Saint George's Day event Runnymede to Parliament Square - Ceremonial Burning of the Magna Carta

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This weekend sees a peaceful series of events plannedby the PeopleInCommon Sunday picnic demonstrators, to protet against the SOCPA Designated Area loss of our traditional freedoms and liberties, with a series of events this Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd April from Runnymede to Parliament Square on Saint George's Day.

April 22nd and 23rd Reclaim St George Weekend

Come and help us beat The Exclusion Zone around Parliament*

There are four main parts to the action:

[1] From 12 noon Saturday 22nd April Overnight Camp at Runnymede [where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215];

[2] From 1pm Sunday 23rd April Welcome Picnic/Party from 1pm at the Tibetan Peace Gardens at the Imperial War Museum;

[3] From 3pm Sunday 23rd April a non-demonstration march from there to Parliament Square [please dress up and bring blank placards and banners]; and

[4] From 4/5pm Sunday 23rd April Tea Party and Burning of [and game of cricket for the Ashes of] the Magna Carta and s132 of SOCPA*.

There is also being organised a morning picnic at St Georges Hill Weybridge, on the golf course at the site where the Diggers began their revolutionary commune.

More info on all this can be found below..

--- What's It All About

The idea behind this event is to challenge s132 of SOCPA*, do a fun action, learn a bit about English history and Reclaim St Georges Day - for better or for worse, the national day of England - from the far right, all [to quote Shakespeare**] 'in one fell swoop'.

And also to mark the weekend with an alternative 'Freedom Marathon' [the Flora Marathon is taking place on the 23rd too].

We want to use theatre and fun to highlight Tony Blair's cavalier approach to our ancient constitutional freedoms [as embodied in and developed through the Magna Carta of 1215] but also to invoke the best traditions of the civil rights movement, by placing our action firmly in historic context.

And we want it to be a celebration of our eccentricity and diversity, a way of reclaiming England's national day from the far right, a way of bringing together people from different backgrounds in common cause.

Standing up for rights and against authoritarianism. And having fun!

More info on each section is given below.

The whole weekend breaks down as follows:

[1] Runnymede Camp from 12 Noon Saturday 22nd April 2006
[2] Freedom Marathon Walk/Cycle/Train along the Thames
[3] Picnic and Party from 1pm Sunday 23rd April 2006 at The Tibetan Peace Gardens, Imperial War Museum London
[4] Freedom March from Peace Gardens to Parliament Square leaving the Park at 3pm
[5] Ceremonial Burning of the Magna Carta and Cricket in Parliament Square or Victoria Tower Gardens [next to House of Lords] for its Ashes 5pm [which venue we use will depend on the crowds that day]

[1] Runnymede Camp from 12 Noon Saturday 22nd April 2006

--- Where and Why

Overnight camp at Runnymede Pleasure Gardens, by the River Thames, near Egham, Surrey. Bring tents, warm clothing, a good sleeping bag, water, firewood if you've got it, music, and some nice food and drink to share.

Bit of history: Runnymede Meadow is where the Magna Carta was signed in 1215. The Magna Carta marks the transition in England from the arbitrary Rule of the King to the more accountable period known as the Rule of Law. This period has now run its course, being abused by those who control the Law, the Executive and their lawyers. Time for the Rule of People! For more info on the historic significance of this document, go here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magna_Carta

--- General Info/Getting There and Away

Find more info on the Runnymede Pleasure Grounds site at http://www.egham.co.uk/info/runny.html#ground and also a road map of its location at http://www.zenatode.org.uk/maps/runnymede.html

Egham is on the Waterloo to Reading train line. The site is about a half hour walk from the station. It's also possible to arrive boat there from Windsor. For more info on the hourly services from Windsor Promenade to the Pleasure Grounds go here: http://www.frenchbrothers.co.uk/pt/pt3.htm We would like to encourage people to come by bike or by train.There is a car park at the grounds but this will be locked from 8pm til 9 am the next morning. The public toilets will be closed during these times though there are some pubs and a hotel nearby.

