Two more superb videos inspired by the Balcombe protests:

The first focuses on the strength of the community spirit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SkEgBayKltw

And this is just so poignant, using one of the greatest speeches in cinema history (from 1940):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4x4ZXj51LEY

Many thanks to the talented people putting these things together to inspire us all.

Published on Aug 1, 2013
The industry is drilling an exploratory well in Balcombe, and is planning to drill inside the South Downs National Park near Fernhurst. The initial plans are for conventional drilling, but it is clear that shale gas prospects are being closely examined during this activity.

This video looks at some of the risks of gas exploration and fracking, and their likely impact on local communities and the environment.

It also takes the industry assessment of the size of the prospects, and extrapolates what exploitation of these resources would mean for the South Downs National Park and Sussex, based on US Government figures for the average and optimum performing shale gas plays across the US.
Millie Thedog

Andy Chyba is going to Balcombe next weekend, but exact details depend on who wants to come too!

PROPOSED ITINERARY:

Leave Saturday morning at crack of dawn to get to Sussex between 9 and 10 am.

Get back to South Wales sometime Sunday pm/evening.

TRANSPORT: depends on numbers – anything from three in a Ford Ka to 17 seater minibus(es) depending on demand.
COST – I hope to have travel costs covered, one way or another, but worst case scenario might be £30 a head.

ACCOMMODATION: this is up to you. Looks like camping (for free) is an option, but may have potential issues with ‘the law’ (but I doubt they would dare after recent events). For those that need a proper bed, you may be able to crash with someone (I can ask some contacts down there) or there are hotel/b&b options (http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/AllLocations-g790306-c1-Hotels-Balcombe_West_Sussex_England.html) (I will probably spend the night at my father’s house 45 mins away)

Even if you cannot come, have you any banners/posters/flags/t shirts we could borrow for the trip to make us more conspicuous?

I am going to try and secure a 6-seater combo minibus Monday morning. It looks like 4 seats are taken, with two up for grabs. I hope I will have to cancel this for something bigger, if I get a good response.

Contact me asap to express interest:

fracking
078 1066 3241
01656 647314
https://www.facebook.com/andrew.chyba
Or comment on the blog

RESPONSE FROM FRACK OFF:
Andy!

Thats great news and a great idea. We can help with cost of hire and fuel. As soon as you book it give us a number for you or whoever wants to be a contact and a rough time of arrival and we’ll make it big. Sure you can fill it via your contacts and the FFW coalition – but we can advertise it – maybe you put on two!

Camping and being there is safe as houses. It’s only those bravely refusing to move that got arrested. All those walking in front of trucks earlier in the week etc didnt get hassle. The verge and site are public land and those areas are peaceful as you like. You’ve seen the photos – it’s like a fete!

Kate, FO x

It looks like non-stop rain most of the day, so I think it best we postpone today’s event on Ogmore beach.

We will try and find a date in September at our next meeting on 29th August.

Incidentally, if anyone fancies coming to Balcombe to support the fracking protests I am thinking of going next weekend. Let me know.

Regards,

Andy

This short clip shows graphically the impact of a supposedly simple little test drilling operation. This is without any of the the fracking rigmarole that will involve massive amounts of extra equipment and huge numbers of tankers ferrying frack fluids in and out of the site.

Imagine this, and then imagine it every couple of miles or so across vast tracks of the country – including much of South Wales. And for what?

http://frack-off.org.uk/latest-news-from-the-great-gas-gala-day-10/

The carnival atmosphere continues as Balcombe becomes the focus of international media attention.

I feel the desperate need to get down there to be part of the this historic vent in the war against the frackers and to show solidarity.

I am looking at getting down there possibly next weekend. Anybody care to join me?

Andy