THE NEXT NATIONAL DEMO IS SAT 12th APRIL.
Please See Below For Bristol Coach Ticket Details.

VISIT US:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristol-stop-the-war-coalition
OR:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristol-stop-the-war-coalition/links

BRISTOL-STOP-THE-WAR-NEWS : 1st APRIL 2003


1) Report Back: Critical Mass Demo
2) Vigil Party 4 Peace: 5th April
3) Reclaim The Bases: 5th & 6th April
4) Fairford Carpool, Maps & Directions
5) NATIONAL DEMO: 12th April
6) Public & Planning Meetings
7) Bristol Benefit Gig: 26th April
8) Peace Vigils Around Bristol
9) News: IOU's For Looting
10) Press, Race, Police Complaints


1) REPORT: CRITICAL MASS DEMO: SAT 29th MARCH
After 18 months of demonstrating in Bristol, on our own terms for the most part, it looks as if the Avon & Somerset police have become thoroughly tired of democracy & the right to public protest. Since the 20th March the Police in Bristol have engaged in a bodged & amateur clampdown which will likely result in at least one serious court case against them. In response to their zealous defence of the
most criminal regime yet seen in the U.S of A we need to change our tactics, so come along to weekly Thursday meeting at St. Mary on the Quay Hall for further discussion on what to do next. (See The 'Public & Planning Meeting' Section For Details).
Below is an extract from a report by John Serpico.
For The Full Report Visit:
 http://bristol.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=4664&group=webcast
"As soon as the protest began to move off from the meeting point at the Arnolfini, hundreds of police suddenly appeared from nowhere; at the front & back of the protest column & down all the side streets. Straightaway, the mounted police at the back, along with those on foot, were edgy & short tempered, pushing & telling people to keep
moving forward `for their own safety'.
Beside the usual lot from around Bristol, there were police from Yeovil, Chipping Sodbury & other areas of the South West. All who were asked denied that they were on over-time pay, although most were of the opinion that things could easily and quickly turn violent. Whether this idea was from personal experience or from what they had been told by their chiefs, they all appeared prepared to expect the worst.
After snaking its way through the centre, the demo was brought to a halt down by the coach station exit by a blockade of police vans. The police wrongly believed that the intention of the demo was to block the M32, so to avoid this they were directing everybody up past the Royal Infirmary & the Children's Hospital on Upper Maudlin Street.
Just a week ago, a hospital spokesman issued a statement calling on protesters to keep this area clear so as not to delay the ambulances. For some reason, the person in charge of policing this demo – Chief Superintendent Lewis – chose to ignore this request & forced the marchers in that direction. When asked if this was a sensible idea, various police suggested they had no brains to form an opinion while others gladly laid the blame entirely upon Lewis."
Also Visit The Link Below For Views About Where We Go From Here:
 http://bristol.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=4655&group=webcast


2) VIGIL PARTY FOR PEACE : SAT 5th APRIL
PLACE: The Daily Peace Vigil. TIME: 12noon onwards
(City Centre. Opposite the Hippodrome. St.Augustines Parade)
DIRECTIONS : CLICK BELOW
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?gride=358590&gridn=172858&title
After 10 days of stopping traffic, & generating general disruption to highlight our disgust at the complete devastation being rained down on Iraqi civilians by comparison, we figure it's time we gave our fellow civilian slave workers a little respite. On Sat 5th April we will be holding a Party 4 Peace in the City Centre, which won't involve annoying our fellow oil guzzling motorists.
As always we want to keep all central organisation of this event to a bare minimum, so as to allow the creativity of those amongst us more space to grow & flourish. Music will be provided, but please feel free to dress for the occasion, to make new banners & artwork, & to bring a happy temperament. Please also feel free to make your own leaflets for the occasion. We know it's taking a little time to get this understood, but we don't consider ourselves to have a monopoly on what's said or written. Your completely free to make your own literature, & to distribute it. The only restriction we have is that if you want to put the name of Bristol-Stop-The-War to a leaflet
you should seek the agreement of the main weekly meeting. (See Below)


