The next blockade at AWE will be the Trident Ploughshares Big Blockade 2008, supported by Block the Builders. Details & links below:

Help disrupt illegal work on WMD at Britain’s nuclear bomb factory!

In 2006/7, Faslane 365 saw well over 1000 arrests during a year-long blockade of the Trident nuclear submarine base in Scotland. Last Easter, Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Aldermaston saw its biggest demonstration in two decades as 5000 people surrounded the base to mark the 50th anniversary of the first London to Aldermaston march. Trident Ploughshares now invite you to a major blockade of the Berkshire nuke factory, where billions of pounds are currently being spent developing new warhead facilities that will scupper nuclear disarmament for another 50 years. Help us uphold international law by blockading this factory of death in what promises to be a colourful celebration of life and people power. There is a role for everyone, arrestable or non-arrestable, young or old. This event is supported by CND.

Practical info:

Meet in Reading from 1pm on Sunday, October 26 for training, briefings, vegan meal sharing and networking. Crash space provided. Please get in touch as soon as possible if you or anyone in your party needs a bed or has other specific needs.

We are urgently calling for:

- Affinity groups and individuals from the UK and overseas committed to non-violent direct action who are prepared to blockade (carries risk of arrest and conviction, most likely for the minor, 'non-recordable' offence of obstructing the highway). This could involve anything from sitting down in the road to more sophisticated plans designed to leave the police cutting teams scratching their heads. If possible, come with a plan and your own equipment, and be creative!

- Donations to cover expenses (please make cheques payable to “Trident Ploughshares” and post to the address below)

And just as importantly, volunteers to:

- Do publicity in your local area (contact us for flyers and posters)

- Act as a local contact for your area and/or arrange transport down to Reading

- Do press work in your area

- Organise public meetings in your area

- Help with provision of bed space locally for those who need it

On the day of the action itself, we need:

- Drivers with own vehicle; people able to drive minibus.

Please contact Kate in advance:
Tel: 07748 015 601 E-mail: ktholcombe [at] aol.com

- Legal observers (some training will be provided on Sunday)

- Trained first aiders

- People to do gate support, peacekeeping, etc

- Music & other entertainment

- Food + hot & cold drinks (non-alcoholic)

- People to hold banners and placards and support blockaders

If you can help with any of the above, please get in touch.

We may be able to provide a speaker to come and talk to your local campaign. Please get in touch to discuss.

For any queries and/or to request a briefing pack, contact:

Telephone: 0845 45 88 361
Mobile: 07804 640 643
E-mail: blockawe[at]yahoo.co.uk ( remove [at] and replace with @ )
or write to: Trident Ploughshares (ML), c/o 15 Zion House, Jubilee St, London. E1 3EN (also the address to send donations to.

See Trident Ploughshares website for other information, and to download the briefing pack pdf: www.tridentploughshares.org

Visit the AWE Big Blockade 2008 Blog at: http://blockawe.blogspot.com