Last Chance Rally
On 9 March an anti GM rally was held in Stratford-upon-Avon before moving on
to Long Marston, the site of a farmscale trial. Never mind Shakespeare, it seems
that Stratford is becoming a hot bed of radicalism?
Ten days before the rally having publicised our event wide and far, Stratford
Town Hall got cold feet and pulled out leaving us without a venue. They stated
they wished to remain "impartial" on the issue. Several heart attacks later, nearby
King Edward VI School happily agreed for us to use their far superior facilities.
On the day of the Rally at last things ran smoothly with stalls, a giant bee,
balloon modelling, banner art, the 'Gene Genie' Exhibition and videos. Veggies
from Nottingham did a very fine catering job and there were expert speakers from
backgrounds ranging from genetic science to local food. About 150 people attended.
At 2pm a samba band led our procession through Stratford to coaches bound for
Long Marston. Once at the village we were joined by more local residents as the
band led us and our giant bee along the High Street. The march continued along
the footpath to the trial field where about sixty people climbed over the fence
and began to calmly pull up the GM plants watched by a handful of police. The
rest of the rally placed "GM Inside" placards all round the field and cheered as
12 of the crop pullers performed an elegant mexican wave.
Peaceful decontamination carried on for about half an hour until police stepped
in and made five arrests. It was a fun family day out, enjoyed by all, finishing
with tea and cake for everyone (including the police!) served by the local Womens' Institute
at the Village Hall. Those arrested were released that night on police bail and
welcomed by supporters who took them to enjoy warm hospitality offered by a local
woman.
Mick Davies & Jenny Sansom, Warwickshire FOE local groups