Current issue of Kingston Peace News
Aldermaston 2004
There was something very moving about seeing that varied column of peace
marchers with banners and placards snaking through the Berkshire countryside
on its way to the nuclear weapons base at Aldermaston. We've grown used
to marches in London but this was something different. It required a very
definite commitment and therefore was a positive way of making a statement
for a more peaceful world.
The organisers, in my view, were amazing and in spite of marching with
us all day were up early and finished late to ensure that meals in Sikh
temples, woodland coffee stops and matching people to their luggage and
appropriate floor space in the evening all worked out.
From a personal view though I'd have to say I will never be able to describe
myself as a 'Foot Soldier for Peace'. Some rather painful blisters made
me a total liability for my fellow marchers and particularly for immensely
kind and helpful friends from KPC. Thanks for all the help and encouragement.
Reflections: It was a great experience. It would be good if there was
a march every year. I felt we could have thought more about how we put
our message across to people along the route. Certainly leaflets to hand
out would have been useful. It's hearts and minds that we need to change.