3) RECLAIM THE BASES WEEKEND: SAT 5th & SUN 6th APRIL
Reclaim The Bases:  http://www.reclaimthebases.gzzzt.net/listing.html
A weekend of actions against US military bases in the UK has been called for the weekend of 5th & 6th April. The approach for USAF Fairford (from where the US B52's are bombing Iraq) is for a diverse demonstration whereby their is no centralised march, but instead a general call to attend Fairford on both days from midday onwards, & to also attend & support the Gate 10 (G10) Peace Camp (see maps
below). We aim to achieve this from the Bristol end by further encouraging the formation of a Saturday & Sunday Carpool. (See Below).
The Gloucestershire Weapons are holding a 'Sponsored Stop & Search', with prizes, in response to the excessive use of Stop & Search powers at Fairford. (See:  http://www.gwi.org.uk). You're almost guaranteed
to be stopped under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000. This allows vehicles & pedestrians to be stopped & searched for no reason. You may be asked to remove outer clothing (coat, hat, shoes) but no more than that. Bags will be searched & pockets emptied. Male officers may search women although they should not touch you. You should receive a
ticket after you've been searched. There is no legal requirement to provide your name & address. DON'T LET THEM PUT YOU OFF.
LEGAL INFO:  http://www.cynatech.demon.co.uk/legal.htm
PLEASE USE THE MAPS & DIRECTIONS BELOW


4) FAIRFORD CARPOOL, MAPS & DIRECTIONS
BRISTOL CAR POOL: Sat 5th & Sun 6th APRIL (+ every weekend)
Anchor Rd Coach Park. City Centre.
Meet in Anchor Rd Coach park @10-10:30am to share cars to Fairford.
(Behind the Watershed Complex. City Centre)
DIRECTIONS TO ANCHOR RD: CLICK BELOW
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=358500&Y=173000&scale=10000
We need more people to turn up with cars, & to put themselves forward as regular Carpool contacts. Contact Donna on 117 3774674 or 07951 654530 if you can help. People turning up for a lift should be prepared to share petrol money, to preferably bring a mobile phone, & to take the gamble.
DIRECTIONS TO FAIRFORD: Fairford is 6 miles east of Cirencester, 10 miles north of Swindon & 20 miles west of Oxford. Fairford is on the A417 going east to west. Or along the A361 going north to south, turning onto the A417 at Lechlade village. The A417 runs straight through Fairford Village. USAF Fairford is 20 minutes walk from
Fairford, along Horcott Rd.
PARKING: Is easiest in Mill Lane/Park Street. There's a free car park at the top of Fairford village High Street just north of the church. You can also try parking in nearby Kempsford (See Map Of Base Below). It's much nearer to the G10 Peace Camp, but also much more limited for parking.
ROAD DIRECTIONS: CLICK BELOW
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=410000&Y=200000&scale=200000
FOR A MAP OF FAIRFORD VILLAGE (Horcott Rd Leads To The Base)
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=415000&Y=201000&scale=10000
MAP OF THE BASE: CLICK BELOW (The Peace Camp Is @Gate 10)
 http://www.cynatech.demon.co.uk/images/USAF%20Fairford%20map%20b.jpg


5) NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION : SAT 12th APRIL
National Website:  http://www.stopwar.org.uk
The next National Demo in London is on Saturday 12th April. This is a short notice demo, so we don't expect to book the 60+ coaches we filled on the 15th Feb. (But if we do it would be very nice indeed if a few more of you out there in cyberspace lent a hand, as the hardcore are getting a little fatigued). Coach tickets are now available from Greenleaf Books (details below), & to spread the load a little further local groups will also be booking coaches. (Details To Follow).
PLEASE NOTE: Only tickets sold from Greenleaf Books will leave from Anchor Rd. Coaches from Local Groups will have their own pick-up points. (Details To Follow)
COACH TICKETS : £12 waged - £6 concessions. AVAILABLE FROM:
Greenleaf Books. 82 Colston St. City Centre (Top of Christmas Steps)
DIRECTIONS: CLICK BELOW
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=359000&Y=173000&scale=10000
COACHES LEAVE : Anchor Rd Coach Park @ 8:30am on Sat 12th April.
(Behind the Watershed Complex. Near @Bristol. City Centre)
DIRECTIONS TO ANCHOR RD: CLICK BELOW
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=358500&Y=173000&scale=10000