NB. The land we will be camping on is owned by the Runnymede Borough Council and so we will be camping their without permission. we have asked, in theory about their policy towards an event like ours, and have been told there is no camping. Therefore, in the best tradition of Democracy for the purposes of this event we will be breaking the bye-laws and reclaiming the land for people during the day and the night of the 22nd/23rd April. But compare this to the abuse of the law by our givernment. In the immortal words of Nike [meaning 'victory'] as one chap at the cafe there told me: just do it!

[2] Freedom Marathon Walk/Cycle/Train along the Thames arriving central London 23rd April

Talking of Nike, on the 23rd April 2006 in Central London the Flora Marathon is running so this is our alternative Freedom Marathon instead: but if you're daunted by this don't worry - by train from Egham to Waterloo the Thames route is easy, just 40 minutes! Or cycle the 30 mile route gently in 6-7 hours, 5 hours if you're quicker. By foot a whole day or night walking at a medium pace is required. At least one person - Dan - is doing it in two nights - call him onthe number givenat the bottom of this page fro more info if you're interested. One can of course cycle it much more quickly by direct river route but the riverside route is more beautiful.

Some individuals are planning to walk through the night, departing close to midnight, while others will leave by bike at dawn.

Please note that though this is a long journey, because there are regular railway stations nearby all along the route it's quite user friendly. You can choose to do as much or as little walking [or cycling] as you wish. All the relevant river stations are on the Waterloo line, and include: Egham [closest to Runnymede], Staines, Chertsey, Hampton Court, Kingston, Richmond, Kew, Barnes and Putney.

Info on trail and distances can be found here: http://thames.joncombe.org/thames_path.html

There are plans to provide walkers with breakfast, but overall the camp and the river journey are very much a DIY thing. So if you are in any doubt about the distance, come to the camp but think about taking the train at least some of the way..

Also, as I've mentioned elsewhere we're planning another Runnymede to London event in June, for the anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, so you can alway do more of it then, when the days will be longer and warmer, and you will be able to make good use of the experience of those brave souls who do it this time!

For more detailed bikers/walkers info on the river route go here: http://peopleincommon.cyborgcow.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=36

Diggers Picnic Tribute

There are currently plans to have a picnic at St Georges Hill,
Weybridge, on morning/early afternoon of the 23rd April 2006. Go here http://peopleincommon.cyborgcow.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35
for more info.

[3] The London Party 1pm Sunday 23rd April 2006

At The Tibetan Peace Gardens, Mary Geraldine Harmsworth Park, Imperial War Museum.

The Imperial War Museum is located between Elephant and Castle and Lambeth North Tube Stations.

Find info here http://www.southwark.gov.uk/YourServices/ParksSection/AZParks/GMHPark.html

This location is outside the Exclusion Zone. So we plan to enjoy a 'legal' gathering from 1pm before marching at around 3pm from the Park to Parliament Square. Bring music, ball games and food, and don't forget to dress up - Chivalry meets Cross Dressing meets Clowns meets Fairies meets the Suffragettes meets Alice in Wonderland! George says "Love your Dragon"! Also, all Jedis very welcome.

[4] March from Peace Gardens to Parly Square to leave Park at 3pm.

This march should take about half an hour to 45 minutes. Bring sticks, drums and music - let's make some noise!!

[5] Ceremonial Burning of the Magna Carta and Cricket in Parliament Square or Victoria Tower Gardens [next to House of Lords] for its Ashes - around 4-5pm

Come join us for the finale in the 'Forbidden Plaza'!

NB if the Marathon crowds are still big, we will stop at Victoria Tower Gardens. Info here: http://www.touruk.co.uk/london_parks_gardens/victoriatower_park1.htm

*SOCPA stands for the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005. It contains many silly provisions, including s.132 which criminalises peoples' freedom of speech in the Exclusion Zone. At the same time, within the same zone, the state actively encourages other forms of demonstration, for example the Flora Marathon: New Labour supports fee speech, but not free speech, such as ads on billboards and hoardings. For me that just about says it all.

** By coincidence aswell as being St George's Day 23rd April 2006 is said to be Shakespeare's Birthday. It is also the day he died. Spooky.

