliament Square, though this was probably celebratory and
defiant. Nothing was done to stop the sound systems playing in the SOCPA zone this time. The impression I got from other riders was that this was a very good Mass. I went expecting the worst and got almost the best.

http://criticalmasslondon.org.uk

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the incident at kings cross involved a rider being caught stealing a light from the back of a cops bike. the police got pissed and tried to arrest her but a few other riders, and unfortunately i mean a few, intervened and let it be known that it would be very difficult for the police to arrest her – which they decided would therefore not be worth it. i personally think that those on the CM should not allow fellow riders to be arrested – an easy thing to acheive when we vastly outnumber the cops.
respect to the few that helped out.

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The atmosphere on the ride was really friendly with a few small sound systems and a variety of pretty mad bikes and trailers adding to the magic. There were loads of new faces and people of every age and background.

There were also plenty of cops. They had talked to a few people as the ride met up at Waterloo Bridge and were seen handing some kind of paperwork to the owner of one of the sound systems, but no sign of any significant attempt to curtail the ride. Far from being oppressive, they kept themselves to themselves on the whole.

I personally got a quite pissed off a few times by seemingly inconsiderate behavior from the ride itself – for example, not letting pedestrians cross the road. In another example, a bus coming in the opposite direction was blocked by cyclists on the wrong side of the road and held up for at least ten minutes as a result.
The cops did grab a few idiots and give them some stern words on several occasions throughout the ride for cycling on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic.

The police made fools of themselves at Parliament Square when they tried to block the rides third or forth rotation around the square and ended up stalling the ride there for a good half hour. The ride would have moved off much quicker if left to it’s own devices as the ride likes to move and becomes impatient when people stop.

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Videos from London:

Quicktime video – video/mp4 9.3M
Windows video – video/x-ms-wmv 13M

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Manchester video rough-cut

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BIG BIKE BLESSING – Another great Critical Mass bike ride in Glasgow

About 80 cyclists came out to the Big Bike Blessing on this sunny evening in Glasgow. The priest from the church of the Holly Bikes were sent by St Cycle to help cyclists realize that by ridding their bikes they are actually saving the city dwellers and the planet at the same time. Every cyclists was praised as a hero, a savior for they are the only ones that can help this oil driven economy. They are the only ones that can bring fresh air to the contaminated city. They are the ones taking action on a daily bases no matter where they are from, what their religion might be, or what their profession is. The bike will save us. AMEN!

Holly oil was used to bless about 20 bikes and every cyclist was thanked for their incredible achievement, their heroic act of using their self propelled vehicles. They were told that the Great St Cycles is looking over all of us and that we will be looked after during our ride around the city as long as we stick together.

The ceremonious aspect of this gathering actually created some great interactions and made people curious to the point of wanting to know more. There were some very interesting discussion about our religious belief in bikes (which challenged people in their own beliefs). This also brought all the cyclists together.

As for cultural diversity, and just to show that it’s not about the religion but about bikes, there were a few people sending blessings dressed in a more Hindu style as well. There was even some strange reptile that decided to join the ceremonies of the day.

The Weird Bike Show brought out the ZEM (Zero Emissions Machine) once again, with it’s hopping sound system and provided the brothers and sisters from the church of the Holly Bikes a brilliant ride.

The promised Divine Intervention did occur around Trongate where a pair of shoes belonging to no other than St Cycles were carefully left on top of an electric box before he himself was taken to the sky.

As for the police charging cyclists of blocking traffic last month, there was a completely different vibe this month. There were two police officers on bikes that came along to the ride. They were very mellow and therefor were given quite a few blessings.

We also have some excellent footage that shows how fast bikes can get out of the way to let things like fire trucks and the police through. The only thing holding these emergency vehicles up were the motors … not bikes.

The mass finished in George Sq where everyone left was stamped with a ‘Bike Route’ Stamp ensuring a special discount to the gig at the Art School with Jumble Sales Sound System and Bedlam Boudoir fancy burlesque night.

For those that claimed Critical Mass was dead … I’m pleased to inform you that our numbers are still growing and we’re loving it.

Bless you Bike!!

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Bristol: Critical Mass yesterday was phenomenal. I think we had over 100 participants and it was flowing beautifully for about 40 minutes… Then of course some drivers, three I think, all got a bit impatient all at once and a couple of cyclists were knocked over, 14 police cars an ambulance and a riot van, two arrests later, tail backs from the Fountains right up past Stokes Croft… all got a bit nasty. It will be interesting to see if the press have anything to say and what the police presence is next time…

Just to be clear though, whilst there was quite a lot going on as far as I am aware at least one of those arrested got stuck in to the fracas after the police arrived and had nothing to do with the ride itself, and neither of the cyclists who were hit behaved inappropriately at any point. No motorists were arrested and the police let one hit and run driver leave the scene without formally recording an accident, despite him having deliberately rammed a cyclist and ruined his bicycle.

So, people, I understand there will be another ride on the 29th of May. Meet 5.30pm at the Fountains, leave at 6pm. Those of you who aren’t at Glastonbury that is. The more reasonable cyclists that attend the better we can create a good organic flow and have a safe and effective ride to celebrate cycling.

