Last month, London CND met with groups across the country at RAF Fairford as we called on the government to kick out US bombers hosted at the base. Kingston Peace Council's Sheila Wright was on the coach from London to Fairford and reports back:
People from all over London and beyond boarded a very comfortable coach at Kings Cross. We set off at around 8.30 after a roll call by Carol. The journey to Fairford village was event free and we arrived at 11.30. Posters and banners were put on display. In front of the church photos of school children killed on the first USA strike in Iran were placed with a minute’s silence. A very moving experience.
We had a wander in the pretty village to find lunch and then gathered to hear from our speakers. Inspiring, rallying speeches from Nuke Watch, Stop the War, CND and Filton 7. We gathered for the march to the base of RAF Fairford joined by people who live in Fairford. We carried out banners demanding a stop to the Iran War and the end to American bases in Britain.
The afternoon was hot as we walked the 3 miles to the airfield where the longest runway is situated. This is necessary for the B1 aircraft to take off on their 'defence' missions.
The march as it approached the base
As we approached the runway two huge B1 planes took off. The noise was excruciating, giving a sense of the power of the aircraft and the terror they would cause to the people of Iran.
We formed a human chain around the perimeter of the airbase. We added our banners and posters. Lots of personal messages of peace and doves.
Time came for us to return to our coach and for the journey back to London. An emotional and tiring day. Our rally and March was reported on BBC local news and local radio.