PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003

Subject: PEL: Mtg 6 Jan - Demo 27 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 12:29 PM

SILENT DEMONSTRATION
                                    Mozart's birthday
                               MONDAY 27 JANUARY 2003 @ 1PM
                               Parliament Square, London

Bring your instrument (AND A GAG -medical-type mouth-coverings work well), but don't play them

Contact:Caroline Kraabel 020 7237 1564.
Caroline is part of the London Musicians' Collective

Groups can get 1/3rd off train fares with Rail companies .. can be purchased on the day apparently. Notify your local press .. spread the word

Alternatively:

1) Sign the Licensing of Live Music in England and Wales Petition TO HAVE THE LEGISLATION REWORDED!
Click here

2) Tell the New Tory traitor (The Minister for anti-Culture) what you think at Click here

Or cut n paste email address into URL: [e-mail]

"You suck up to the bosses,
you betray the firefighters,
now you seek to destroy our culture.
You're worse than the Tories
- at least they didn't pretend to represent us -
You thought you were just picking on a bunch of supine semi dead folkies
but you've got another think coming,
you bunch of traitors!"

Attila The Stockbroker

4) Monday 6 January starting 1pm Islington's Union Chapel
Public meeting. A number of high-profile speakers including Hamish Birchall are currently being assembled for this.

The meeting on January 6 is being co-ordinated by Modal UK Ltd - the main vehicle for musics falling outside of Classical, and Pop music.

Modal Uk Ltd Click here
Contact: Mark Ringwood 0870 2430278   
Mark Ringwood
Modal UK Ltd
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.modal.co.uk

Modal 2003 - Nottingham 11-14 September

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 12:31 PM

sORRY COULDN'T GET THE EMAIL ADDRESS TO WORK AS A CLICK .. please cut and paste

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 12:36 PM

As yet there is no format for the demonstration ie., no march ... someone please advise as soon as they hear otherwise .. we just gather silently in Parliament Square (turn right out of Victoria Station .. about a mile)..

1 idea - opening of the Olympics style around the Square: Lots of other countries flag flying and music being performed and the Brits sitting silent under the Union Jack?

So, bring flags if you have them too?

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 12:53 PM

Oh, and bringing the Cerne Abbas giant might be good too **G**

Sticking one, um, finger, up at the Govt ? Esp. after the Mummer's debacle last month

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 02 Jan 03 - 08:17 PM

Equally also remember to bring placards ..

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 03 Jan 03 - 04:56 AM

Useful numbers for trains to London:

National Rail Enquiries(times and Fares): 08457 48 49 50
Group Travel enquiries (10+) (1/3rd off): 0208 667 3800
SOuth Central Trains: 0870 830 6000

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 03 Jan 03 - 10:05 PM

Plans in Worthing grow apace for the demo -- we're thinking of resurrecting our Skeleton Army who got the Riot Act read when they took on the Salvation Army in 1880 ..

Catters and others who want to join the demo train meet 10am Worthing Railway Station .. press call and photoshoot before we set off .. £13 discounted ticket for group travel... PM me or just BE there!!

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: The Shambles
Date: 04 Jan 03 - 05:17 AM

You are doing a great job Hille on stiring us all up to take some positive action. I hope these efforts are being echoed and supported elsewhere?

More details on the meeting..........

With thanks and acknowledgements to MODAL's mailout:

Please come to the first public meeting for proper debate for musicians affected by the Bill. The press will attend.

Monday 6 January, 1pm in the Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, Islington, London.

Speakers include:
Tom Robinson - Musician, broadcaster, and seasoned campaigner
David Heath MP - Liberal-Democrat
Chris Hodgkins - Director of Jazz Services
Hamish Birchall - Musicians' Union adviser

In West Berkshire the Council have called for an open forum on the same day so that licencees and entertainers can meet and discuss the implications. There are some very sensible parts to the Licensing Bill, but little which apply to live music.