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I was at the Edinburgh Critical Mass yesterday, with about 15 or 20 of us there. It went along fairly peacefully, with the exception of the police in the middle of the meadows. The banner that someone had, had to be taken down, but apart from that there was no issue, apart from some tailbacks.

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York‘s May Critical Mass a success

Somewhere between 35 and 40 riders took part in this months ride including a number of new faces. Flags displaying statements such as “One Less Car” and “I [bike] YRK” were attached to people’s bikes as they assembled at the Minster. The large amounts of fliering in the previous week seemed to have had a wonderful effect, though the weather could have been better. We met some interesting responses along the way. When we reached the suggested end point of St Sampsons Square, the ride ended up continuing to circle the square for some time before finally stopping. It definitely looks like, having slipped to just 20 a month, the ride is heading back to higher numbers, and could make 100 by the end of the year.
At 6:05 the ride left, heading for Holgate Road and Poppleton Road. After crossing Clifton Bridge, the ride headed down Water End into Clifton, and after a messy turn, proceeded along Kingsway North to the roundabout, where the customary 2.5 rotations was achieved. The ride then followed Crighton Avenue to Burton Stone Lane, where the away team coach for the evening’s City match was found coming in the opposite direction. The ride turned towards town, in along Bootham, through Gillygate, through Lord Mayors walk and out along Monkgate, where the roundabout provided yet more fun. Back in, through Bootham Bar, and round the Minster, then over to the Assembly Rooms and Davey Gate. At this point, the ride approached the agreed finishing point in St Sampsons Square. Due to the cycle racks and phones, the ride went round the first side, where upon, instead of turning into the square, it continued onwards around and around. So immature, but so much fun!

Happy Birthday Camp Titnore! & Brecon pipeline camp news

27.05.2007
CAMP Titnore in Worthing, West Sussex, has this weekend been celebrating its first anniversary.
And as well as celebrating the achievement of the last year, it is looking ahead by calling for more people to join the occupation and for solidarity action against the businesses threatening to destroy the countryside location.

It was at dawn on May 28 2006 that a determined group of environmentalists moved onto ancient woodland off Titnore Lane in Durrington, near Worthing, in protest at plans for an 875-home estate, massive Tesco superstore and new access roads.
After many years of local campaigning had failed to persuade Worthing Borough Council to oppose the development, they said direct action was now the only way they could continue the fight.
They didn’t really think the camp had any chance of lasting more than a few days, or weeks at the most. And when the landowners won possession in the High Court in London in August, everyone was braced for an eviction, but fortunately it didn’t happen.
The landowners, and potential developers, then thought they would play a waiting game and imagined that the protesters would all melt away, or freeze away, during the winter, but they didn’t.
The fact that the camp is still up and running is testament to the battling, never-say-die attitude of all those involved. But now there is a need for more people to lend a hand and get involved, to ensure that the camp is still there, resisting this development, in another year’s time.
* People are needed to go and stay at the camp, even just for a weekend.
* People are needed to spread the message, raise funds and form support groups.
* The call has gone out for non-violent direct action against firms involved in the scheme, such as Tesco, Heron Group, Bryant Homes/Taylor Woodrow and Persimmon Homes.
More information can be found online at www.protectourwoodland.co.uk, www.southcoast.indymedia.org.uk and www.eco-action.org/porkbolter. Contact the camp on 07913 534083. For tips on DIY campaigning go to www.schnews.org.uk/diyguide

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National Grid start the eviction process at Brecon.

26.05.2007
National Grid paid a visit to the protest camp yesterday afternoon with a notice to leave the site.

National Grid have given the Brecon protest camp a landowners notice to leave the site immediately. They now need to take the camp to court to be able to serve them with a proper eviction notice which will then allow the camp to be removed by the police eviction teams.

More people are needed at the camp to get it ready for when the time comes as this is now the beginning of the last big push to the eviction.

Being on site for even a few hours is helpful, everything needs doing from cooking/washing up to building projects. Even if you can’t make it to the site there is still a huge amount to be done, email us if you need more info.

fightthepipe@hotmail.co.uk
http://www.fightthepipe.co.uk

Spies exposed in local activist groups in New Zealand

27 May 2007

27 May 2007
The Christchurch Save Happy Valley (SHV) group, the Wellington Animal Rights Network (WARN) and Peace Action Wellington (PAW) have exposed corporate spies operating within their groups. In Christchurch, Ryan [photo] had been involved in the group for 7 months, while in Wellington Somali [photo] had been spying for around 2 years.

The pair were employed by Thompson & Clark Private Investigations Limited, an Auckland firm that specialises in “covert physical and electronic surveillance” and “political activism”. In Ryan’s case, the money came from Solid Energy, while in Somali’s, it was likely to be the NZ Biotech Industry for WARN and the NZ Defence Industry Association for PAW.

Frances Mountier, spokesperson for SHV Christchurch, said “It is shocking that a state owned enterprise would use such insidious and underhand tactics to undermine the public debate on climate change”.

