BeanPole Day, at Caversham Court, Reading, is usually a successful occasion, swarming with fellow travellers committed to the environment and this year’s event was no different. Dressed as jesters, which attracted attention, Jackie and John plied visitors and stall holders with the Big Shift petition calling for the Big Banks to invest customers’ money in renewables, not fossil fuels. Many were more than willing to sign. The argument that fossil fuels were now stranded assets in the light of the Paris Agreement convinced waverers. We were pleasantly suprised by those who had heard that during the previous day, no UK electricity had been generated by coal. It may be rather slow but we are making valuable progress. Grateful thanks to our helpers for taking over the stall for a while.
Jest(er) leave it in the ground
Global Justice Reading’s April Fool’s Day demonstration
outside Barclays Bank, Broad Street, Reading
We met for our April Fool’s Day demonstration at 11am 1st April, outside Barclays Bank, Broad Street, Reading?
Following our meeting ,”Change Climate Finance’, we asked four banks to stop investing in fossil fuels and increase their investments in renewables. April Fools’ day seemed a good day for the action because the banks are being foolish in investing in coal and oil that can never be used if we are to keep Global Warming below 2 degrees. And so it was
We targeted Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, and RBS branches in the middle of Reading. Jackie handed over letters to bank staff, and one to be forwarded to the CEO explaining how continuing to invest in fossil fuel extraction, rather than renewables, left bank customers exposed to ‘stranded assets’ that could have no value if the Paris Climate agreement to keep temperature increases below 2 deg C was to be achieved. We received some positive responses, and we hope for change in investment policies in the near future.
So, the event, well organised by Jackie, worked smoothly, with around 20 supporters and activists on parade. A great success on the day, with potential for future action.
Change Climate Finance: Wed 8 March, RISC, 730 pm
On Wednesday 8th March, at 7.30pm, at RISC, we held a joint meeting with Friends of the Earth, Reading entitled, ‘Change Climate Finance’.
Siobhan Grimes, from Christian Aid, talked about a campaign to get banks to support clean energy and abandon fossil fuels.
At present, banks invest much more money in mining for coal and drilling for oil than in renewables. We learned how we could encourage them to shift money towards investing in clean, renewable energy and being part of the solution to climate change.
Precarious Trajectories film: Monday 20 March, 7.30 pm, RISC
Monday 20 March, 7.30pm we screened ‘Precarious Trajectories: voices from the Mediterranean migration crisis’ in conjunction with the World Film Club.
The film gave voice to some of the refugees that have undertaken this perilous crossing in order to arrive at what they hoped would be the safer shores of Europe. Ruha from Syria and Ahmed from Somalia shared their stories. The film was set on location in Libya, Italy and Greece during 2015 – 2016.
We are very lucky that Dr Simon Parker, who directed the film, was with us so we asked him questions and shared in discussion after the film.
International Day of Action against CETA
Saturday Jan 21, 10 am – 12 noon, Broad Street, Reading, near M&S
Campaigning against CETA, Canada & Europe trade deal. It gives corporations the right to sue our government if their profits are interfered with. It will affect environmental protection, workers’right, public servies (including NHS, health care, and more. All help welcome.
Having difficult conversations about migration
Saturday January 28th
10 – 4pm
Friends Meeting House Reading
2 Church Street Reading RG1 2SB
Debates about migration can be uncomfortable, upsetting or angry. Learn how to have more constructive conversations in this participatory workshop which will be led by experienced organisers from HOPE not Hate. The session will focus on:
- how to listen and question effectively,
- how to use stories to effectively persuade people
- how to create spaces for more constructive communication around difficult issues.
Organised by HOPE not Hate and Global Justice Now in partnership with Reading Refugee Support Group and Reading City of Sanctuary.
For more information:
Contact:
Jackie Oversby
globaljusticereading@gmail.com
07745310794