This is your chance to really find out the truth. Is the drama becoming a crisis, what can be done and how ?

Be There !

Directions:
Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, N1 2XD is across the road from Highbury & Islington
Tube Station (Victoria Line). Turn right out of the station, cross Upper Street
below the big roundabout and you'll see Union Chapel in front of you.
www.unionchapel.org.uk

For further information contact:

Mark Ringwood
mARKO pOLO
The Barn, Fordwater Lane, Chichester,
West Sussex PO19 6PT
T: 01243 789786 F: 789787
M: 07802 5000 50
www.markopolo.co.uk
www.rootsaroundtheworld.info
www.lostinfrance.org.uk

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: The Shambles
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 04:24 AM

Who is intending to go to the DEMO on the 27th January?

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: vectis
Date: 05 Jan 03 - 06:51 PM

I, like thousands of supporters can't be there because I have to be at work. A weekend demo would be better attended but won't get the publicity - more's the pity.

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 06 Jan 03 - 02:47 PM

MOi + probably at least 20 others locally (hopefully, that I am not tempting fate)!

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: fiddler
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 04:46 AM

Is this (as it should be) gaining in support?

I can be there!

We'd be better doing nothing than making a damp f*rt.

A

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: DMcG
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 04:56 AM

You are right, fiddler. I expect to be there, but how many will be? I was a bit disappointed at the turn-out for the Union Chapel meeting. There was under a hundred, I'm sure, and the meeting seemed to be "preaching to the converted" to me. Very little was said which hasn't been covered elsewhere, although a few things were, so it wasn't a wasted afternoon from my point of view.

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 08:14 PM

Well, I think it seems to be gaining in support at least amongst the people I have personally been speaking to.. just a bit worried about the "damp squib" potential fears which weren't allaed when I spoke to one of the nominated contacts .. who didn't seem to have any idea of what might happen! WHo else can we get in touch with?

DMcG - any word on what should be happening at the demo at the meeting yeaterday? I know Mark Ringwood to contact .. still waiting for him to ring back !

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: fiddler
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 03:40 AM

Noting the comments above, who else can we get on board. The comment I have had is contained above - 'I have to work' I feel srteongly about this one and if it is on will be there, barring emergencies here.

I am assuming that the publicity machine has contacted all areas - dance groups, Morris, Country, American, Folk, even gyms with their aerobics who often display at school fetes etc. Folk Clubs, Jazz Clubs, Students Unions, choirs. Obviously the list goes on forever. I only came up with gyms last night - doubt we'd get much support but one person is better than none.

Praps we should consider the 1000 musician thing again - on a Sunday and all play until the Clock Strikes or summat - BUT - I had put that one to bed as the 27th was proposed.

Yesterday I was feeling frivolous today more desponant!

A

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 04:51 AM

Mark Ringwood
Modal UK Ltd
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.modal.co.uk
Modal 2003 - Nottingham 11-14 September
----- Original Message -----
From: Hamish Birchall
To: Hamish Birchall
Sent: Wednesday, January 08, 2003 9:11 AM
Subject: Licensing: Labour backbenchers to meet Howells tomorrow


With hundreds of letters now pouring into Parliament objecting to the live music provisions of the Licensing Bill, Labour backbenchers are becoming increasingly worried. At very short notice, they have arranged a meeting with licensing Minister Kim Howells. This meeting will be held tomorrow, Thursday 8 January, at noon.

I only learned of this yesterday evening when Martin Linton (Lab, Battersea) contacted me to ask for the names of other Labour MPs who have shown an interest. He wants as many as possible to attend the meeting with Howells.

If your MP is Labour please contact them immediately (the House of Commons switchboard is 020 7219 3000) and urge them to attend this meeting and to register their intention to attend with Martin Linton on 020 7219 1181. If you don't know who your MP is, www.faxyourmp.com will them automatically from your postcode.