“Thompson & Clark are a leech-like company, feeding off political groups while making sure not to kill their main source of income” stated WARN spokesperson Mark Eden. “Companies that abuse animals like to keep their practices their dirty little secret, and it seems they will sink to any low to keep it that way.”

Peace Action Wellington has expressed solidarity with the other groups. “This corporate infiltration and spying combined with the spying and violence of the police is part and parcel of speaking out in this so called “democratic” State. We wish to extend our solidarity towards those other groups infiltrated seeking to do the same”.

The Save Happy Valley Coalition has previously exposed Thompson & Clark on two occassions – in February 2006, people at the Happy Valley occupation came accross two T&C spies on a ridgeline overlooking the campsite, while in September 2006 a camera with a powerful zoom lens was discovered at the start of the track into the Valley.

Media Releases: Peace Action Wellington | Save Happy Valley Coalition | Wellington Animal Rights Network | Alliance

Other Media: Sunday Star Times

World Naked Bike Ride comes to Southampton! Other UK locations – York, Manchester, London, Brighton

In the fourth year of this imaginative and spectacular environmental protest, The World Naked Bike Ride is to see its first event in Southampton on Friday 8 June.

On the weekend of 8-10 June 2007, in over 40 cities worldwide, people will be riding bikes naked to celebrate cycling and the human body. In the UK, the World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR, www.worldnakedbikeride.org) is baring all in London and Brighton on Saturday 9 June; and Southampton, Manchester and York the day before, on Friday 8 June. The ride demonstrates the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and is a protest against oil dependency. Cyclists and skaters are encouraged to “be there, as bare as you dare”.

Probably the biggest worldwide naked protest in history, WNBR differs from other mass cycle events because of its astonishing naked element. According to the organisers, most bystanders experience a combined feeling of “amusement, shock and disbelief”.

Southampton’s ride will take place on Friday evening, to allow participants to also ride in Brighton and London on the following day should they wish.

The WNBR dress code is “as bare as you dare” – participants are encouraged to wear “as little as they feel confident with”. Joining the fully nude contingent, some riders in London and Brighton last year wore shorts, bras, swimwear, body paint, wigs, sunglasses etc. Most wear footwear and bring bags to carry clothes. Body painting and adornment, customised bikes and other creative expression are all strongly encouraged.

WNBR celebrates the individuality of people’s bodies. Riders of all ages, sizes, builds and appearances are therefore welcome to participate with dignity and respect. “Most riders find the experience exhilarating, liberating, empowering. I’ve yet to find anyone who didn’t enjoy it” says Southampton resident Nat Ravelle, who has participated in the London and Brighton rides in previous years. “At the same time, it makes a great statement about the most vital issue of our times: curbing our excessive use of oil to ensure the future of the planet.”

WNBR Southampton will take place on the evening of Friday 8 June. Riders will meet at 6pm on Southampton Common – off Highfield Road, opposite the junction with Omderman Road. The route will proceed along Portswood Road and onwards through the city centre, and returning up the magnificent Avenue to the start location.

More details of the Southampton ride can be found at http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/uk/southampton

For further information, contact Rob, southampton@bikenaked.org

Man arrested in protest over Rotherwas road, Herefordshire

24 May 2007 – a man has been arrested after chaining himself to a digger in protest at the building of a £12.5m road.

Martin Wyness was held for aggravated trespass over his demonstration at Rotherwas Access Road in Herefordshire.

He was joined by around 20 protestors opposed to project which will link the A49 road from Hereford to Ross-on-Wye, to an industrial estate at Rotherwas.

Herefordshire Council is building it despite being refused funding by the government on three occasions.

Officials said they believed the scheme was not good value for money.

Funding is being provided by a combination of money from Advantage West Midlands and housing developers.

A council spokesman said it was needed to attract more businesses to the area, but protestors say it is an excuse to build new homes around the nearby villages of Bullinghope, Lower Bullingham and Dinedor.

A public inquiry was held in 2006 which looked at the council acquiring the land needed for the road, and construction work started last month.

Background info & other campaign news at http://www.rotherwasribbon.com/

Protesters against Bulldozers at Tara (Ireland) – update – more people needed

Since Sunday, May 20, protesters are blocking the use of heavy construction machinery at ancient archaeological sites in the Tara-Skryne valley in Co. Meath, Ireland. Construction workers are trying to begin work on the M3 four-lane motorway, although no public decision has yet been given by the Minister for Heritage Dick Roche to commence work. Reports state that the peaceful protesters who sat down in front of the machinery, were in some cases badly manhandled by the construction workers. If the protesters do not succeed in preventing the construction work from beginning, the archaeological sites will be quickly destroyed and the destruction presented to the public as a fait accompli.

The protesters at the moment are small in number and are made up of the Vigil Keepers, who have been keeping watch on Tara for some time, local people, and general members of the public.

To put it bluntly, if the protesters do not receive enough on site support, the construction company will be able to move the heavy machinery in, and in no time at all, Tara, ancient as it is, will be lost!
The protesters are calling for support.

Dr. Muireann Ni Bhrolchain of the Save Tara Campaign in Ireland wrote –
“It is quite amazing how one person, two people at a gate can stop them. This is the power of one, two, three … but we need you all now. If you care about Tara – now is the time to act.”

