Invitation

On the eve of the 60th anniversary of the bombings of the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we came to the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston, UK, to plant vines and fig trees.

"They shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Instead, everyone shall sit underneath their vine and fig tree and none shall make them afraid." (Micah 4:3)

Disarmament, economic conversion and nonviolence are vital ingredients for creating a just world in which everyone enjoys the earth's abundance.

In these fearful, suspicious times, we invite people all around the world to transform military bases into gardens of peace in which beauty and life shall flourish.


The Vine and Fig Tree Planters

Sr Susan Clarkson (England), Orla Cunningham (Ireland), Stephen Hancock (England), Per Herngren (Sweden), Mike Hutchinson (England), Barbara Smedema (Netherlands), Treena Lenthall (Australia), Martin Smedjeback (Sweden), Thomas Helgeson (Sweden), Les Gibbons (England), Lizzie Jones (England).

Statement

We are the Vine and Fig tree Planters community. We are committed to proactive and creative nonviolent resistance. . We come from different backgrounds, countries and faiths. We are united to proactively transform the atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston, UK, from a place promoting fear and death, potential for nonviolent living, to encourage a more creative use of atomic energy in our world, enhancing, rather than threatening to destroy life.

On the 4th and 5th August 2005, the evenings before the 60th anniversary of the bombings of the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we came, to plant vines and fig trees. We sought to enflesh the prophecy of Micah and are beginning to transform this place of research and testing of nuclear weapons, the ultimate tools of mass destruction, into an orchard where beauty and life flourish, providing shelter and nourishment for all.

"And they shall beat their swords in ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

Instead, everyone shall sit underneath her vine and fig tree and none shall make them afraid."

Micah 4:3

In these fearful and turbulent times now more than ever positive and constructive action is needed.

It is the time’s discipline to remember the death of all living and yet live.


Outcome 9 arrests bailed to return to Newbury Court on 21 September with multiple charges of criminal damage. We maintain the fence was enhanced - you decide for yourselves, think fig dream vine.

My first time posting - hope it was done correctly)