2007 CND Notes
25Sep Army Presentation - Chatham Dockyard church
(Reception & after buffet-chat at Admirals Hse)

Present: 200-300 invited packed the church + 6-12 Presentation Team in uniform.
. . About 6 soldiers spoke. All had served in more than one place abroad. They spoke fast & clearly along with the (20min?) video on a big screen. They were often seen in the video where their chief did an intro & sum-up.
. . The SouthEast (batallion?) is Kent, Sussex & Surrey. The (10?) Kent places were listed. 30% (incl T.A.) were on Missions: Iraq-Afganistan-Africa-colonies. The largest contingent is still Germany. It showed training, places, logistics & equipment, with emphasis on readiness for change.
. . There was a plea to understand families: frequent schooling moves & 9-month absences (6 away, 3 training+debrief).
Q: Press cover good or bad?
- good: (a) Can scare off adversaries. (b) Informed public influence government, so better decisions.
- bad: Can undermine army morale.
Q. Return to conscription?
- No way: the system couldn't handle training & one year training of no benefit.
- Benefits of self reliance, etc are best served by Cadets, Scouts, etc.
Q. Support when come home?
- Maybe not tickertape, but more welcome is needed.
- Transfer to civil jobs very good. Army supports veteran volunteer groups.
12Nov Aldermaston blockade
Newbury Today
. . Aldermaston went off well, three road blockades in all (partly blocked road outside site in two places so traffic reduced to one lane), not sure how they did it, was "lock-ons" but also involving concrete, what ever it was it was effective as police were having great difficulty in moving them.  One of the blockades was at Burghfield, was all very hush hush and we did not what was happening even though we were at the main gates but that is necessary as police presence is over the top.
. . Presence at Aldermaston will be on agenda at next meeting as would be good if we could enlarge our presence.  If we have enough notice of when going is definitely worth going to Travel lodge at Reading on M4 as only about £16.00 if booked in advance and far more comfortable than FMH.