Protect Tara Campaign
protect-tara@gmx.net
http://www.protect-tara.org

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Collierstown under attack 23rd May

The machinery was persuaded away today, a young protester negotiated a deal with the boss – go back to Garretstown and we will not stop you there thus keeping them out of the Valley.
But the graveyard at Collierstown is in imminent danger and the two gates on the road, one at Collierstown and the other going to Baronstown need to be blocked completely tomorrow.
They are determined to push through there. The Spanish engineers were defending their actions tonight – they said the NRA told them to work on this particular section of the road.
Collierstown – coming from Dublin is after Dunshaughlin, Drive on about 4 miles to Ross Cross – the next cross road. Take the right at the cross road and the site is not far down that stretch of road. You also pass the Tara post office on the way.
The grave slabs are thrown about the place – broken.
There are bones littered on the ground.

Please anyone who can get up there asap. Very few up there at present.
Now – for Tara.
Ring 086- 17585557

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Monitors with video equipment are urgenty needed at M3 protest sites. Today (Thursday) there are reports of futher violence against peaceful protesters. Anyone who can get to the protests please do.

Location of protesters: Approx 5 miles past Dunshaughlan, turn right at first crossroads (Tara Post office on corner). Straight on and take first right. Down narrow, windy road and site entrance visable.

Daily protests are ongoing and a National Day of Action has been announced for Friday 1st June. Buses will be departing from Dublin, Cork and Galway. Full details to follow.
Related Link: http://savetara.com

Climate Camp To Target Heathrow (& new videos: Another End of the World is Possible)

Last summer, over 600 people converged outside Drax coal-fired power station for 10 days of sustainable living and collective education, culminating in a day of mass action against Drax. This year, the Camp for Climate Action will pitch its tents near Heathrow airport.

There will be a day of mass direct action aiming to disrupt the activities of the airport and the aviation industry, but in the interests of public safety there will be no attempt to blockade runways.

Although the location is different, the philosophy of the camp remains the same: to be a place for the burgeoning network of people taking radical action on climate change around the country to come together for a week of low-impact living, education, debate, networking, strategising, celebration, and direct action. The camp will feature over 100 workshops covering topics such as climate change impacts, carbon offsetting, biofuels, peak oil, permaculture, practical renewables, campaign strategy, skills for direct action, and much more. Run without leaders by everyone who comes along, it will be a working ecological village using renewable energy, composting waste and sourcing food locally.

Aviation is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, and all our efforts to tackle climate change in other sectors are undone by the massive growth in air travel. Holding the camp at Heathrow aims to highlight the lunacy of the government’s airport expansion plans, target industry giants profiteering from the climate crisis, and raise awareness of the need to fly less. The camp will also support local residents in their long-term struggle against the building of a third runway and the destruction of their communities.

It all comes down to us, now. We are the last generation that can do anything about climate change. In 20 or 30 years time, should we not change our ways, we’ll be committed to emissions increases that will see forests burn, soils decay, oceans rise, and millions of people die. If we don’t get this issue right, so much else is lost too.

We still have time, but not for long. Make it count.

Camp for Climate Action, 14th – 21st August 2007.
http://www.climatecamp.org.uk

To celebrate the announcement of the location for this summer’s CAMP
FOR CLIMATE ACTION – Heathrow Airport, we present:

ANOTHER END OF THE WORLD IS POSSIBLE
7 Video portraits of radical climate activists

“Apocalypse is always easier to imagine than the strange and circuitous routes to what actually comes next.”
Rebecca Solnit, Hope in the Dark: The Untold History of People Power, Cannongate 2005.

Another End of the World is Possible is a series of captivating video portraits of people taking radical action against the root causes of climate change. Ranging from an activist who occupied an airport’s
taxi way, to a teacher working with kids on a deprived housing estate, the portraits demonstrate the wonderful diversity of those who will be taking part in this years Camp for Climate Action in the UK : 14th –21st August. see the all at www.climatecamp.org.uk

The 7 – 5 minute long portraits are also posted on numerous video platforms including youtube,archive.org, daily motion,v-social – Quicktime copies can be downloaded from http://www.guidedurenard.org/bm/library/7 . If you want a dvd copy contact john@labofii.net

Interviewees are: Catherine – Climate Camp; Duncan Law – Transition Town Brixton; Pauline – Rite2No; John Stewart- Airport Watch, Julie – Growing Communities; Leo – Plane Stupid; Kevin Smith – Carbon Trade
Watch.

Destruction of Tara Temporarily Halted by Protest

Construction was held up on Fri 18th on the controversial M3 in the Tara Valley by a peaceful demonstration. A small group of concerned active citizens congregated at Rath Lugh at 5:30am. Rath Lugh is one of the seven outer defence forts of Tara which is only approximately 150m from the newly discovered National Monument at Lismullen. When workers arrived at 6:10am, they were unable to get their vehicles on site and gathered on the N3. The workers seemed unaware that the carpark they were using is the newly closed archeological site at Roestown.