6) PUBLIC & PLANNING MEETINGS IN BRISTOL
a) THE MAIN WEEKLY PLANNING MEETING IN THE CITY CENTRE
We hold a Bristol-Stop-The-War meeting every week at the same time. This meeting functions as a way for local groups to inform each other of their intentions, of finding people to work together on projects, & a venue where large scale Bristol Demos are agreed & planned. We don't vote at these meetings, as we're not here to force adherence to a consensus view. We do instead discuss issues until we reach broad consensus.
DATE: Every Thursday. TIME: 6:45-8:30pm.
PLACE: St. Mary on the Quay Hall. City Centre. Colston Ave.
(Opposite the War Memorial). DIRECTIONS: CLICK BELOW
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=359000&Y=173000&scale=10000
b) HORFIELD PUBLIC MEETING : ALL ARE WELCOME
DATE: Thursday 10th April. TIME: 7:30-9:30pm.
PLACE: Friends Meeting House. 300 Gloucester Rd.
DIRECTONS: CLICK BELOW
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=359500&Y=176000&scale=10000
SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Tony Gosling (National Union Of Journalists)
As the invasion of Iraq continues, many people are increasingly concerned by the reality of Bush & Blair's war. We were told that the invasion was necessary 'to solve the humanitarian crisis', but it has made the crisis worse. Hundreds of thousands of people are without food, water & electricity. We were told that war was essential to 'liberate Iraq', but few Iraqis are welcoming the invaders. Despite the vast amount of information in the media, many people don't feel they are being told the truth.
THERE IS ALSO A HORFIELD PLANNING MEETING EVERY TUESDAY
@7:30pm. Friends Meeting House. 300 Gloucester Road. All are welcome.
FOR FURTHER INFO:  bristolstopwar@hotmail.com


7) BRISTOL BENEFIT GIG : SAT 26th APRIL
We now aim to hold regular benefit gigs so as to encourage local talent, to showcase artists of local fame (such as Rita Lynch), & of course, to raise funds for our antiwar actions. Rita Lynch & the Motivations last played to a packed audience of 200 people on the 8th Feb this year, & we expect a similar turn-out this time. We also aim to keep proving that going out on the weekend & getting blind drunk
to forget the world isn't necessary. You can get blind drunk at our gigs instead :o)
STOP THE WAR BENEFIT NIGHT - SAT 26th APRIL
PRESENTS: Guy Calhoun. Rita Lynch & Her Band. The Motivations, Featuring Sonic. Together these artists represent a defiant blend of Reggae, Rap, Punk Rock & Blues. NOT TO BE MISSED.
TIME: Sat 26th April. 7:00pm-1:00am. £5 waged / £2.50 concessions
(We've upped the price a little, but we feel we need to give the musicians a fair donation, & as the beer is subsidised we hope you don't mind.)
PLACE: Bristol County Sports Club. 40 Colston St.
(Top of Christmas Steps. City Centre)
DIRECTIONS: CLICK BELOW
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=358500&Y=173000&scale=10000


8) PEACE VIGILS AROUND BRISTOL
a) THE DAILY PEACE VIGIL: The Main Bristol Vigil is an open space for discussion, as well a crucial focus to our campaign. We've kept vigil every night since 9/11, & will be keeping Vigil for however long it
takes. DON'T MISS THE PARTY 4 PEACE ON SATURDAY 5th APRIL. (See Above)
********Peace Vigil Times Are Currently Open-Ended********
TIMES: Mon-Fri 5:30-6:30pm & Sat 12:00noon onwards & 2:30-4:00pm
(City Centre. Opposite the Hippodrome. St.Augustines Parade)
DIRECTIONS : CLICK BELOW
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?gride=358590&gridn=172858&title
b) EASTON VIGIL: Every Friday. 5:00pm-6:00pm
Corner of Robertson Rd & Stapleton Rd. DIRECTIONS: CLICK BELOW
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=361000&Y=174500&scale=10000
c) HORFIELD VIGIL: Every Friday. 2:00pm-3:00pm
Horfield Meeting House. 300 Gloucester Rd. DIRECTIONS: CLICK BELOW
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=359500&Y=176000&scale=10000
d) MONTPELIER VIGIL: Every Friday. 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Junction of Ashley Rd/Stokes Croft. DIRECTIONS: CLICK BELOW
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=359000&Y=174000&scale=10000
e) ST. WERBURGHS VIGIL: Every Friday. 5:00pm-6:00pm
Junction of Mina Rd & James St. DIRECTIONS: CLICK BELOW
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=360000&Y=174500&scale=10000
f) TOTTERDOWN VIGIL: Every Friday. 5:00pm - 6:00pm. Wells Road. (By the junction of St.John's Lane). DIRECTIONS: CLICK BELOW:
 http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=360000&Y=171500&scale=10000


