Greenballs
06-25-2005, 03:09 AM
Hi Everyone
After three frustrating days, I’ve finally managed to speak to someone from the Royal Parks Agency. I explained to them that a group of Zimbabweans and fellow supports have planned a peaceful gathering in Hyde Park for 2 July 2005 from 10am to 10pm and that we would like clearance from them. They asked if I realised that this was the same day as the Live8 concert, to which I replied “Yes I do, hence the reason we are holding this gathering”.
I was told that they do not have the resources to allow another event to take place in the park. I explained that this is not an event, but a peaceful gathering. After much begging, pleading and grovelling, I was basically told “Go to the park, do what you have to do but be aware that you may be moved on by the police”. The woman I spoke to then added “you know what I mean don’t you” as if to say we have been given the nod unofficially!
This is the best that I can do everyone so here’s the plan:
We’ll meet at Zimbabwe House (The Strand, London) at 0930hrs on Saturday 2 July 2005 and then walk to Hyde Park at 10am. I will find a spot in Hyde Park that we can then congregate. Whoever cannot make it to Zimbabwe House for 0930hrs, please call me on my mobile (07818811715) and I’ll tell you where we ar in the park. The more people, the better!
I’ve been in touch with the BBC and received one of the correspondents e-mail addresses (Kathleen, thank you for this contact!). I will send you all a flyer by the end of play today – please send this on to as many people as you can. I will also send the flyer to the BBC who will then hopefully run a story and be there on 2 July 2005.
I’ll be in touch.
Best regards
Francisco
After three frustrating days, I’ve finally managed to speak to someone from the Royal Parks Agency. I explained to them that a group of Zimbabweans and fellow supports have planned a peaceful gathering in Hyde Park for 2 July 2005 from 10am to 10pm and that we would like clearance from them. They asked if I realised that this was the same day as the Live8 concert, to which I replied “Yes I do, hence the reason we are holding this gathering”.
I was told that they do not have the resources to allow another event to take place in the park. I explained that this is not an event, but a peaceful gathering. After much begging, pleading and grovelling, I was basically told “Go to the park, do what you have to do but be aware that you may be moved on by the police”. The woman I spoke to then added “you know what I mean don’t you” as if to say we have been given the nod unofficially!
This is the best that I can do everyone so here’s the plan:
We’ll meet at Zimbabwe House (The Strand, London) at 0930hrs on Saturday 2 July 2005 and then walk to Hyde Park at 10am. I will find a spot in Hyde Park that we can then congregate. Whoever cannot make it to Zimbabwe House for 0930hrs, please call me on my mobile (07818811715) and I’ll tell you where we ar in the park. The more people, the better!
I’ve been in touch with the BBC and received one of the correspondents e-mail addresses (Kathleen, thank you for this contact!). I will send you all a flyer by the end of play today – please send this on to as many people as you can. I will also send the flyer to the BBC who will then hopefully run a story and be there on 2 July 2005.
I’ll be in touch.
Best regards
Francisco