-- A Note about the London Party.

For the London Party, we want a colourful carnival to celebrate the goodness of this land, with children and families. Don't be afraid to dress up! The theme of the weekend is of course alternative St George, so think multiple English identities, a celebration of our eccentricity and diversity, perhaps cross dress [George in Drag - Dandy Lions, Fairies and Dragons] or perhaps come in medieval. Robin Hood http://www.lorellin.demon.co.uk/dcj/nye-robin-hood.jpg
meets Maid Marion meets Ru Paul!? http://www.inthelifetv.org/content/images/History_of_Television__1_2_590.jpg

Or more simply maybe just dress as a famous protestor from the past - Jarrow Marchers with flat caps and ties are easy enough - see http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/programmes/hob/images/audio_jarrow.jpg Or you could come as a Suffragette. Anyone for Mahatma Gandhi?!

We want to make the London part of the event as colourful as possible so that we can make a nice splash in Parliament Square. Bring musical instruments, games to play and toys for kids.

But if you can't dress up - no time or feel shy - don't worry, just come!

Any questions, give Mark a call on 0785 439 0408

Nice Alter'St George Image Here: http://www.galeon.com/allmusic/caratulas/b/Bob_Marley-Confrontation-Frontal.jpg

Hope to see you there!

1 Comment

I am trying to search for a spooky house that is abandoned, with items in it still. It is boarded up and is really old. To my understandings, it was built in the late 1800's. It is a red house. When i took my dog there, she sniffed a big shed/ storage area outside the house. I think that there may be somthing wrong. This house is located along the Red Bud Trail in Herndon and in RunnyMede Park. Please contact me at my e-mail address if any further info. is found.
Thank you.

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Everyone’s Guide to By-Passing Internet Censorship for Citizens Worldwide (.pdf - 31 pages), by the Citizenlab at the University of Toronto.

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About this blog

This web blog has been set up as an information resource and discussion area (please be polite in the comments) to help organise resistance to the restrictions on peaceful democratic demonstrations and protests, which have been enacted by law, in a wide Designated Area around Parliament Square in London.

It appears that in order to remove the peace protestor Brian Haw, who had been demonstrating continuously in Parliament Square, day and night, for over 10 years,(literally until his death in June 2011), the NuLabour Government overreacted, and granted themselves draconian and arbitrary powers, which affected the rights of all individual British citizens to lobby their Members of Parliament, or to walk in a vast Designated Area wearing a "political slogan" T-shirt, badge, rubber wristband etc. without first seeking prior written permission from the Police.

This is an affront to democracy and is not justified even on any spurious "climate of fear" alleged "security" grounds.

N.B. SOCPA ss128-132 is now repealed and replaced with less restictive laws, but there are still some peculiar restrictions and bylaws on protests around Parliament Square.

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Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005

The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 was rushed through, "on the nod", with minimal debate, during the undemocratic "wash up" process at the end of the last Parliament when the General Election had been called.

The bulk of the Act deals with the setting up of the Serious Organised Crime Agency, but there are also sections such as:

Section 110 Powers of Arrest

From 1st January 2006 this section makes any offence, no matter how minor, into an arrestable offence. Arrests by the police these days can mean taking 10 fingerprints and two palm prints, a DNA tissue sample and processing it into a digital "DNA fingerprint", forcing you to remove any facial coverings, (even those worn for religous purposes) to take photographs of your face etc. All of these items of personal data can then be retained forever, even if you are not charged, or any charges against you are dropped, or if you go to court and are found not guilty.

These new powers are regulated by the new statutory Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) Code of Practice G (.pdf)

Section 128 Trespass on a Designated Site - e.g. Crown Property or National Security

Sections 132 to 138 Demonstrations in the vicinity of Parliament - the controversial restrictions in detail.

The Public Whip website has details of how the Members of the House of Commons voted on these controversial clauses.