A footnote: government Ministers continue dismiss out of hand the legal advice that private events where performers are paid are caught by the Bill. In fact, on the day the Bill was published, the Arts Council received a legal opinion from one of the UK's leading licensing lawyers confirming that corporate hospitality events where performers are paid were licensable under the Bill as published. This contradicted the government's own statement published in the Explanatory Notes that accompany the Bill.

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: breezy
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 06:49 AM

Whats the plan for the 27th as it stands at present please?
What time and where?
Do we perform from the public gallery?
That'll make the papers!
Accapella

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 07:46 AM

This is what I keep wanting to know too! I think we should perform!! And have people with big "License BILL Reform" sticks stopping us! Just make sure the papers and TV are there too!

But who is informing the media? Oh... hang on .. I'll call the BBC meself :( (do I have a life outside music, she whinged after 7 hours rooted to a computer working on this issue!)

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: DMcG
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 07:49 AM

The Musician's Union is trying to arrange some sort of trailers, I believe, on the grounds these would be about the exemption under the new bill. I don't know any more than that, I'm afraid.

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Mr Happy
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 11:52 AM

For other relevant info & views, see http://pub22.bravenet.com/forum/show.php?usernum=1824620545&cpv=1


Regards,

Mr H

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: SallyM
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 06:10 PM

As I work in London I fully intend to be there during in my lunch hour. I am also trying to drum up support (excuse the pun!) from fellow work mates to come along.
I assume the arrangements are just to gather at 1pm in Parliamentary Square and mime on our instruments ?

Sally

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 06:14 PM

Who the hell decided to make this a monday lunchtime, stupid or what?

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 06:16 PM

Agreed, The camel is a horse designed by folk club organisers

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 08 Jan 03 - 06:43 PM

Well, we can make it what we want to surely .. especially as no one seems to be coordinating anything!!

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: The Admiral
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 06:26 AM

Guest(S) (?) I agree, Monday isn't a good idea regarding us workers but Caroline (and I'm assuming that it was her) has at least organised something and I, for one, feel strongly enough to take a day off work and turn up. I suggest that everyone put their weight behind this unless you'd like to organise something more convenient?
Fiddler: Try and make it, if it were to turn out to be a damp squib that would be a disaster because it would lead to the impression that no-one cared. If nothing else we can always go and have a pint!
SallyM and Breezy: It's a Silent Protest on Mozarts Birthday. I think the idea is to bring an instrument, to show that you are a musician and a gag, to show that we are being silenced. It's as simple as that.

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: The Shambles
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 06:42 AM

Contact:Caroline Kraabel 020 7237 1564.
Caroline is part of the London Musicians' Collective

Hille I think that one of the pronlems is that Caroline does not have online access. Can I suggest that you contact her and offer to inform everyone online?

If you get the up to date info, we can all help to circulate it.

Is the plan not to make any music at all, which seems a bit of a waste for someone lugging a large instrument, or it to the make a point of playing but stopping at and for a agreed certain time?

The latter would make a better media event and if a time was agreed, folk outside London could do a similar protest for their local media at the same time.

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 07:11 AM

I will definitely try to make it on the 27th, but I agree with Vectis that any protest in the middle of a weekday will only attract a very small percentage of the numbers which would be able to turn up for a weekend protest.

The thing that worries me is that if only a limited number of people turn up for a protest, many MPs might think that the opposition to the bill is only a small noisy minority and not realise just how many people really are against it.

Why don't we try and organise a BIG weekend protest to really show the true scale of opposition to the bill ?

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: DMcG
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 07:17 AM

One down on attendance, I'm afraid. My company has arranged a meeting for me out of London on that day.

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: GUEST,Jacob The Little
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 07:48 AM

Right On!
(to keep this near the top!)

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: fiddler
Date: 09 Jan 03 - 08:11 AM

Admiral - pretty certain I'll be there!


I think as you at least someone is organising something.
Praps a weekend demo will gain more support and we could do this on the run up to the 15th March when the petition goes in!

