Wales – Page 23 – Earth First!

PAD Cardiff Social Centre – OPENING

21.06.2007
P.A.D. opening barbeque this Sunday
from 3pm (come earlier if you wanna help)
food, music and all the usual treats, find out more about what’s going on in the pad.

21.06.2007
P.A.D. opening barbeque this Sunday
from 3pm (come earlier if you wanna help)
food, music and all the usual treats, find out more about what’s going on in the pad.
There’s also a work day on friday in the pad from 12noon.

PAD re-launched: a new Social Centre!
118 Clifton Street, Adamsdown, Cardiff has been transformed into a collectively run social centre. The “Peoples’ Autonomous Destination” (PAD) is due to be open in June. It will be a place, independent from government or commercial control, to socialise, meet other like-minded people, share ideas & enjoy food, drink, music & films. Importantly, the PAD will be a place for people to come together & organise around social struggles both locally & globally.

The PAD is run voluntarily so nobody gets paid & nobody makes a profit, everyone involved can have a say in how it functions, with no leaders or hierarchies. Anyone can come along to a meeting to help organise & take part in making decisions about the PAD. The space will be inclusive, open to all individuals, with discrimination not tolerated & diversity respected. For more about upcoming events or to get involved, e-mail thepad@riseup.net or come along to a meeting on Wednesdays at 7:30pm at The PAD itself. Find out more about other social centres: www.socialcentresnetwork.org.uk

http://www.thepad.org.uk

Brecon anti-pipeline camp eviction has begun (& updates Tues/Wed, press releases…)

19th June 2007
Brecon tree camp eviction has begun. Support needed!

Brecon pipeline camp eviction 19th June 2007
Brecon tree camp eviction has begun. Support needed!

The eviction will most likely last a few hours, if you can make it, it would be a great help!

Site phone: 07733190958

===============
IF U CAN GET THERE TAKE A CAMERA, THE EVICTION TEAM IS GOOD OLD NET FROM SWANSEA

===============
update

11:40am

A40 has been closed.

There has been at least one arrest.

================
PRESS RELEASE

THIS MORNING THE EVICTION OF THE BRECON CLIMATE CHANGE CAMP AT PEN PONT BRECON IS GOING ON. THE ROAD HAS BEEN CLOSED BETWEEN SENNY BRIDGE AND BRECON FOR THE EVICTION TO TAKE PLACE. PEOPLE ARE ENTRENCHED IN THE CAMP. TREE HOUSES WILL HAVE TO BE EVICTED BY SPECIALIST CLIMBERS AND TUNNELS BY CAVE SPECIALIST

WE URGE ANYONE WHO CAN TO GET TO BRECON TO PROTECT THE PECEFUL PROTESTORS WHO ARE REFUSING TO MOVE VOLUNTARILY DUE TO THE MASSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL DESTRUCTION THE 48″ PIPELINE FROM MILFORD HAVEN TO TIRLEY IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE IS CAUSING.

THE RIVERS IN BRECON ARE RUNNING AS RED AS BLOOD DUE TO THE SILTING UP OF THE RIVERS WITH THE RED BRECON SOIL. SEE FOR YOURSELVES THE MASSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL CATASTROIPHE THESE PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO STOP.

NO FOSSIL FUELS..

TELEPHONE

01639 632286

07790 727 250

================
No Embargo
**
*Pipeline protesters refuse to climb down as eviction starts*

Protestors have refused to climb down from trees on the route of the
controversial high pressure methane gas
(LNG) pipeline in Wales after being given a 10 minute warning by bailiffs to
leave the site or face being arrested.

Protestors have locked themselves together high up in the trees using
bicycle D locks while others have gone down into the tunnels they dug with
food to last for several days in order to delay National Grids multimillion
pound destructive and dangerous project.

One protestor has today said “We are willing to risk arrest as the
consequences of this pipeline will be far more devastating than spending a
night in a police cell. National Grid, as a private company, are putting
shareholder profit before peoples saftety, both locally and more
globally. We are putting ourselves in the way to say this is completely
unacceptable.”

Another protestor, from Bristol Rising Tide said “The Government, National
Grid Plc and other Corporations are continuing to build and profit from
fossil fuel infrastructure despite the clear fact that to prevent
catastrophic climate chaos, carbon emissions must be cut by 90% by 2030. So
it is up to people to take responsibility and take
action and that is why I am here doing what I can to stop this being built.”

