CAAB report: 04.07.2004

The Annual 'Independence FROM America' demonstration and  'Ugly Bug Ball' at USAF Menwith Hill, North Yorkshire.

Dark threatening rain clouds hung heavy over USAF Menwith Hill and the surrounding countryside as 4 July dawned.  It was raining hard as Anni, Lindis and Christine set off for CAAB's annual 'Independence FROM America' demonstration.

Despite the squally showers, football final, mens' singles tennis final and no local transport, about 150 people from all corners of Britain came to USAF Menwith Hill.  They came with their protests, Ugly Bug Ball costumes, talents and love of life. Numbers were boosted by an enormous array of police from local forces; along with their cars, vans, patrol vehicles, video units, 8 horses, officers on cycles etc and Ministry of Defence Police Agency officers.

The public reading of the 'Declaration of Independence From American Militarism' was very moving, as was the one minute's silence to remember all those killed, injured and lastingly damaged by the illegal invasion of Iraq.  Christine Dean (mistress of ceremonies) had suggested this to everyone (including the police).    We  turned our backs to the base and gazed out over the beautiful view across the Nidderdale valley as we stood in silence.

A big thank you to the three speakers:

Mobeen Azhar - Leeds Stop the War Coalition

John Sloboda - Iraq Body Count

and Jean Lambert - Re-elected Green MEP

They all  spoke passionately and intelligently about the US/UK-led wars and occupation of Iraq, the roles of USAF Menwith Hill and the need for Independence FROM America. They made it clear that we were protesting against US Foreign Policy, not the American people.

Many thanks to the wonderful Sheffield Samba Band who joined us again this year.  Their energy, colour and sound was fantastic ... and amazingly they managed to join in the entire guided 4-mile walk around the base.  The walk stopped at several of the gates to hear information about the base given by Lindis.

The walk was led by a police van, four mounted police horses and a row of police which  completely obscured the leading 'Independence FROM America' banner.  We were frequently halted by the many police who accompanied it so as to keep it together -  for safety reason they said.    Rows of police also lined the sides of the base by the entrances and one of the public footpaths was only re-opened when the number of demonstrators peacefully outweighed them.

The Clown Army were brilliant and funny.  As the walk passed the two Portaloos the cry went up from one of them - "How many clowns can you get into a Portaloo"?  And they all piled in!  Smiles are disarming and even some of the most poker faced police officers couldn't resist their antics!

Delicious veggie food and drinks were provided throughout the day by the ' 1 in 12 Club' from Bradford who kindly stepped in a the last moment.

 

Steve again provided the drumming workshop and we thank him for his continued support.

 

'Independence FROM America' demonstrations were also held at USAF Lakenheath and the Joint Analysis Center at Molesworth.

 

There was a witness  again later outside the Main entrance to Menwith Hill, when Lindis returned  to make sure that there was a presence still there calling for 'Independence FROM America' up to the end of 4 July.

 

The next demonstration to be organised by CAAB will be on Saturday 2 October 2004 at Menwith Hill as part of the international call by the Global Network Against Nuclear Weapons and Power in Space - KEEP SPACE FOR PEACE WEEK.