On Wednesday, October 04, 2006 5:31 PM [GMT+1=CET],
Will Chapman <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Susan Burchett wrote:
>> Will definitely try to take part. Probably at Mailbox. Westminster
>> is going to cause problems due to vhf radios and the ammount of
>> boats being locked through Limehouse.
>
> True. However, maybe (overly) busy locks is part of the process of
> protest? Also, given the reality that this is about helping to secure
> jobs for lockies (and other waterways employees), I can't really see
> lock keepers being anything other than their usual very helpful
> selves.
>
> In fact, this just emphasizes the importance of organising the protest
> properly. We need to have a handle on the number and timing of boats
> and then discuss the logistics with the lock keepers.
There are organisations (St Pancras Cruising Club and IWA S London Branch)
with experience of taking large convoys of boats out of Limehouse, including
campaign cruises to Parliament. I hear as yet unconfirmed rumours that such
a thing is under consideration in IWA circles. If it's to be done, then one
really big "hit" on the Thames would be more newsworthy than several smaller
ones. A big Thames one with supporting events in other parts of the country
would be even better. As plans become firmer, I will put them up on the
"defracuts" web site I'm developing, which I hope to launch properly in
about a week's time.
One other thought. Might we be making a tactical mistake is centering our
visible protest on boats? The campaign won't be won by boaters alone, nor
will it be won if its image is that it's all about boaters. Might it be a
better tactic to link up with all the other waterway users,walkers, angler,
cyclists, businesses, local communities etc that will be adversely affected
by the result of the cuts and organise a *really big* protest rally in
somewhere like Trafalgar Square or Hyde Park?
Mike Stevens
narrowboat Felis Catus III
web-site www.mike-stevens.co.uk
No man is an island. So is Man.
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