Tara protest 2 Construction was held up on Fri 18th on the controversial M3 in the Tara Valley by a peaceful demonstration. A small group of concerned active citizens congregated at Rath Lugh at 5:30am. Rath Lugh is one of the seven outer defence forts of Tara which is only approximately 150m from the newly discovered National Monument at Lismullen. When workers arrived at 6:10am, they were unable to get their vehicles on site and gathered on the N3. The workers seemed unaware that the carpark they were using is the newly closed archeological site at Roestown.

According to the maps, the proposed route of the monstrous motorway was supposed to avoid the beautiful iron-age Hill Fort and Coillte Forest. However, since this section of the route was fenced off in December, the removal of ancient trees on the side of the rath has created a cliff face of the hill. The NRA plan on raising the level of the motorway to the top of the rise. This would result in it no longer being visible from the hill of Tara and isolating it from the Tara complex. Rath Lugh is a listed National Monument, but was conveniently not marked on the last Ordnance Survey map.

The demonstrators stood at two gates, one at Roestown on the East of the N3 and the other at Treret at the entrance to the Berrilstown archaeological complex. When workers arrived at 6:10am, they were unable to get their vehicles on site and gathered on the N3. The Assistant Project Manager for the M3 made himself known to the peaceful demonstrators. He seemed shocked as most people are to learn of the extent of the unresolved archaeology still sitting in the path of the 6-lane motorway. The workers seemed unaware that the carpark they were using is the newly closed archeological site at Roestown.

This was a magnificent subterraneancomplex with circular stone chambers joined by architecturally perfect tunnels from the 6th Century AD. Quartz capstones from this site were found in a ditch two weeks ago by a local person. This is an example of the practice of NRA archaeology.

Construction cannot be allowed to continue in the valley until a full independent archaeological assessment of the route through the valley is undertaken. NRA archaeologists have proven themselves inadequate in their professions through allowing themselves be pressured into premature conclusion of their studies. The pace at which they closed up the sites in April was ridiculous and the amount of archaeology still visible in the ground is insulting and unacceptable. This is disappointing yet not surprising considering the NRA have no hard ethics policy. The contractor who has commenced construction in the valley is Howley Construction. Their contract is worth 650 million euro. Can a price be put on the history and knowledge that is being denied and lost within this 6-9km stretch of the motorway alone.

When guards were called to the scene they informed the workers that as it was a peaceful demonstration they had a right to protest. After several hours of these environmental and cultural activists holding the space the construction workers ripped down a fence adjacent to the entrance but were unable to gain vehicular access. There was also a pitiful display of pigeon-chestedness by a lone worker in a mini-digger digging random holes. After the demonstrators moved to allow a local farmer access to cross the route to his cattle the posse of idle construction workers realised that the didle-idle demonstrators were not restricting them from walking on site. At 11:00am approximately they started a few heavy machinery on site but appeared to have run out of diesel after a couple of hours. The space was held at the two gates by the determined joyful group ’til mid-day today, over 30 hours later. No destruction or construction was done in the valley today.

Large cement pipes which were unable to be unloaded at Roestown were then dropped on the archaeological site at Collierstown. As the construction workers are using the access points for the archaeological sites, these are the first areas to be demolished. This strategic destruction of the sites gives urgency to the need for construction to be halted immediately in the valley while their destiny is being decided. The cement pipes at Collierstown are only feet away from the piles of discarded gravestones at the edge of the site. All fencing and site signs have been removed apart from a lone archaeological sign in Polish strewn in the stream that passes through the dismantled graveyard. Bones and teeth are still visible in the topsoil.

This monumental disaster must be averted. The terrifying magnitude of the situation where the destruction and denial of our national landmarks of identity for the personal economic gain of a few already very rich people is beyond comprehension.

Two local farmers stopped at the demonstration yesterday. One said that, since he received his letter of CPO in the post from Meath County Council four years ago, he has never signed his name to any contract or piece of paper. Last Monday, machinery moved onto his land. The other farmer explained how 15 acres of his land has now been isolated from his farm on the other side of the route and no access point has been provided.

The fact that it is governmental manipulation of community needs, vague and watery planning processes, the potential falsification of Environmental Impact Statements and the dnial of the integrity of countless national and world leading independent archaeologists and historians is beyond pathetic. The fact that the motorway won’t even solve the traffic congestion and could only get the commuters to the tailback going into Dublin 10 minutes quicker and that it is all being built by the Public Private Partnership and would have two tolls of €2.80+ on it is beyond a joke.

Who the féck do they think they are?
http://www.savetara.com/Roestown/

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A small number of environmental activists are holding construction workers at bay on the proposed M3.
They need help as quickly and as soon as possible.
On the Navan side of Dunshaughlin take a left turn, they are mainly situated on the Dunshaughlin/Dunsany road.
Ring the activist phone: 0861758557 for specific directions.
Work must be stopped until the election is over at least – and then there may be a chance for Tara.

5pm Monday May 21st – activists being fenced in:
News just coming in that at least one group of activists blocking an entrance have
had a fence built around them this afternoon.
More details as they arrive.

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Gatekeepers still holding

At 6pm today there were 4 gates occupied.

