Occupy Newcastle Update

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 13 November 2011 21:09:11

Got back to the occupation this afternoon, after a week or so's absence due to work commitments. The camp has changed; reduced in size and has lost some of it's energy. Now into the forth week it is clearly starting to take it's toll on those who are most committed and keeping the camp going. Last night there was another attack of sorts, not a violent one like those of the far right. This was drunks who decided to demolish the tent formally known as the prayer tent amongst other things and somebody who slashed one of the main tents. So when I got there my job was to fold up the remains of my tent, (i.e. the former prayer tent) and get it out of the way.

There was a general assembly this evening to decide whether to carry on. The overwhelming feeling was yes, but people had to commit to get involved and they needed to reinject some energy into Occupy Newcastle. They particularly need people about on Saturday evening and also people to pop in during the day and generally help keep the place going.

I had to run for the train and so couldn't stay for the whole meeting; was there for the discussion on the key decision though.

One of the things that has struck me is how, due to the prolonged nature of this type of protest, there is an organic turnover going on. There are the long term hard core committed whom I respect deeply, but there are others coming and going. I could write more but not tonight - tonight it is enough to say Occupy Newcastle remains and if you are in the North East and support the aims of Occupy please go up to the Monument and support the camp. Just a five minute conversation expressing your support is important.