October 03

Section 6 has already laid on a few parties, gatherings and other events; hopefully soon a vegan cafe will be up and running. Futher events planned include: film showings, photographic exhibitions, computer workshops and the occasional party. Section 6 is very much open to community activists of Stoke on Trent, and extends an open invite to groups and individuals who wish to put on events of a community based nature. The space is there for you to use. In particular they are looking for anyone who can provide massage and meditation workshops. Call the hi-rate squatline on 07769 871101 or email stokesection6@hotmail.com to offer time, skills or workshops, projects or ideas. For more on free space and social centres see:
Social Centre Network
The BlackStar Collective
Indymedia: free space

The McLibel Support Campaign have issued a call to action on the forthcoming 19th annual day of activism against McDonalds: this October 16th 2003. Last year, pro-earth/anti-capital activists made this day a great success in the Potteries. Some McDonald 'restaraunts' were targetted for graffiti action, and vegetarian activists organised a free distribution of vegetarian food outside the Newcastle branch. As well as feeding the hungry denizens of Newcastle, the activists also distributed information from Workers Resistance Against McDonalds and the original What's Wrong With McDonalds factsheet. Here's hoping for a equal success this year!

Sherwood Forest on Eviction Alert: Evictions begin

The Sherrif of Nottingham has given Bellway permission to evict the camp defending the trees: help is needed NOW!

The Grassroots Anti-war Conference which took place in London, 26th-28th September, was a succesful hotbed of ideas and discussion amongst grassroots peace activists from around the UK. Amongst the concrete ideas emerging from the conference (and from the march on Sep 27th) were:

• the establishment of a new antiwar grassroots network called 'GrassRootsOppositionttoWar' (GROW). This name was voted for from a shortlist at the close of the conference and won narrowly against the infinitely simpler Grassrotts Antiwar Network,despite valient rearguard action from the Anti Acronym Front.

• Forging links with North America, making bi-lateral grassroots antiwar campaigning a reality

• The burning of Bush effigies instead of Guy Fawkes on Nov 5th

• All antiwar/peace groups should adopt the 11th of every month as a day of action, as a mark of respect both for September 11th and for Remembrance Day, November 11th.

October 11th certainly will be an active day. Rising Tide will be holding 'NO NEW OIL' at the LSE. Closer to home, Yorkshire CND and CAAB are joining up to mark the international Keep Space for Peace Week by holding a demonstration at the world's biggest military spy base - Menwith Hill. Speakers, music, food and a trip round the base are planned and there be more on the day. The US is pushing full steam ahead with development of space weapons. We need to raise awareness now or we could see Star Wars in just a few years! Come to the demo - dressed as a celestial body!

Check the diary for listing of events in N. Staffs and beyond

ActionNet-NorthStaffs Homepage