Did anyone go on an Anti-War protest this weekend and how can I find out when the next ones will be?

[Tinker]

Hope someone can help. In the spirit of protest for protest's sake and to give this govt a give kick out of complacency, am keen to go on an anti-war march/protest. Same attitude makes me in favour on the firefighter's dispute. However, was most dismayed to discover there had been an anti-war protest in Liverpool this weekend that I hadn't heard about beforehand. So, anyone, where/how did you hear about one? I didn't notice anything in papers last week - but could have just missed something obvious! Thanks

No I didn't but there is one on 15th February. I might come too. Details here

Thanks www, But, bummer, it just looks like London

Tinker, I only heard about the ones this weekend on the morning they were happening, and would maybe have gone to the one iin Cardiff if I'd had a bit more notice (and a bit more time to consider whether I wanted to take the girls along.) The man on the radio who was talking about the one in Cardiff was from CND Wales. So maybe try their website (not the Wales one, obviously, unless you fancy a weekend away!) for some ideas - they may have links to other relevant sites.
Having said that about not taking the girls, my brother went to one last year with his dd (aged 3) and I don't think there was any problem.

Doh! Didn't check www's link - sorry I'm not much use to you after all

Anti War protest but Tony Blair has just said today that the majority of the country was behind him on this lol. Does anyone know anyone who agrees with all this? I know I don't and my dp is in the Navy.

There is also a big antiwar demo in Glasgow on 15th Feb--I don't have details but I think it's called by Scottish CND. You could probably find it on their website.

Im really pleased someone has posted on this issue, I wanted too but felt it might be against ethos of the site. I am mrs unpolitical, I pay my taxes, run my business and generally dont rock the boat (didnt even vote last election as child asleep in car and couldnt park at polling station) BUT this war thing just makes my blood boil and I really want to do something but feel impotent against Blair. I completely supported the Gulf war, the balkans etc but this is just unacceptable. A largely unprovoked attack against the wishes of the UN and we just go along with it. I cant understand how there isnt more vigorous public outcry. As a mother, I want my children to grow up in a stable world and I cant see that for them. As a mother I also feel for the innocent children in Iraq, many of whom are already suffering from Sanctions. I despise Saddam as much as anyone else but this cant be the right way?
Will be there on 15th feb- any other ideas- mumsnet blockade of Downing Street?

Tony Blair kisses George Bush's a**e, that why!!! I don't want the country to go to war either. AAAAAAAAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHH!!!!!!! Drives me mad. And George Bush has wanted to go to war since 9/11 and as he can't get to the person responible for that, he wants someone else to take the rap. You can imagine him sitting there rubbing his hands in glee when the war starts, can't you!!

Easy - war hides economic problems at home - that's why Bush and Blair are so keen. Makes my blood boil too

Someone sent me this, I thought it was funny, in a very sad sort of way -

All together now..............Sing this song to the tune of: "If You're Happy And You Know It Clap Your Hands"

If we cannot find Osama, bomb Iraq.
If the markets hurt your Mama, bomb Iraq.
If the terrorists are Saudi
And the bank takes back your Audi
And the TV shows are bawdy,
Bomb Iraq.

If the corporate scandals growin', bomb Iraq.
And your ties to them are showin', bomb Iraq.
If the smoking gun ain't smokin'
We don't care, and we're not jokin'.
That Saddam will soon be croakin',
Bomb Iraq.

Even if we have no allies, bomb Iraq.
From the sand dunes to the valleys, bomb Iraq.
So to hell with the inspections;
Let's look tough for the elections,
Close your mind and take directions,
Bomb Iraq.

While the globe is slowly warming, bomb Iraq.
Yay! the clouds of war are storming, bomb Iraq.
If the ozone hole is growing,
Some things we prefer not knowing.
(Though our ignorance is showing),
Bomb Iraq.

So here's one for dear old daddy, bomb Iraq,
From his favorite little laddy, bomb Iraq.
Saying no would look like treason.
It's the Hussein hunting season.
Even if we have no reason,
Bomb Iraq.

It's-all about-the-Oil-ly ...

Ds and I went to Parliament Sq on Saturday evening to protest at candlelit vigil. Only about 50 people there, mostly middle-aged couples, but plenty of cars and buses driving by hooting support. I have discussed with ds why Mummy hates violence and war and why Mummy likes peacetime, and thinks people have to try harder to be friends. I also took him to the Imperial War Museum and talked about why I hate war (he is 3). So, I don't think anyone should criticize you for taking children on political demos. They understand a lot. Also, it is big political statement, a rare chance for me, as I can never get to political meetings or get involved with committees etc. Two photographers from the Press Association and Sunday Telegraph took about 50 pictures of us, and I was actually quite disappointed that they were not printed. I think peaceloving mothers should get out there with their kids and be seen!

