Superb rally at Birmingham this weekend. Started with a preliminary blockage on Saturday morning for the newspaper photographers. Total of 42 boats blocked the canal between Broad Street tunnel and Old Turn Junction. Today we had over 70 boats (Mike Stevens should be able to give an accurate figure, I understand he provided the final count for Saturday) blocking the turn outside the Mailbox, where the Politics Show was being broadcast this lunchtime. Massed synchronized horn blowing at the start and end of the TV program, and disciplined silence for the rest of the time. Live interviews for the show from the footbridge over the basin, but I couldn't see who was being interviewed. Also blessed by excellent weather to make it a real carnival atmosphere. As someone observed, when else could you have a political demonstration with only two policemen in attendance? One o'Clock saw the end of the show and the rapid dispersal of the fleet. A fair number attempted a synchronized reverse before winding in Gas Street Basin. Rumours that this is to be introduced as a new Olympic discipline where quickly scotched. Saw and chatted with Mike & Wendy Stevens (Felis Catus III), and Mike Anson (Joanna) from the lists, and with many others who were near me in the blockade.
Terry Streeter NB Arun - Birmingham
