Aldermaston Watch

"Watch ... Expose ... Disarm!"

New monthly peace and protest camp

You are invited to join a new monthly camp at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Aldermaston, to add further pressure to the Block the Builders campaign to halt development of the next generation of nuclear weapons, and to assist the people's disarmament of Britain's nuclear bomb factory. This camp has been planned to support other campaigning work and direct action at Aldermaston, for instance by Block the Builders and the Aldermaston Women's Peace Camp(aign).

The first tent at an Aldermaston Watch peace camp, September 2006

Purposes

1. Monitoring & Watching
   • generally, to watch and inspect the UK's bomb factory
   • specifically, to monitor work on the Orion laser and related developments
2. Education & Publicity
   • generally, to encourage peace campaigners to visit Aldermaston, tour the base, and support lobbying work against Trident and new developments at Aldermaston
   • in particular, so that campaigners will come back to take part in future Block the Builders actions
3. Encouraging disarmament actions
   • the camp will provide space for affinity groups to form, meet and plan non-violent direct action at Aldermaston
   • the camps could (but need not) be used to carry out disarmament actions during them (their very existence may become a direct challenge to proposed new byelaws at Aldermaston)

Details

When?

last full weekend of each month, starting 23rd-24th September 2006, from noon on the Saturday; first three camp weekends are:

• 23rd-24th September 2006
• 28th-29th October 2006
• 25th-26th November 2006

Where?

initially meeting at Bluebell wood, near West Gate car park area (see map showing location of camp). If you are arriving much after noon, ensure that you have the mobile phone number (below) in case the camp has moved (there is a 'phone box at top of Bishopswood Road).

Northumbria Trident Ploughshares helped set up the first camp in September 2006. The layby for car-parking is on the right, those coming by public transport will approach along the fenceline on the right hand side.

Practicalities

The monthly camps aim to ensure a safe atmosphere for everyone, and that no violence or abuse is done to any person. For practical (not moral) reasons, we strongly request:

• no alcohol or drugs other than for medical purposes;
• respect for any agreements made at the camp;
• act safely and responsibly at all times.

Campers should expect to be self-sufficient in terms of food, camping equipment etc (nearby shops open until 10/11pm, public toilets are 20 minutes walk away, nearest bus stop 8 minutes). We may be able to provide spare tents or other equipment: ensure that you phone or email several days in advance if this will be needed. It is often possible to book bed spaces in the area: if you will need a bed/house to stay in, contact us as early as possible for suggestions. There are no special arrangements for looking after small children: please look after them constantly or arrange for someone else to. Note that the A340 road alongside the camping area is fast and dangerous. If bringing a dog, please ensure that (s)he does not cause problems for other campers, and respect the needs of those who may want a dog-free camping area.

At least one person or group with experience in camp(aign)s at Aldermaston will be present for each camp weekend. Some information will be available on the developments at AWE Aldermaston and their wider implications. Legal briefings will also be available at camp.

Activities

Limited only by your imagination (and occasionally by a fence or two).... Past activities have included:

• Monitoring construction traffic entering and leaving the base (watching and besetting)
• Meeting with others to plan future direct action (conspiracy)
• Playing football inside the base (disorderly behaviour)
• Walking around the base (inspecting or passing over)
• Challenging those working inside the base (incitement)
• Damaging property in order to influence the government not to develop genocidal weapons of mass destruction ("terrorism")
• Doing nothing and enjoying the sunshine (aiding and abetting crimes against humanity)

Cranes and other equipment at the Orion laser site, where work started in June 2006. This huge laser is at the heart of current works at AWE Aldermaston which will enable a new generation of nuclear weapons to be developed and built here.

Getting there

Best route for public transport is usually train to Basingstoke and Number 1 bus from there to Bishopswood Road in Tadley (leaves from stop on opposite side of road below station, near entrance to shopping centre, every 20 minutes during the day). Then walk north to fenceline of base, and follow it around clockwise until you get to the campsite (around south west corner of AWE).

Limited car-parking is available on the verge near the campsite. Bollards now prevent car access into the immediate camping area.

More details on separate webpage.

Contacts

• 0845 4588 368
• aldermastonwatch AT blueyonder.co.uk
• Aldermaston Watch: main page
• mobile (during camp weekends) 07804 640643
• Block the Builders website