Happy Birthday!
It’s been five years since ‘Grow Heathrow’ started their
protest in an overgrown abandoned market garden in the little village of
Sipson.
Back then, Sipson was due to be demolished to build a new
runway for the airport. It wasn’t the only protest but it was one of the most important.
At the moment Heathrow has moved its runway plans but none of
us have any faith in them; at the first chance they will have another go.
Meanwhile, developers are trying to evict the protesters; the
next court hearing is in just under three months and we need to be picketing the
court when they are back in front of the Judge.
I missed the three days of celebrations because I had other commitments
and a broken rib or too didn't help either.
There were seminars, seed planting, art and music. I bet the music on
Saturday night was fun.
I most missed not being there for Sunday afternoon;
there was a revival of ‘The Enemy Within’, a play based on the words and
recollections of miners, their families and supporters recorded in 1985 just as
the great strike ended.
The discussion afterwards would have been fascinating and I would
have loved to share my memories of the strike with some young activists who use
completely different tactics to us.
It was the greatest of struggles and one that made me the
person I am.
Of course had we won it…..everything would be different (and
better) now.
In the meantime, all the best to Transitions Heathrow.
May you have many more birthdays!
Neil Harris
(a don’t stop till you drop production)
Contact me: neilwithpromisestokeep@gmail.com
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