I'll post the idea on the main PEL Thread - if there is one - BUT - I do not in any way shape or form want to detract form this one!!!!!

I've booked the leave already but I am always faced with potential emergencies which can over ride almost anything.

A

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Mr Happy
Date: 10 Jan 03 - 02:59 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Mr Happy
Date: 10 Jan 03 - 04:38 AM

From another PEL forum at:


http://pub22.bravenet.com/forum/show.php?usernum=1824620545
12/17/02 09

'This may be seen as a little silly, but the pro-hunting protest yesterday put me in mind of it. Performers protests: marching bands, buskers, musicians, even jugglers etc. Might catch the popular imagination...'


&

Ah yes- The Countryside Alliance.

They were successful in beating down the govt. to a compromise position.

Although their main objective was to preserve the tradition of fox hunting with hounds- with which I'd be reluctant to align myself- there were many other aspects of country life which would include parallels with the aspects of the new PEL proposals with which folk musicians, singers, dancers & other interested parties are presently taking issue.

How do others feel about approaching them for support?

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 10 Jan 03 - 05:52 AM

Hi
I'm down the library . so not completely to hand with resources...

I spoke with Caroline Kraabel yesterday .. her plan is that we converge at about 12.50pm and hold a silent vigil for an hour.

Personally, I think it will have tremendous pathos .. however, as pointed out CAroline does not have online facilities and could be missing a trick by not being touch with current mood/ opinion / ideas. Certainly, if it is not BIG then it is possibly counter productive.

I think being on line and being in touch, with so many people who are travelling along the SOuth Coast to join up with us here in Worthing to travel to London, that (well in fact Carolione was pleased and surprised) Caroline doesn't realise how big this day has become in folks minds nor what supporters might be expecting.

Personally, rather than waste a trip I would like to see a day in London maximised - especially as so many people are travelling so far.

I propose therefore that WE join in the silent vigil and then after the hour is up at 2pm - what?

IDEAS VERY QUICKLY HERE PLEASE!!

1) I suggest musicians playing .. and people with big sticks* (labelled License Bill) beating them into silence * those foam rubber baseball bats I mean!! This could go on all afternoon. Bring foam rubber baseball bats.

2) the music of many nations eg like an Olympics Games opening .. different "countries" under different flags playing music and the Brits under the Union Jack sitting silent. bring flags

This way we include street theatre and actors (all effected) as well as musicians.

Personally, I would like to see the Salvation Army recreating the historic battle with Worthing's Skeleton Army and both coming off worse (see No. 1)

You email me direct on [e-mail]

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 10 Jan 03 - 06:00 AM

I will ring Caroline again today and suggest I can disseminate online for her ..

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: The Shambles
Date: 10 Jan 03 - 10:34 AM

That's the spirit that made the petition so effective. Build it and they will come.........just do it.

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: fiddler
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 05:43 AM

Right On!

I'm telling everyone I can by email and word of mouth.

A

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 11 Jan 03 - 06:25 AM

HO HUm!! Logged on at the Library as of all times for my home modem to blow up ... (hope this is not a sign - like "(She) is NOT on our side.." to paraphrase Wendy Cope the poet :(

Will phone Caroline over the weekend ...sorry, spent all day trying to sort this out yesterday .... and be nback on line soonest :)
XX

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Llanfair
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 04:31 AM

I'm going to be there if I possibly can.

Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: lady penelope
Date: 12 Jan 03 - 06:22 AM

As I work at St.Thomas' Hospital ( just across the river ) it would be grossly neglegent of me not to come. But I do feel that unless there are very large numbers of protesters the silent treatment won't really work. Most people passing by will just think it to be a large number of tourists, milling about.

Are morris sides being brought into this? Any other performers than muscians? I'm going to see if my belly dance teacher knows about this as this bill affects her too.

I'll happily cart a placard about as I don't play an instrument, any ideas what to put on it?

TTFN Penny

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: fiddler
Date: 13 Jan 03 - 08:39 AM

Hillie seems to be our point of cantact on this one!

