Things are going to get creative at this week's Friday Peace Vigil. A group of anti-war protestors are organising a 'Make your own Banners' stall at which members of the public will be able to use paints, cardboard, cloth, sticks, and their own creativity to express their feelings about the government's bombing campaign.
Organised by sculptor, Lisa Meaney and civil servant cum aromatherapist Jo Brierley, the stall is an innovative way to produce personalised placards and banners for use on future peace vigils, as well as on the big demonstration that will take place in Sheffield city centre on the 27th of October.
Jo said that she hopes that lots of kids join in, and judging from last week's vigil where there were a large number of school children there are likely to be a lot of young people in attendance.
But, she says, the stall is not just for the young. "Vigils can be quite intimidating if you're just walking past. But there are lots of people who might want to talk more. We're there to break the ice a bit and get people involved. It's a way that people can come and talk about things they may not have thought of." And, of course, at the same time, "It's a way that people can come along and put what they think about the war on the placards that they are making."
Simon Nelson, another person involved in the project, adds that: "One of the spurs for the stall was a feeling that people in Sheffield had really strong feelings about the war but that there didn't seem to be a way of expressing personal opinions. Providing the materials - literally, the paint, and cardboard - for expression seemed like a way of helping stimulate discussion."
The idea for the stall came out of a citywide 'Project Group' meeting this Tuesday (the 18th) at which people swapped ideas and worked in groups to develop innovative ways to campaign against the war. The meeting was attended by about 30 people. Another Stop the War Coalition meeting on Wednesday (the 19th) billed as an 'Activists' Meeting' attracted around 60-70. There have also been meetings in workplaces, colleges, and local communities. As well as large weekend vigils.
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Contact: Rachel Cohen ~ 07932 646 163 ~ rachel@lara-cohen.fsnet.co.uk