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Demonstrations - Have you? Would you?

(106 Posts)
Amagran Thu 17-Oct-19 09:07:48

Hello Everyone, with the upcoming People's Vote march on Saturday, I was wondering what causes have moved you to demonstrate in the past and what causes might move you to demonstrate in the future.

I have the greatest respect for anyone who is willing to stand up and do something for a cause they believe in: Leavers, Remainers, Climate change protesters, anti-frackers, etc. etc.

I confess, though, that I am a demonstration 'virgin'! I am joining the march on Saturday, going down to London on a march coach, but on my own. I would be very grateful for any advice and tips from more experienced demonstrators.

Amagran Fri 18-Oct-19 14:16:24

That's great Whitewavemark2 - I like Sandi Toksvig. (Not a fan of the new GBBO though.)

Amagran Fri 18-Oct-19 14:13:48

Fantastic GillT57 - see you there - I'll be the one in the EU beret grin! See you, too, SummerJ - unfortunately my OH is not really strong enough yet.

Thank you for your sound advice and encouragement notanan2 and Anthea1948.

Whitewavemark2 Fri 18-Oct-19 14:12:55

Someone else on the march.

SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENT: Join
@sanditoksvig
at the #PeoplesVoteMarch tomorrow!

Join the hundreds of thousands of us coming together for one of the biggest and most important protests our country has ever seen - sign up now: marchforthefinalsay.uk

Amagran Fri 18-Oct-19 14:02:43

Very sound advice, Camelotclub! grin grin

Camelotclub Fri 18-Oct-19 13:32:47

Just don't glue yourself to anything.

NotSpaghetti Fri 18-Oct-19 13:31:52

You are right Saggi it’s not a good name. But democracy is sort-of iterative... if it wasn’t it would probably be a dictatorship. It’s not to disenfranchise people, it to check we are doing the right thing.

GillT57 Fri 18-Oct-19 13:19:42

The march is also democracy saggi. I am going, my first ever, I feel so strongly about this that I feel I have to do something.

Saggi Fri 18-Oct-19 13:12:01

There’s me thinking we have had this vote already ...three years ago...No need for a people’s vote march....we are the people and we’ve voted already. It’s called democracy..

notanan2 Fri 18-Oct-19 12:46:42

From a practical point of view: stay hydrated but prepare for being stuck unable to go to the toilet so no flasks of caffine if that stimulates your bladder more than other drinks.

They can be colder than you expect. Standing still is much colder than moving, and theres a lot of standing about. Dress for colder weather than it seems.

Download twitter if you dont usually use it. If there is any kettling or "hot spots" to avoid you'll hear it there first

Amagran Fri 18-Oct-19 12:42:10

Oh I will certainly be peeved, Oopsminty, if there is no People's Vote. I might grind my teeth down to my gums, but I will try very hard not to hit anyone - not even BJ if I should be so unfortunate as to meet him! grin

SummerJ Fri 18-Oct-19 12:41:41

If social media is correct this peaceful march will be huge and you will be in good company. If the last one is anything to go by there may well be a lot of standing and not so much walking!!! OH and I will be there...

notanan2 Fri 18-Oct-19 12:39:14

Theres a thrill element too. Even peaceful protests can turn at any moment. Quite exhilarating either way!

Anthea1948 Fri 18-Oct-19 12:38:29

Good for you, Amagran. Like you, I have the utmost respect for those who stand up for what they believe in.
It's many years since I went on a protest march, but from what friends tell me it's important to remember the obvious things - comfortable clothes and shoes, a bottle or two of water and maybe food if you're planning on spending a lot of time there. And a thick skin - so that any verbal abuse will wash off you. And probably some good arguments for why you feel the way you do so that you can show you've researched the subject if you're challenged.

notanan2 Fri 18-Oct-19 12:37:03

Ive been on marches before.

I think once you get into it you end up in a bit of an echo chamber where youre all convincing each other that you are not just representing yourself, but also all of society and future generations.

Of course this is wrong. Your children/grandchildren/neighbours etc may not share your views at all!

Its quite a buzz. Being surrounded by passionate like minded people. Its quite addictive once youve been on one! But its a subsection and its not the real world.

Amagran Fri 18-Oct-19 12:36:53

Thank you for your lovely post WharfedaleGran. I will indeed report back! smile

Oopsminty Fri 18-Oct-19 12:34:51

No animosity from us Remainers, Oopsminty, we're a peaceful lot! As, I feel sure, are most Brexiters.

I'm sure you're right.

Mind you I doubt any of us would have thought the commuters would turn so wild with the XR chaps on the train.

Totally different causes of course.

I just wondered if word got out that the Deal had been passed, thereby causing no People's Vote, if people might be peeved.

WharfedaleGran Fri 18-Oct-19 12:32:27

Ps I do sign petitions, write emails, etc!

WharfedaleGran Fri 18-Oct-19 12:30:25

I've never been on a March, mainly for similar reasons to you, anagram, so I empathise deeply. However there have been a few recently, mostly brexit and climate related, that I wish I could have participated in. Since I came back recently to live in the uk (from France, in part because of brexit ?) , every one I've considered joining has been on a weekend when I've had to be at work, including this one. There are quite a few in our nearest city (Leeds) so I'll get my chance. Especially now that you've inspired me to overcome my fear of crowds and fear of going alone! I hope you'll report back on your experience - and that you have a great time!

Amagran Fri 18-Oct-19 12:18:09

See you tomorrow, GrannyBettie! smile

Amagran Fri 18-Oct-19 12:14:57

smile No animosity from us Remainers, Oopsminty, we're a peaceful lot! As, I feel sure, are most Brexiters. smile

Oopsminty Fri 18-Oct-19 11:47:17

What time is this march?

What time is the vote?

If... and it's a big if... the deal is passed might there be some animosity?

sarahellenwhitney Fri 18-Oct-19 11:32:53

Varian.
Exactly including N Ireland and the British colonies.

NotSpaghetti Fri 18-Oct-19 11:30:59

Yes GabriellaG54 we can all do that, and really should do! We can write even if we can't walk the distance! I confess I don't often get much more than a standard reply though these days, even when I try to enter into a dialogue, unfortunately.

absthame Fri 18-Oct-19 11:27:25

Aldermarston 1960 was my first demo. After that concentrated on movement for colonial freedom and anti-aparthied and support for abortion reform. Continued off and on for various causes that I sympathise with.

Unfortunately cannot make it tomorrow so enjoy it.

Oopsminty Fri 18-Oct-19 11:23:56

Biba. I loved that shop. Still got my black vest t shirt