The road from Brecon to Sennybridge, which runs past the camp, has been
closed by the police.

Contact:
Bristol Rising Tide: 07917 383517

*Notes to Editor*

Rising Tide is a climate action network dedicated to challenging the root
causes of climate change – the fossil fuel growth based economy. Rising Tide
argues that climate chaos is an issue of social injustice and that the
poorest will suffer most.

This pipeline, 4ft in diameter, will run at 94bar pressure – that is
96kg/cm2. National Grid have no experience of running pipelines at such high
pressure and it is unprecedented in Europe and the US.

In 1999, a family of four were killed in Scotland when a high pressure gas
pipe exploded by their home. Massive corrosion in the pipeline, and a
failure on the part of National Grid/Transco (NG/T) to keep adequate records
on what kind of pipes were being used, led to the explosion. Corrosion has
already been seen on the welds in the South Wales pipeline.

Since privatisation, NG/T have shed thousands of engineering jobs and cut
maintenance work. In 2000 it was revealed that Transco had underspent its
agreed pipeline maintenance and replacement programme
by £358m over the previous two years. This same corporation, accountable to
only its shareholders and board, is now supposedly responsible for the
safety of thousands of people along the route of
this pipe.

300 Construction workers at the Dragon LNMG terminal were recently on strike
over safety concerns on site. One workers was hospitalised and workers were
demanding safer working conditions.

================

brecon eviction update! 14:14

The Eviction continues with two arrests on the ground and people locked on in the tree tops, there are also people underground with substantial supplies! please support these people by donating towards fines etc on the “fight the pipe” website.

if anyone can make it they need the support!

peace love and fuck the pipe, national grid, national eviction team and anyone else involved XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

================

Eviction update…
16:49

There has now been at least 5 arrests, we have no idea who has been arrested yet as they are being kept on site at the moment. There are still people locked-on in trees.

The A40 has now been re-opened but is down to one lane.

RESPECT & LOVE to all those who will be arrested over this.

FUCK YOUR PIPE NATIONAL GRID, FUCK THE GOVERNMENT FOR LETTING THIS STUPID PROJECT HAPPEN, FUCK THE POLICE & EVICTION TEAM.

We stand proud and strong knowing we are defending our beautiful earth that others want to destroy in the name of money.

================

Cardiff- Brecon anti- pipeline camp court hearing

7.06.2007
A number of the activists who have been living in a tree camp near Breacon, Wales, attended a court hearing in Cardiff today to fight the possession order threatening to close the camp.

7.06.2007
A number of the activists who have been living in a tree camp near Breacon, Wales, attended a court hearing in Cardiff today to fight the possession order threatening to close the camp.
Activists from Cardiff Rising Tide and Cardiff Anarchists attended to show support and give out information about the massive pipeline making its way through the south wales countryside and how wider political agendas pushed by the G8 are destroying the environment.

Unfortunately, after about an hour and a half in the court, the possession order was granted with immediate effect. An injunction was also put in place against any interferance with equipment used in the construction of the pipe and against any protest within a certain distance of the pipe (anyone got more specific details than that?).

A number of police officers were also in attendance, filming and photographing anyone in the vicinity of the court “to ensure that an unbiased record” of the event is obtained, said PC GoodCop. Obviously, its very important to get hours of footage of activists sitting on a wall, smoking fags and waiting quietly outside the court. Ridic!

Solidarity with anti-pipeline protestors. Fight the pipe!

Support pipeline protesters, stop G8 climate criminals!

6.06.2007
Pipeline and G8 solidarity protest outside court in Cardiff tomorrow as authorities attempt to evict Brecon anti-pipe tree camp.

Protesters against the monstrous pipeline plowing its way through Wales are in court tomorrow as authorities attempt to evict the 5 month old tree camp in Brecon National Park. This is just one example of how the state is fueling climate change and preventing us from protesting about it. Governments all over the world behave similarly and this week the 8 biggest leaders (G8) are meeting in Germany to make more decisions that will impose on our lives. Whilst many of our friends are in Germany protesting against this undemocratic, centralised source of power we will be protesting outside the court against all governments intruding in our lives and the environment, both locally and globally.

6.06.2007
Pipeline and G8 solidarity protest outside court in Cardiff tomorrow as authorities attempt to evict Brecon anti-pipe tree camp.

