Category: Salisbury

Vigils: one year on


53rd Vigil held today in Salisbury

It is doubtful that anyone thought a year ago that we would still be turning up every Saturday for a Vigil. Today marks 53 weeks since the first was started and yet here we are. Despite the storm and some rain, 25 or so turned out this evening for the 53rd time. We were pleased that two passers-by spent time with us as well.

The violence shows no sign of ending. If you read the three reports featured in our recent posts – from the UN Rapporteur, Amnesty and Dr Mordechai – you will understand that it will not end. There seems to be copious evidence that Israel wants to clear the strip of Palestinians or as they term it ‘mow the lawn’. The attitude of Israelis themselves is a key factor as Dr Mordechai discusses. Similarly some Israeli leaders have made some atrocious comments.

They are secure in their support from the West and most particularly, the US. The UK is also a keen supporter and many Labour party politicians are members of Friends of Israel.

We are pleased to attach a video of the event produced in quick time by Peter Gloyns. The video contains an image showing the scale of the destruction which on its own belies the contention of targeted action by the IDF. We attach another such image (Al Jazeera).

We shall be there again next Saturday 16th starting at 5pm for half an hour. We may see you there.

Remember: what you are reading in the papers and watching on the news is only a fraction of the horror being perpetrated.

Post updated 8 December.

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Write for Rights


Members of the Salisbury group took part in a Write for Rights event

December 2024

Some members of the Salisbury group took part in a Write for Rights event in the Cathedral Cloisters on Sunday 1 December. There were four individuals we were campaigning for and around 80 cards were signed over a 3 hour session. This is fewer than in previous years and possibly reflects the ceaseless campaigning by elements of the media against human rights and for the abolition of the Human Rights Act. Between approximately 10 and 15% of people took part and signed cards.

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Fiftieth Vigil


Fiftieth Vigil held on Saturday 16 November

November 2024

[Video added, 17 November]

It is likely that holding a Vigil on Saturday in Salisbury Market Place was intended to be a short run affair. Most vigils are: people come together to show their support for a cause and it’s over. But on Saturday, we held our 50th Vigil in aid of peace in Gaza. Around 40 attended a number which has remained remarkably constant. New people came as well so it isn’t the same old faces week after week.

Part of the motivation is the continuing horror in Gaza and also, now, Lebanon with reports today of aid workers killed in a bombing. Over 43,000 are now dead in Gaza with 70% women and children the BBC reports.

Some of the attendees at the 50th Vigil.

Video of the Vigil

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Visibility


November 2024

We have made some changes to how we promote the site. We are – in keeping with thousands of others – no longer on X as it is allowing some unpleasant material to remain unmoderated. You will see at the bottom of posts that we are now on Mastodon and Bluesky. Please let us know if there are problems with accessing either of these. We continue to post on Facebook.

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Group celebrates 50 years!


Salisbury Group was established half a century ago

October 2024

The Salisbury Amnesty group was established 50 years ago this year and some of the current members met briefly for a photo in the Market Square. It was probably not imagined in those distant days that we would still be active. After all, the purpose of a charity is to work itself out of existence. Unfortunately, human rights are in a fairly parlous state in many parts of the world. Almost wherever you look, people are imprisoned for their political beliefs. Media organisations are tightly restricted or banned. Journalists are murdered, with three quarters of recent murders in Gaza alone. Terrible events are taking place in the Middle East. Atrocities continue in Burma, almost completely unreported. Individuals are tortured and justice is denied for millions. The post-war hope ushered in by the Universal Declaration has had only mixed results.

Depressingly, it is not just foreign countries where human rights are under threat. In the UK there has been a prolonged campaign to repeal the Human Rights Act led by a vocal section of the press. Several acts have been passed making protest harder and reducing access to judicial review. Police powers have been increased. Facial recognition technology does not seem to be far away. One of the leadership contenders for the Conservative party wants the UK to leave the European Convention of Human Rights.

Sadly, we are the only extant group in Wiltshire. So the next 50 years begins …

Members and supporters outside the Guildhall on 3 October. We were particularly pleased that one of the founder members from 50 years ago was able to attend. (Picture: Salisbury Amnesty)

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50 years! Don’t forget!


October 2024

TODAY!

Don’t forget that we shall be in the Market Square, Salisbury today, Thursday, at 2:30 for a photo to celebrate the 50 years since the formation of the Salisbury Amnesty group. If you are able to spare half an hour or so, that would be wonderful. Whether you are a member, supporter or want to celebrate with us – doesn’t matter.

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Salisbury Group Concerned About Reputation Risk Deactivates Twitter Account


Group deactivates its account with X and joins Mastodon instead

September 2024

The Salisbury group has decided to deactivate its account with X formerly Twitter. The platform has been the source of considerable disinformation and allows much unpleasant material to be posted. Although this is not unique to X its failure to moderate content properly was a factor. Our departure will make no difference to the site of course but we were concerned at the risk to our reputation.

We have instead registered with Mastodon and a handle of @salisburyai. Please give it a try and put it into your favourites (favorites)! Please let us know of any difficulties.

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Minutes, July


July 2024

We are pleased to attach the minutes of the group’s meeting on 12 July thanks to group member Lesley for their preparation.

NB: due to several people not being able to come, the Summer social event has been postponed. We will decide on an alternative at our September meeting.

minutes July 2024 (Word)Download

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Market Stall


April 2024

Past event

The group will be holding a market stall tomorrow, Saturday 4 May 2024 from around 8am until noon. Supporters are welcome to volunteer to help if they can. Also we need stock to sell so a trip to the attic is required to fish out stuff you don’t want. Bric-a-brac is popular, china, CDs and I suppose LPs these days, good books, plants (with a label to say what they are please) and clothes. No electrical items, sorry.

It is also an opportunity if you are thinking of joining the group to make yourself known to one of us on the stall.

Previous stall

The Salisbury group was established 50 years ago this year
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Vigil


Vigil today in Salisbury market (near the Library) starting at 5pm. All welcome. A small voice for peace in these troubled times.

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