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PRESS RELEASE – TARA – Work Halted along Controversial Stretch of Motorway

Today in the Tara Skryne Valley a number of environmental activists prevented machinery from exiting construction depots along a controversial stretch of the proposed M3 motorway. The protesters maintain that no work should be ongoing along the route until directions are issued by Minister Roche regarding the new national monument at Lismullen. Two weeks ago a massive henge, 80mts in diameter, was discovered along the route through the Valley. Indications are that the henge was a ceremonial site connected to the Hill of Tara. No work took place along the contested stretch before lunchtime today.

The protesters, members of the ‘Tara Solidarity Vigil’ along with a number of locals blockaded gates along the existing N3 preventing heavy machinery from entering the site. According to Donagh Maguire, one of the protesters ‘A national monument has been discovered along this stretch of the road and all construction should be halted pending the Minister’s directions. We will not allow this monument to be destroyed in the same way that a number of other important sites have been destroyed over the last few months. While the country is obsessed with the election the NRA are attempting to quietly bulldoze through the Valley. We will not allow this to happen.’

The Campaign to Save Tara, an umbrella organization representing the majority of groups opposed to the M3 said it understood and supported the actions of the protesters. Michael Canney of the campaign said ‘We fully understand and support the actions of the protesters today, many sites have already been destroyed and it is very important that the public are made aware that we could be sleepwalking into a catastrophe for the county and the country if the NRA are not closely monitored.’

ENDS

Donagh Maguire 0861758557 (in the Tara/Skryne Valley)

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TARA SOS – Protestors being assaulted by M3 motorway workers. Ambulance called.
Tue May 22, 2007

Please come to Roestown as quickly as possible.
Protesters at Tara being manhandled by the workers, including the
assistant project manager of SIAC. An ambulance has been called for one
of the young women who has been injured by the workers. The Gardai are
standing by and have allowed the workers to take the law into their own
hands.
A young protester said:”The workers have illegally ploughed through 2
hedges to make a new entrance, they have assaulted the protesters,
because of the non reaction of the gardai and a young female protester
has been thrown and dragged around the place and now needs medical
attention”.
Why are trying to begin work in the Valley before the election? Why not
at Clonee? What is the rush with work in the Valley?

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Wed:
It is difficult to know how to describe what happened today. We have hundreds of photos and also video footage. To give a resume –
activists manned gates around the Roestown compound individually. They slept there last night. They were joined by member of the public during the day.
Some points need to be emphasised:
one young man was badly assaulted in front of gardaí as the SIAC manager urged on the Howley workers (the contractors on this section) to get him out of the way.
another young woman was thrown out of the way and hurt in the head etc.
another young man was thrown aside by the Howley workers
These by and large are ordinary working men – trying to earn a living. They have been told that they will be fired if they join a union. They did not get this job or take it on the understanding that they would have to behave as bully boys for the NRA.
Protesters were bullied, injured, pushed, intimidated, dismissed by the powers that be. The guards stood back as they were assaulted.
But when they realised that ordinary members of the public and university lecturers were present the attitude changed – so there is a great need for “ordinary people” to be present at this protest.
The election happens on Thursday – they want to destroy the Valley before there is a possible change of Government. The smaller parties have promised to move the road or to review the route or the whole motorway project. They are determined to bulldoze the Valley before then. We have to stop them. Now is the time to act for Tara.
The contractors are determined to attack the Valley – that means Collierstown, Baronstown, Lismullin –
The activists need your help.
It is quite amazing how one person, two people at a gate can stop them.
This is the power of one, two, three … but we need you all now. If you care about Tara – now is the time to act.
Watching three people being threatened by a reversing lowlowder into a small space, reversing into them was the most frightening experience of my life.
We need the academics there – the workers, the chiefs, the guards act differently when they are there.
Photos to follow tomorrow …
Please pass this message on. This is the place where all is happening. You have seen the aerials … you know what they want to destroy … stop them now!
Roestown/ Collierstown/ Baronstown/ Lismullin/ ……………………..

for information ring:
086 1758557
087-9249510
087 3171572

International Day of Direct Action Against Climate Change and the G8 – UK events: Haringey… (& Jeff Luers solidarity callout)

Friday 8th June 2007
Direct Action for Climate Justice – Resistance is Self Defense!

We all know the terrifying statistics: a million species extinct by 2050, 19 of the 20 hottest years on record since 1980, Greenland and Antarctica melting, droughts, floods, famines … the G8 have had over 30 years to address climate change and only succeeded in providing trillions in subsidies to the very industries that are destroying our planet and our future. And while the G8 continues to line their pockets, island states disappear and hundreds of thousands die as a result of the freak weather conditions caused by their irrational and uncontrollable obsession with never ending economic growth.

Friday 8th June 2007
Direct Action for Climate Justice – Resistance is Self Defense!

We have a ten-year window to act. As the megalomaniac G8 leaders meet in Germany, masked behind a barrier of fences and soldiers, intent on leading us further towards catastrophic and irreversible climate chaos, we must shout, scream and roar ‘no more’. Now is the time to take direct action and shut them down, them and their climate criminal industry friends!

