Mobilising

Here are a few hints for people who want to get more involved. One of the main tasks is to spread information about Aldermaston including its historic significance and its significance now.

Making Contacts

There may be other people or groups in your area who are interested in mobilising for the Aldermaston anniversary. These could include other peace groups, Quaker and other faith communities, Green Party, trades unions and churches. Contact other groups such as Stop the War and climate change groups. Not only are there connections but this is also a celebration of 50 years of protest.

Leafleting

One of the easiest ways to get the message out is by leafleting. This can be done in a busy shopping centre or at special events. There is a template leaflet supplied with this mobilisation pack or it can be downloaded from our website. You should not have any problems leafleting on the street but if you leaflet on private property (e.g. a shopping centre) then you may be asked to leave.

It is often more effective to leaflet with a prop such as a nuclear missile made from an old carpet roll, or banners. You could also run a stall (see below).

Stalls

It is easy to set up a stall using an old paste table, a few posters and publicity material (available from CND). As long as the stall is not excessively blocking a right of way in a public place then you have a right to be there. Some people ask for permission from the local authority or police, although sometimes this creates more problems.

Local Press

One way to get your voice heard in the local press is via the letters page. Editors love salient letters and this is also one of the most widely read parts of most papers. Your letter can be written in response to a current news story. You can also send in press releases and advertise events (e.g. speakers/public meetings). However, most papers are reluctant to print details of demonstrations beforehand.

Remember that there are often also parish magazines, student papers, trades union branch mailings, etc.

Speakers

Why not organise a public meeting? We can provide speakers for a public meeting or to talk to small groups if you wish. Make sure you publicise locally in advance. Please contact us to discuss how we can help.

Films

Films are often an easy way to get people thinking about a subject. They can be followed by a brief discussion. Remember to hand round a contact list for people who are interested in getting involved or going down to Aldermaston on Easter Monday. You can use this to contact them later with transport details.

Transport

Although it is possible to get to Aldermaston by public transport (click here for more information) it is often more cost-effective and environmentally friendly to arrange a coach to demonstrations.

• Publicise as widely as possible.
• Print tickets (they do not have to be complicated). If possible find a ­­­­shop, for example a friendly whole-food store, record shop or bookshop that would be willing to sell the tickets for you.
• Book a coach provisionally and well in advance. Check whether you can cancel if necessary (often possible for only a small cancellation fee).
• Work out in advance a specific place for your group to meet up. It may not be possible for the coach to get to a specific spot. The local organiser who is travelling on the coach should get the mobile telephone number of the coach driver so that they can find out where the coach is parked if necessary.