9) NEWS: IOUs FOR LOOTING, OR............
LIBERATING IRAQI'S FROM THEIR HOMES
Full Story:  http://www.counterpunch.org/lindorff03312003.html
As the U.S. Army's 7th Combat Support Group, a unit of the 3rd Infantry Division, moved northward in the Arabian desert west of the Euphrates River towards the town of Najaf on March 26, the commander, realizing his exhausted men faced shortages of food & water, was looking for a place of refuge. He found it in the form of two Bedouin
families.
Drew Brown, reporter from Knight Ridder News Service who was embedded with the unit, reported that Col. John P. Gardner ordered the 2 families to leave their land & turn it over to his men. He reportedly gave them 'receipts' for the tents, dogs, chickens, bowls, pots & other possessions they left behind - receipts that neither he nor anyone else could tell them how they could redeem - & sent them
off 'befuddled' into the desert.
If any incident illustrates the true nature of the Anglo-U.S invasion of Iraq, this one is it. A modern army unit, bristling with the latest in high-tech, high-powered weaponry, purportedly in the country to 'liberate' the natives from the tyrant who 'enslaves' them, summarily casts 2 defenseless groups of men, women & children out of their homes into the barren desert, handing them worthless IOUs for their trouble.
Obviously Col. Gardner the liberator didn't do much studying of American history or he would have known that the 3rd Amendment of the U.S Constitution, the one that bans the billeting of troops in private households, was a direct result of the British practice of taking over colonial farms & households at will for the quartering of
Redcoat troops. It was this obscene imperial behavior, perhaps more than the issue of 'taxation without representation', that really fed the fires of rebellion in the U.S colonies." David Lindorff.
Counterpunch. 31st March 2003
VISIT OUR LINKS PAGE FOR ALTERNATIVE NEWS SOURCES
 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bristol-stop-the-war-coalition/links


10) PRESS, RACE & POLICE COMPLAINTS INFORMATION
a) POLICE COMPLAINTS AUTHORITY : 10 Great George Street. London SW1P 3AE. Help Line: 020 7273 6450 Email:  info@pca.gov.uk
WEB SITE:  http://www.pca.gov.uk/contact/index.htm
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b) PRESS COMPLAINTS COMMISSION: 1 Salisbury Square. London
EC4Y 8JB. Help Line: 020 7353 3732. Email:  pcc@pcc.org.uk
WEB SITE:  http://www.pcc.org.uk
c) BROADCASTING STANDARDS COMMISSION: 7 The Sanctuary.
London SW1P 3JS. Help Line: 020 7808 1000. Email:  bsc@bsc.org.uk
WEB SITE:  http://www.bsc.org.uk/fairindex.htm
d) BBC COMPLAINTS LINE: 08700 100 222
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e) COMMISSION FOR RACIAL EQUALITY: 201-211 Borough High St. London SE1 1GZ. Help Line: 020 7939 0000. Email: London& South@cre.gov.uk
WEB SITE:  http://www.cre.gov.uk/index.html
f) BRISTOL RACIAL EQUALITY COUNCIL : Colston House, Colston St. Bristol BS1 5AQ. Help Line: 0117 929 7899
Email:  bristolrec@compuserve.com

SAY YES 2 PEACE .... SAY YES 2 PEACE .... SAY YES 2 PEACE