Not sure whats happening.

we need to get up a head of steam.

A

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 01:06 PM

hooraY! Back on line after nearly a week!!

Placards - um, banners say what?
New Tory Traitor - Minister for Anti-Culture Kim Howells (where'd the Eisteddfod go then, boyo?)

£100-£500 (life time premises)for the Brownies to have a concert - more if they want to drink alcohol!

Amend the License Bill now!
(Your club/bands name)
Morris Men should do it with big sticks!

Fine Carol singers £20,000 to go away!


Hamish is getting back to me after his meeting with Caroline and the Police

meanwhile .
The nub of the Musicians' Union objection to the Bill is that the government
is abolishing a number of significant exemptions from the current licensing
requirements (public concerts in churches, two musicians in liquor licensed
premises, clubs etc), but without providing any evidence that extending
licensing control is in any way necessary. It is, however, retaining the
exemption for the provision of broadcast entertainment (i.e. widescreen
satellite/terrestrial tv), but criminalising the provision of even solo
unamplified musicians unless licensed. The maximum penalty for unlicensed
performance is a £20,000 fine and six months in prison. A pub can be packed
with noisy football supporters watching a major fixture on widescreen tv and
that is exempt. Also any music broadcast into the premises (or indeed 'any
place') is exempt, no matter how powerful the amplification used, provided
the recorded music is not for dancing or any other licensable entertainment.
In other words, if it accompanies drinking, eating, shopping etc, it is
exempt. In spite of this, the government has the cheek to say it must
licence all musicians 'because one musician with modern amplification can
make more noise than three without.' Over 80% of noise complaints associated
with pubs and clubs is nothing to do with music at all, but is caused by
noisy people coming and going.


I thinkwe need to pick out the aaLIENT POINTS WE WANT AMENDED A .. sorry new keyboarxd ..

- England & WAles 190 pages - the Scots say "Just do it!"


back in a mo

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 07:02 PM

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 15 Jan 03 - 07:12 PM

PLease can folks refresh this thread (if they read it) ?   Otherwise theis terrific oppportunity to protest and call for reforms will be lost as know one will know about it!!

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: The Shambles
Date: 16 Jan 03 - 02:09 AM

Does anyone have any ideas?

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 16 Jan 03 - 06:46 AM

Nobody cares ?

Come on everyone .. I know we are all getting sick of this (poss?)

At least pass on to other folks in other parts of the country (ie Labour MPs) to sign up for EDM331

http://edm.ais.co.uk/weblink/html/motion.html/ref=331

to amend the Act

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Col K
Date: 17 Jan 03 - 02:05 PM

Seeing my MP tomorrow at his local surgery will try to convince him to sign EDM 331
I will try to come to London on the 27th but it it is a long way and expensive from Lancashire but it is very important that we have a good turnout.
Col K

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 17 Jan 03 - 02:06 PM

Anyone else travelling on the day could offer lifts?

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: fiddler
Date: 17 Jan 03 - 05:39 PM

Train from REading I'm afraid - anyone not want to drive in London I can sor tout free parking!

My howse!

A

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 17 Jan 03 - 06:07 PM

Train from Worthing along South Coast (Littlehampton - Victoria) meet my house 9.30 prompt or Worthing Railway Station 10.00am for press photos

NB: Group Travel discounts apply (1/3rd off) for 10 or more ...

Subject: RE: PEL: DEMO 27 JANUARY 2003
From: Nemesis
Date: 17 Jan 03 - 08:06 PM

At a meeting locally tonight - we discussed the demo and our imput. We resolved that as this is a national campaign and is being organised as a "silent" campaign we should respect that. SO absolute silence everyone .. but we are getting our local press along to see us off at the Railway Station (phor's and then following it up (once the profile has been raised nationally with our own local day of action.

However, we did decide though that big blow up hammers to "silence" any one daring to make a sound was a good bet though!