Extinction Rebellion back on Blackheath - if not now, when?

As part of this month's Extinction Rebellion 'Impossible Rebellion' in London, some supporters have been camping out on Blackheath, as they did in 2019 and as their Climate Camp predecessors did back in 2009.

'If not you, then who? If not now, the when? Demand Climate Action'

'Let's nurse the earth'

'Welcome to Blackheath Camp', a Greenwich XR leaflet, and a flyer promoting demonstration against Silvertown tunnel on 24 September. 

Noticeboard at site with some interesting local history details - the Palatine refugee camp on Blackheath in 1709 (German refugees from war with France); the Women's Suffrage Pilgrimage on Blackheath in 1913 and George Wilson, the 'Blackheath Pedestrian' whose attempt to walk 1000 miles on the Heath in 1815 was scuppered by magistrates.

The camp on Blackheath and associated protests in London demanding action on climate change are expected to continue until end of week beginning 30 August 2021.

 

Music Monday: The Battle of Lewisham 1977

Long time New Cross balladeers Ceri James and Mark Sampson have collaborated on a new single, 'The Battle of Lewisham 1977', released last week on the anniversary of the historic anti-National Front demonstration in New Cross and Lewisham (see lots of previous posts here for background to this)

Syd Shelton's iconic image from the 'Battle of Lewisham' show Darcus Howe with megaphone standing on toilets on Clifton Rise with the (now mostly demolished) Milton Court Estate tower blocks behind him

 Ceri says: 'Our single The Battle of Lewisham 1977 is out today on the 44th anniversary of the protest. Big thank you to everyone who helped out with this track. Lead vocals/guitars Mark Sampson/myself, bass Nathan Persad and drums Andre St. Clair Dyer. Bvs from Nathan, Andre, Alice Renouf, Caffy St Luce, Daryl Castillo, Clare Portman, Mark Salmon, Robert Robertson. NoNameKid for editing and Pat Collier mixing/mastering. Photography by Syd Shelton. All profits go to Love Music Hate Racism'.

The accompanying video features various local faces and was filmed at locations significant on the day, including Clifton Rise SE14 and the Lewisham Clock Tower.

'In Clifton Rise and New Cross Road, many decent people showed, 

to oppose their racialism and far right fascism...

The people united won't be defeated'