The 8th of June International Day of Action Against Climate Change and the G8 has been called by the International Rising Tide Network. This is a call for autonomous, decentralized actions appropriate for your town, city, or local area. Use this international day of action to support local struggles against oil refineries, gas pipelines, strip mines and coal-fired power plants. Disrupt the financial backers of the fossil fuel industry. Organise workshops to spread sustainable post-petroleum living skills. Find a weak point in the infrastructure of resource exploitation and throw a literal or symbolic wrench in the works. It’s time to visit your local polluters and give ’em hell!

We already know of actions planned across the UK, North America, Germany, Canada and Australia and that’s just the start! By 8th June actions will be planned around the world. Pass this call out on to all environmental justice, climate action, radical sustainability and related movements in all the G8 countries and the Global South.

Rising Tide will create a collection of outreach and agit-prop materials (including this call out in five different languages) that can be used by groups around the world to organise locally. These materials will be downloadable from www.risingtide.org.uk and http://risingtidenorthamerica.org.
Direct action and civil disobedience are the rational response in this time of crisis. Support the 8th of June International Day of Direct Action against Climate Change and the G8! Tell us about planned actions for climate justice being planned in your community. Contact us – info@risingtide.org.uk and contact@risingtidenorthamerica.org

In June 2007 the G8 will understand the meaning of rebellion, revolt and revolution. Their recipe for catastrophe will be met with our worldwide resistance!

*G8 Day of Action Resources – Downloadable G8 day of Action flyers and posters.
*Organise a Critical Mass Bike Ride on the 8th of June – here are some leaflet ideas to help you.

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You could link your event in with Day of Solidarity with Jeffrey Free Luers, June 9, 2007:

June marks the seventh year that our friend and comrade, Jeffrey “Free” Luers has been imprisoned and held captive by the state. Sentenced to an outrageous 22 years and 8 months for burning three Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) at Romania Chevrolet in Eugene, Jeff has continued to be active in prison and fight back with his words and inspiration. Although Jeff recently won his appeal and is expecting a reduced sentence, this case is not over:

“I have spoken with my attorney and there are still many battles ahead. Hard choices will have to be made. I am by no means close to walking out of prison, just one step closer. This is a victory, and while my own personal struggle is making headway others are just beginning.”

We encourage people to organize events for Jeff and other political prisoners, uniting struggles for human, earth, and animal liberation. In Jeff’s own words:

“This June, show your solidarity with me, and all those who have struggled, past and present, to make this world a better place. Struggle with us. Hold demonstrations or gatherings at federal buildings or US embassies and demand change. It doesn’t matter what cause or issue you fight for – we are all connected. What does matter is that we stand united and make our voices heard.”

More at http://freefreenow.org/june2007.html

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>ANNOUNCED UK EVENTS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

HARINGEY CRITICAL MASS BIKE RIDE 2007

Can’t make it to Germany? Sick of the all those cars getting in your way on the autobahn! Don’t despair…join us on Saturday 9th of June for the 2007 Haringey Critical Mass. A leisurely ride down the Green Lanes to reclaim our streets and send a breath of fresh air to those meeting in Germany.

Saturday 9th June • Assemble 12 Noon @ Manor House
• Finishing at Chestnuts Park for a picnic •

All Welcome: especially cycles, scooters, wheelchairs, skateboards, rollerblades, pedestrians…
Supported by Haringey Solidarity Group www.haringey.org.uk

FOR CLEAN AIR AND A GREEN G8

WHY HAVE A CRITICAL MASS BIKE RIDE IN HARINGEY?
We are joining together on a Critical Mass Bike Ride through Haringey as a colourful and fun way of highlighting environmental and transport issues in the borough. In the week when the G8 are gathering in Germany and the day
after the International Day of Direct Action Against Climate Change we should also be focusing on the global crisis of climate change and the environmental impacts of oil dependency.

• It’s time we reclaimed our streets from the traffic and congestion that causes toxic levels of pollution and injury and death.
• We want cycle lanes on Green Lanes and all over Haringey to make cycling a safer, more viable form of transport.
• We want measures in place to reduce traffic speeds on all roads in Haringey, where dangerous driving regularly puts cyclists, children and pedestrians at risk.

WHAT’S THE G8 GOT TO DO WITH THIS?

• The G8 (Group of eight, most industrialized nations) Summits are hosted, on rotation, by the group’s member states. In 2007 the summit is to be held on 6-8 June in Rostock, Germany.
• While it seems to be in the news a lot, Climate Change is perhaps the issue that has received least attention compared to the scale of destruction that life on earth is facing. It is the most serious problem facing the world, more serious than international terrorism, according to the UK Government’s chief scientific advisor.
• Climate change needs to be higher on the G8 agenda. However, we cannot leave it just to the scientists and politicians to dismantle the carbon machine.
• This bike ride aims to highlight this issue through action and the promotion of cycling.

Let’s celebrate the freedom and pleasure of travelling by bike – it’s much more fun and much healthier than being stuck in a car in a traffic jam. This will be a fun day out for everyone in a safe, supportive, positive atmosphere, showing how much safer and more pleasant our streets can be.

COME AND JOIN US!

