Life in the Jungle

At the beginning of class this fall, when asked where they would like to go on holiday next year, 
a kid in L’s class called out “SYRIA!!” 

 Ah, yes, the jungle!! Not a bad idea.  And why not check out a few of the other places where silver backs roam free?    

Standing Firm

After my level of cynicism threatened to reach a new peak, I am relieved to report that the High Court in London ordered that the eviction notice had to be withdrawn and the protector camp can remain in place until further notice.

As a celebratory gesture, trays of orange juice were delivered to the site together with other goodies and the mood swung to light on this sunny late September day.

How much does it take, though? How many to stand up against a few?

No Way Bobby!

In the kerfuffle that ensued at the site, the coppers clamped down and arrested our barde, Simon Welsh.  As he was bellowing the Fracking Anthem (by the same Simon Welsh), they came down on him - he didn’t have a fighting chance.  Poor guy, but where he left off an ad hoc mom’s choir took over.  

This clearly is not a one-man show.    

Holding the Fort

I am off to Balcombe again first thing in the morning. Despite the positive national and international press coverage and media attention it has received over the past seven weeks, the protest camp is suddenly under threat of eviction. Time and date: September 10th, 9am. 

So off I go, Jules with me - another day in the life of a home educating family.

The Summer of Simmer

It's been a great summer.  Not the kind I was expecting.  At least not just.  There were waves and sandy toes and camp fires, but the one most fulfilling thing that emerged in the past two months was something far more rippling.  

As the heat continued to roast this land and simmered it in its own sod, there was a gradual coming together of the different sized bits and pieces, like in the making of one steamy hot succulent stew.   

From amidst all the horror of drilling wells and cover ups, out of deep frustration and disenchantment grew, like a spring out of the rock, a fresh feeling of commitment and determination. 

In these past weeks, communities across the UK have moved closer together and what began as a three-mom show outside a small village in the South has grown into a full blown protest movement.  

Frack Off indeed !   

'Tis Summer...

...and the livin' is easy....