Brian Haw

Veteran peace protestor Brian Haw was physically camped out in Parliament Square since 2nd June 2001 until his death in June 2011

The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 sections 132 to 138 Designatd Area law seem to have been written to try to specifically suppress his protests, although, through sheer incompetence, the Government found that Brian Haw himself was initially exempt from some of it, since his protest started before the stupidly worded repressive legislation came into force, although a later High Court Appeal, at public exepnse, did apply the law to him.

See Parliament Square website for news and support details.

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Designated Area

The current Designated Area is set out in:

Statutory Instrument 2005 No. 1537 The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (Designated Area) Order 2005

Read more about the Designated Area in our category archive.

The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 section 132 to 138 have been repealed by the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 Part 3 on the Statute Book, but not yet Commenced by Order). This replaces the Designated Area with a much smaller Controlled Area - just Parliament Square Gardens and the surrounding pavements.

Mass Lone Demonstrations

Comedian Mark Thomas's website has details of Mass Lone Demonstrations which legally show up the absurdity of this law, and the bureaucracy involved in enforcing it. These multiple independent one person demonstrations take place on the third Wednesday of the month, from 5pm - 7.30pm within the Designated Area (often in Parliament Square, but not exclusively so)

Meet on the second Wednesday of each month outside Charing Cross police station (located at Agar Street, London, WC2N 4JP - see the map) any time between: 5.30 pm -7.30pm to hand in your Metropolitan Police SOCPA forms (download the optional Word or PDF forms from the Metroplitan Police) or your own personal Written Applications for Prior Permission.

Regular Protests in Parliament Square

Parliament Square - supporting the long running, 24/7, peace protest by Brian Haw in Parliament Square

Global Women's Strike who held "open mike" loudspeaker protests every Wednesday for over two and a half years, which are now banned.

London Critical Mass - group bicycle ride on the last Friday of every month, for the last 10 years, which often strays into the Designated Area.

The People's Commons Meeting / Tea Party / Picnic-Protest is now meeting every Sunday afternoon starting at 1 for 1.30pm on the Green in Parliament Square. wiki - new website PeopleInCommon.org

Website Links

Home Office - "Not fit for purpose. It is inadequate in terms of its scope, it is inadequate in terms of its information technology, leadership, management, systems and processes" - Home Secretary John Reid. 23rd May 2006.

Metropolitan Police Service

Metropolitan Police Authority - meant democratically to supervise the Metropolitan Police Service

Independent Police Complaints Commission

United Kingdom Parliament - Palace of Westminster, House of Lords, House of Commons etc.

Booking Parliament Square - Greater London Authority booking forms, terms and conditions for filming and photography for Parliament Square - "The GLA does not grant permission for demonstration, rallies and public meetings on Parliament Square Gardens".

They Work For You - a more user friendly version of the House of Commons Hansard

Pledgebank pledge:

"I will form part of a human chain around the Westminster no protest zone but only if 6,000 other people will join in."

Repeal-SOCPA-Info has useful briefing material for the Public Consultation into the laws restricting demonstrations, marches and assemblies, sample letters to MPs etc..

Blog Links

Spy Blog - Privacy and Security and Civil liberties campaigning

Mayor of London Blog - unnofficial comments on the Mayor of London and Greater London Assembly

Fuel Crisis Blog - Petrol at £1 per litre ! Protest !

Bloggerheads graphics of the 1km zone and the actual Designated Area

Charity Sweet - who has been harrassed for reading a copy of the Independent newspaper outside Downing Street etc.

BBC Travel Jam Cams

BBC Radio London has some links to Traffic Monitoring CCTV cameras, which they publish every 5 or 10 minutes, not usually in real time.

Whenever there is an "incident" or a march or demonstration, these online images are deliverately censored i.e. "not available for operational reasons", This is despite the images being of too low a resolution to identify anybody, and, the effect of not diverting traffic away from the incident, which should be the whole point of the online Traffic Cam images in the first place.

Whitehall / Parliament Square - this camera view sometimes shows Brian Haw's peace camp, and the "temporary" GLA fence around Parliament Square Gardens (removed >then rebuilt)

Northumberland Avenue / Victoria Embankment

Trafalgar Square (on the edge of the Designated Area)