Occupy Menwith Hill
15th - 17th April
Join us for 3 days of peaceful, poetic & creative protest at Menwith Hill, the largest US spy station outside the United States and a key part of the Military-Industrial complex in Yorkshire — a US enclave with a dark role in global intelligence gathering and warfare.
Between 15th and 17th April an Occupy Menwith camp will be set up to host a range of events that will explore the base's role in militarism and surveillance society as well as providing a creative space to look at practical ways we can oppose it. There will be music, creative actions, banner making, peace walks, workshops and more.
Provisional Events schedule
Sunday 15th April
1.00pm onwards: Set up camp
6.30pm: General Assembly – Why are we here, and what are our aims?
7.30pm: Food, lively discussion and music
Monday 16th April
11.00am: A Walkers Guide to Menwith Hill – guided walk, taking in the protected flora and fauna alongside the military base
1.00pm onwards: Creative space for site art, banner making and White Flag actions
3.30-4.30pm: An Introduction to Non Violent Direct Action (Workshop)
4.30-5.30pm: Legal Briefing / Call for legal observers
6.30pm: General Assembly – Evolving a Statement?
7.30pm onwards: Food, lively discussion and topical films
Tuesday 17th April
Global Day of Action Against Military Spending
10.00am-12 noon: White Flag Actions
12-1:00pm: Activism Workshop – How Can we Oppose Militarism in Our Communities? (by Sylvia Boyles)
1.00-2.00pm: Talk – The Rise of Global Militarisation and the Politics of Control, with tales of Opposition from the Island of Jeju (by Prof. Dave Webb, CND)
2.00-2.45pm: Talk – Conscientious Objection: Why I Couldn’t Serve in Afganistan (by Joe Glenton)
3.00-4.00pm: Talk – 21st Century Warfare, Covert Drone Strikes and Remote Control Weaponry (by Steve Schofield)
4.00-5.00pm: Talk – The Battle to Control the Internet: Censorship and Freedom in the Digital Age
6.00-7.30pm: Lively procession to Main Entrance, surrounding the base with White Flags along the way, with speakers and a General Assembly at the gates.
8.00pm: Food, music, fire show and reflection on the day’s events.
Ways you can get involved
- We'll be meeting on Wednesday 11th April at 7.30pm to discuss ideas for the camp at the central Leeds Quaker meeting house, 188 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9DX. Come join in the discussion.
- Spread the word - Check out the new Occupy Menwith website or Facebook for more details.
- Contribute online by sharing music, pictures and messages for peace on our Playlist for Peace.
- Share your message of peace - we will be creating and surrounding the base with flags with messages of peace. Share your message online, make your own flag to bring along or come to the camp to make one.
- Let us know if you can offer any support or resources for the camp.
- We're planning to have a "Menwith Hill Express" service from Leeds/Bradford to the camp but if you can help out with transport to and from the camp from your area do get in touch.
And of course please come and join us on the camp, whether you want to pitch up for the whole event or just come down for the day!
For any other queries or to contribute in any of the ways above, contact Dominic at Yorkshire CND at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 01274 730795
These events are organised by Yorkshire CND