Tinker, am I right in thinking you live in the Manchester area? There is a local group, affiliated to the national Stop the War coalition I think, called ANSWERmanchester. You can subscribe to their newsletter emails by contacting [email protected]. The email I received this morning said that there would be a local action on Saturday. The email says:
..................................
Stop the War Campaigning

Monster Mass Leafleting
Manchester City Centre
Saturday 25th January
Gathering @ War Memorial in St Annes Square 3pm
Everybody welcome, bring your family and friends
...........................................

Yup - I'm a member of that. They are arranging coaches to go to London on the 15th of February for another nationwide rally. I'll be there with dd, so if anyone else is going, do you fancy meeting up? I'd feel safer with a group of mums and kids!

it would be great if we could make up a group- it would be my first ever rally type thing (sad i know) and I want to bring DS1(9). Other 2 too young.

Thanks everyone for all the info.

Ange8 - I am in Manchester but, typically, have to go to a wedding this Sat. But I'll email that address because there must be something in the NW on 15 Feb.

We would prefer to walk with other mothers as well. We tried to get in touch with London ones but apparently there is only one in our local group. Nearer the time, we could arrange to meet at named street corner/landmark. We'll be coming by Tube, but if you are coming by road, do you know where you'll get dropped off? Protest starts at Embankment 12 noon. On www.stopwar.org.uk they have got a scheme for people to share car lifts. Remember to bring lots of snacks and drinks for your little ones, as there aren't many cafes on the route, and they tend to get sold out when there is a big crowd.

I'll find out where we are getting dropped off and let you know. I'm not sure what the route is, but I'm sure we can sort something out. Be nice to see you all!

CUSTARDO - I hope you'll be at this 'ere rally too!

hi everyone, i'm seriously thinking about going to this and bringing ds. cityfreak, thanks for the warning about snacks etc. actually, i was thinking today that it would be pretty rubbish in terms of the practicalities - nowhere to get a coffee or snack and nowhere to pee or change a nappy either!

anyway, are people serious about meeting up? without wishing to be too much of a wet blanket, i think saying noon at embankment (like it says in all the publicity material for this) isn't terribly helpful for small groups. does anyone know the route?

for those wanting more details look at Stop the War - no route details though.

looking at it today i found i missed the opportunity to lobby geoff hoon at lambeth town hall last night - 5 min walk from my house! gah!

I might come too and bring ds. Not sure yet though. Agree - as mothers we should protest (IMO, all usual provisos about if you agree etc) and I want DS to know that I think it's important.

I got a message today to say that nos are so huge there are 2 separate starting points. The starting point for Londoners and northern coaches is Starting Point B, Gower Street. This will be quieter I hope. Does anyone know a good landmark on Gower St where we could meet? I can highly recommend 2 preschool books on war: "Babar's Battle" by Laurent de Brunhoff (Babar tries to avoid war with rhinos by being friendly and when forced, he avoids the troops getting killed by challenging rhino leader to single combat, and tricks him rather than wounds him. Rhino cries and is sorry for causing the war) and "Manneken Pis: the simple story of a boy who peed on a war" by Victor Radunsky (speaks for itself!).

Cityfreak ? thanks for mentioning those books. Ds asked me the other day, as I was sticking my ?Not In My Name? poster in the window, what a war is. And who were the ?goodies? and who were the ?baddies?. I tried to explain that it was a bit more complicated than that, but I don't think he could quite get his little 4-year-old head round it. He loves the film The Iron Giant (loosely based on the Ted Hughes book), which is about it being wrong to kill people, though I don't know whether it would be to everyone's taste, as I heard a friend of a friend saying how she wouldn't let her 7-year-old watch it because of all the explosions. I'd recommend it though ? lovely film.
About the protest ? I'd really love to come to the rally, but at 4, ds is beyond a buggy, but not up to walking miles. I'd like to think he might be able to remember it, though, in later life, and know he'd been involved in a cause worth marching for. Perhaps we'll come for a bit of it.

Frieda, we like The Iron Giant too, I don't think it's too scary, although a 3 yo who was here at the weekend cried when she thought he was dead and was only consoled when she realised he wasn't at the end. I tried explaining war a while ago to ds (now 5) and he said "oh, so if countries disagree they should just find a nice chair and sit down and talk about it shouldn't they? Because fighting's not nice". So he understood I think. I'd be interested in meeting other mumsnetters if I decide to go to this protest.

We were told the Embankment at noon but I agree that trying to find other Mumsnetters in such a crowd would be nigh on impossible! Mind you I have yet to find a way to get there!

I'm taking my 2 yo dd. I think she'll be ok with the crowds, we'll have the pushchair there anyway and a picnic for her. I want to do this in her name too as I just know she would be dead set against it if she could let us know.

I really like the last line of your message Rhubarb - really sums things up for me.

I don't want to be a wet blanket, but the weather forcast for London is very cold (it's meant to snow tonight and tomorrow), so wrap up those toddlers!!