A day to build awareness of the role of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Early Warning Station in the North York Moors National Park, both among the activists and the public visiting the park.
We were all lulled into thinking the dry, sunny weather would continue, and so had prepared much paper material, and had imagined spending a sunny afternoon talking to people, exchanging ideas and walking on the moor. Around 30 people made the journey to Fylingdales. Unfortunately, it was wet, and so plans were much curtailed.
A walk on the moors
Despite the weather, a colourful presence was held at the main entrance. Much networking between individuals went on, and a letter was handed in to the Royal Air Force Commander. Walkers followed routes from Ellerbeck and Hole of Horcum; and, as had been agreed, the permissive bridleway was not closed and we cut across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) land to join the campaigners at the main entrance. As the weather was so wet, we retreated early to the shelter of the Quaker Meeting House in Pickering.
Over-policing?
It has to be noted, the MOD police presence was overwhelming, with the Hole of Horcum car park the site for a police incident unit and extra police cars. MOD police had been brought from all over the country. A route crossing MOD land controlled under military land byelaws and the rally at the main gate had been agreed after much negotiation between myself and the liaison officer. I am asking myself the question: what was the point of all the time spent negotiating with the police before the event?
The officers themselves were paragons of virtue in their wish to facilitate peaceful protest, and all our agreements adhered to; and yet, the orders from above resulted in a police operation that was oppressive.
With many thanks to the Yorkshire CND office and the workers there, and to everyone who turned up to support.
Sylvia Boyes
Trident Ploughshares
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