Gloucestershire Weapons Inspectors

26 Jan 2003 : Fairford - NO BASIS FOR WAR, NO BASES FOR WAR

Join the Gloucestershire Weapons Inspectors and the Greenham Common Initiators for a day as we visit RAF/USAF Fairford to inspect for weapons of mass destruction. We invite everyone to participate in this mass inspection of the BIGGEST BOMBER BASE IN EUROPE.

Click here for contact details of coaches coming from around the country on 26th Jan. And here for contacts numbers for enquiries and press.

INTRODUCTION: We will assemble in Fairford village at 12 noon on 26th Jan 2003. Please come in good humour and carnival spirit. We are aiming for a peaceful celebration of creative expression of discontent as to the conduct of the US and British governments as they prepare for war. There will be a procession to the main gate where we will ask - in our usual 'pantomime' fashion - to be admitted to inspect the base. If you're dressed up and want to join in check the script here... you'll be doing all the 'chorus' bits... but we'll have prompt cards to help things along.

This will be over quite quickly and we will be providing maps and directions for 'good' bits of fence to decorate. You'll have time to put up your artwork and explore the edge of the base to see other decorations and 'inspect' whatever is going on inside.

NVDA: Any NVDA is to be conducted as independent action - we do not have resource, nor are we proposing a mass NVDA at this event. If you wish to take direct action we suggest you link up with an experienced group before the event who can provide support and training. Here is a short legal briefing for RAF Fairford prepared by Lindis Percy at CAAB. Please contact CAAB if you have questions relating to this document - it is posted here for information only.

DATE & TIME: Assemble Fairford Village 12 noon on Sunday 26th January 2003. Protest will last approximately 3 to 4 hours and you will be able to return to Fairford village before dark.

PLEASE BRING: messages, banners, personal items and other 'art'ifacts to decorate the fences surrounding the base. Be creative!

IF YOU LIKE DRESSING UP: Come dressed as weapons inspectors in white decontamination suits. White overalls are available from many DIY stores including Screwfix Direct www.screwfix.co.uk phone 0500 414141 part no 17133 - XL White Polypropylene Coveral. £1.15 or £9.99 for 10 - next day delivery.

...and goggles - part number 18654 - EN 166.1.B. Wide vision, direct vent. £1.09 each or, £5.25 for 5.
and white masks - part number 13500 - Disposable, low cost cup mask. £8.49 for 50.

We also like to wear white plastic bags on our feet - held up by elastic bands and washing up gloves in bright colours.

Accessorise with decorated household appliances (a little tin foil and gaffer tape can transform the most mundane appliance) to use as hypocrisy detectors, smart bomb intelligence testers, collateral damage anticipation detectors etc...

DIRECTIONS: Fairford is 6 miles east of Cirencester, 10 miles north of Swindon and 20 miles west of Oxford. Fairford is on the A417 going east to west. Or along the A361 going north to south, turning onto the A417 at Lechlade village. USAF Fairford is 15 minutes walk from Fairford Village, along Horcott Rd.
FOR MAPS: CLICK BELOW
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=410000&Y=200000&scale=200000
FOR A MAP OF FAIRFORD VILLAGE:
http://www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?X=415000&Y=201000&scale=10000

PARKING: Is easiest in Mill Lane / Park Street free car park at the top of Fairford village High Street just north of the church. There is no viable public transport to Fairford. Nearest stations are Kemble and Swindon both over 10 miles away. There are very few rural buses, especially on Sundays.

COACHES: park as above if very large turn-out will need to drop off / pickup at Fairford and park at Fairford Leisure Centre where the police have arranged parking space.

If you are organising a coach please let us know (travel@gwi.org.uk) so we can publicise this for others who are travelling from your area of the country.