Be at Cardiff Civil Justice Centre, 2 Park Street at 10.30am

In solidarity with our friends in trees and on the blockades.

Cardiff Rising Tide

Brecon Tree Camp & Reading Community Garden court hearings – evictions possible

National Grid are getting ready to evict Brecon, Brecon are getting ready to fight, please join us.

National Grid have set the court date to begin the eviction of the Brecon Tree Camp. There will be two people representing us, if you wish to be there ring the site phone on 07903152822. The hearing is in Cardiff on Thursday 7th June.

National Grid are getting ready to evict Brecon, Brecon are getting ready to fight, please join us.

People are needed on site, machinery has been moved almost onto the site and eviction is expected from maybe Friday or Monday, if you are available to come please, please do. Ring the site phone for information or for advise on what needs doing, i.e legal support.

This is it folks…

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

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Eviction of squatted community garden

A community garden built on disused council land was opened to the public on may 19th. The land had been was previously used as a shooting gallery by junkies, but was turned into a beautiful garden, outside official jurisdiction, by local activists.
The council, however, put the wheels in motion for the eviction, before it even opened.
But the opening was a great success and the garden has opened every day since (ignoring the council’s injunction).
At 10am on monday 4th June the eviction hearing will go ahead. There will be a demonstration outside, complete with press coverage.
There will be another demonstration/resistance on wednesday or thursday (a more exact time when we have it) when the bailiffs come round to evict and close down the garden.

Please show your support for this community project by protesting outside the court (Friar street, reading) or helping resist the eviction later in the week.

Many thanks, Katesgrove community garden collective

Brecon Tree Camp Open Day 9th June

Protestors against National Grid’s monster pipeline, need your support, come and visit us in Brecon.

To oppose National Grid’s 197 Mile long, 48 inches wide, 94 bar pressure gas pipe that is running through the Brecon Beacon National Park there has been a protest site set up along the route, this is currently preventing National Grid causing more destruction in this area. Having the camp is delaying work which will cost them millions of pounds and gives us time to work on stopping them indefinitely. It’s also fun, educational and free. Unfortunately the time has come and eviction is due any day now, so…

Protestors against National Grid’s monster pipeline, need your support, come and visit us in Brecon.

We invite you to join us on site for our open day on Saturday 9th June:

There will be:
Free Workshops (including Climbing Instruction by our qualified instructor)
Free Food (suitable for Vegans)
Information and display board about this pipeline
Free Accommodation (if you want to stay)
Advise and guidance in protesting
Fun, frolics and friendship!

This is the perfect way to learn more about why we are protesting this pipeline, what can be done about it and to experience life on a protest site.

The Brecon Camp is located about 5 miles from Brecon Town Centre, in the National Park on the A40 (West of Brecon). It is opposite Penpoint Church and is obviously marked with banners. Parking is available in front of the camp, or a bus goes along the road every two hours and will stop outside, or hitching is usually possible. If you want to come down but have difficultly with transport, email us, we might be able to help you.

For more information check: www.fightthepipe.co.uk or email us at fightthepipe@hotmail.co.uk
Brecon Tree Camp Site phone number is 07903152822

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

//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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

Activist Mediation Network – open for business

The Activist Mediation Network is now up and running. If you know of any activist group or activist individual who has a conflict which is affecting their ability to change our world for the better, then get in touch and we may be able to help sort it out.

activistmediation@aktivix.org
www.activistmediation.org.uk

We are continuing to run training days for people wanting to learn conflict resolution and mediation skills.

Upcoming dates
Monday June 18th in Norwich. Day 1 – How we deal with conflict, Conflict resolution tools, Basic mediation practice. Limited places available.
Book asap by emailing us.

We are probably going to do a 2 day course at the Earth First gathering in Norfolk, 18-22nd July. This is especially for those going to Climate Camp. It will go like this:

Friday July 20th – Day 1 – How we deal with conflict, Conflict resolution tools, Basic mediation practice.

Saturday July 21st – Day 2 – Practising mediation skills. Only available to people who have completed a Day 1 with us.

These days will only run if there is enough demand. There will be limites places and we may decide people need to commit in advance. Get in touch if you are interested.

Apologies that all these dates are in Norfolk. If you think there is a demand for a training day in your area, do get in touch.

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.

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.

————————–
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