If you feel it’s time to promote cycling and encourage a more sustainable Haringey, or if you would like to get involved, visit the Haringey Solidarity Group website: www.haringey.org.uk

CRITICAL MASS – friday, London – may be the biggest ever? Plus Bristol & Glasgow call-outs

police have won a high court appeal. it means that ‘organisers’ of the critical mass bike ride have to inform the police ahead of time and negotiate a fixed route. since there are really no organisers, the mass will have difficulty complying. it is simply a get-together of cyclists to go for an unorganised but synchronistic ride. a large turn-out will complicate the enforcement of this repressive decision.

back in october 2005, after the introduction of SOCPA (serious organised crime and police act) section 132, controlling protest around parliament, police handed out their leaflets warning the mass may be controlled.

in response, around 1500 cyclists took to the streets in november, bringing central london to a standstill, and making it impossible for the police to enforce their crazy repression.

you don’t have a lot of time to organise, but if you want to build a similar event, it’s up to everyone to spread this news far and wide – leaflet, poster and recruit your local cycle shop, write to your local newspaper (“local person intends to defy police ban by cycling on friday”), swamp your mailing lists, and so on and so on.

remember, the critical mass is not an ‘organised’ event, and so cannot notify the police in advance of its route. since it’s not organised by any one person, it means everyone who wants a mass needs to do something this week to make it happen large! no-one will do it for you.

so start acting, and think positive and huge – if 1500 can come out on a cold november night over this issue, think how many might turn up on a pleasant may evening?

——

“One of the three appeal judges hearing today’s case did rule in favour of the cyclists. Lord Justice Wall said a ruling that the event fell within the Public Order Act was “potentially oppressive”. “The police, in my judgment, know what the cyclists are going to do. They are going to ride around the Greater London area. “That is a perfectly lawful activity, and if, for any reason, it ceases to be so, the police have ample powers to intervene.The judge said it was a valid argument that not only is the Critical Mass rally a part of London life, but that none of the bodies responsible for public transport in London had ever felt it necessary to ask the police to consider using the Public Order Act against it.”

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This Friday – 25th of May – Critical Mass

THIS FRIDAY – 25th of May – Critical Mass from the Fountains @ 5:30pm

Critical Mass isn’t BLOCKING traffic – We ARE Traffic.

Critical Mass is a monthly bicycle ride to celebrate cycling and to assert cyclists’ right to the road, happening on the last Friday of
every month in hundreds of cities and towns around the world. We meet at 5.30pm outside the Fountains near the Waterfront to set off by 6pm.

We take a leisurely ride through the city of Bristol for 30 mins to an hour allowing us to make our point and communicate effectively with other road users and authorities.

By getting cars to slow down for cyclists we hope to raise awareness for:

the benefits of cycling
the need for more buses
the need for more cycle lanes
cut down your driving
car drivers need to chill out
cycling is fun and there are lots of like minded people willing to do
something fun to help the environment.

Critical Mass isn’t BLOCKING traffic – We ARE Traffic.

for more info see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_Mass_%28bicycle%29
http://www.scorcher.org/cmhistory/howto.html
http://bristolcm.pbwiki.com/

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BIG BIKE BLESSING – A Mass for Glasgow Critical Mass

Come all, come many …see you there with holly oil.

www.glasgowcriticalmass.org.uk

May 25th, 5:30pm, George Sq, !!Bring your Bike to be Blessed!!

Who do you turn to when you no longer can cycle safely in the city?
The police? The Council? The Prime Minister?
No … we need something bigger. We need the most powerful force to protect our bikes on our journey through the city on the next Critical Mass bike ride. This is why we will be calling upon the All Mighty Lord to bless all of our self-propelled vehicles. Amen! A Divine Intervention will ensure our safety so we will be blessing the bikes with our holly waters, chanting holly hymns from the holly Bike Bible. Hallelujah! For it is the bikes that have been sent down from the heavens to save us and our burning planet. Amen!

Come all, bring your children and your parents, join the merry sounds of the Critical Mass.

Why?

There is a growing cycling culture in Glasgow that is not being addressed by the Glasgow city council. Although the bike is by far the quickest, most efficient and environmentally friendly means of getting around in the city, there are hardly any bike facility, bike lanes are paired up taxis and buses and the list goes on.

Although the city council claims that there are up to “375km of identified cycle route” (www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Residents/GettingAround/Cycling/) the majority of them are no longer than a couple of hundred meters before they get cut by a road, a building, or a parking lot.

Who?

Critical Mass, Urban Playground, Glasgow Kiss, The Weird Bike Show, and more

What to expect?

Well you should expect a safe and peaceful bike ride with other jolly cyclists, spontaneous interventions and a safe look into experiencing the city on a self propelled vehicle. As well a, a Giant Priest, a sound system on wheels, some weird bikes, a rickshaw, and much much more.

The What?

There is also a fancy dress party organized by Bedlam Boudoir and their incredible costumes. We will have the bicycle stamp on the ride which will allow you a special discount for the party later on. Special points for coming as a religious figure to bless bike and dance at party.

www.critical-mass.org
www.urban_discomfort.com
www.the-swarm.co.uk
www.glasgowkiss.org.uk

http://www.glasgowcriticalmass.org.uk