Functions of MO:
(A) To distribute information
It is essential to be able to provide up-to-date information at all times. If people living on site come up with
an
idea of a flyer for an action or a newsletter to be distributed, then they can come into the mobile office and
use
the facilities to put their ideas onto paper instantly. Producing flyers and leaflets for nationwide distribution
is a
useful part of an office, encouraging people to visit the site or even just to write a letter to the local M.P of
the
area asking for the pointless, environmentally destructive scheme that is being highlighted, to be halted
immediately. This helps immensely, not only practically but also to raise morale. It is very easy for long term
campaigners to start thinking that they are alone in their beliefs and can often become quite depressed. A
newsletter could be produced for distribution to local residents so as they can be regularly updated on what
is
going on. This can all be done from MO.
(B) Communications
We intend to be able to set up a good communications system linking any sites on route with each other and
also with MO. CBs work very well and are easy to maintain. We will have the
facilities to charge batteries from power generated by the windmills and solar panels. This means every site
can
have its own CB rig with a battery. If the battery is becoming flat, it can be brought to MO for testing and
recharging. MO also has CB sets which are available to campaigns.
(B1) E-mail and Internet access on site:
This is very useful as often information is required that normally would take hours of sitting in a library,
miles
away from site, filtering through books. Up-to-date information on the law is always needed to avoid
confrontations with the police. We also have our own web pages which act as an information source
for interested groups and individuals across the globe. We can issue press releases not only by
faxes but also by e-mail.
(C) Safety on sites:
MO is equipped with a first aid kit for minor injuries. We can also assist with intercoms and ventilation
systems for subterranean defenses. On the A30 campaign tunnels were ventilated using 12 volt computer
fans. The intercoms used were baby intercoms, these work very well, if your underground in a dark chamber
on your own, having contact with the surface makes a big difference to your safety and moral.
We will try to arrange local safety meetings between protesters and the police, fire brigade and ambulance
services to explain the safety facilities we have and how they are used. This information is vital in the
unlikely
event that we need to call them. We will also try to open a dialogue with the undersheriff in an attempt to
explain how dangerous it could be if his bailiffs removed any of the essential life support systems installed,
whilst evicting.
(D) Information and resource centre:
We are at the moment gathering vast amounts of information from groups not only nationwide but also all
the
way across the globe. This is kept in filing cabinets in MO. Anyone can look at these files but
unfortunately will not be able to remove them. This was a lesson learnt on the A30, where files were
constantly
being 'borrowed' and never returned. We do have a photocopier though, so any info. that is required to be
taken
away, can be.
(E) Recording of events for archives:
A record of events on site/s will be kept and updated onto our web pages regularly. Check out
PP3 Log on our web pages. These are records taken by us from the A30 campaign. We also have a video
camcorder
and a 12V VHS machine, meaning we have the ability to act as legal observers in the event of police or
bailiffs
visiting site. This is very useful, especially as evidence in court if somebody is arrested.
MO technical information
The Mobile office runs mainly on a 12 volt supply. Power is stored in two batteries which supply power to the
junction box. All appliances connect to the junction box which has a main fuse and switch. The alarm system is
powered independently in order to safe guard alarm integrity. The junction box has connections for mains supply
if needed and an in built inverter (converts 12v DC to 240v AC ). A terminal exists to connect a battery charger
and a switch which prevents power from the battery charger from getting to the inverter. One lesson we learnt
the hard way was power supplied from a battery charger has traces of alternating current ( AC ) this alternating
current ( AC ) can damage the inverter as it is designed to work from a totally stable direct current ( DC )
supply.
MO has two 486 laptop computers one with a color monitor the other with a monochrome monitor one remains
on the bench and serves as the main computer the other is stored in a safe and used to do specialised work.
Between both computers we are able to fulfill all work required. This includes desktop publishing, word-
processing, connecting to the Internet, databases. The main computer runs directly from the 12v DC supply the
other requires 240v AC from ether the inverter or when plugged in, the mains.A 12v Video machine and television enable MO to rough edit video footage from the video camera.
MO's power when in the field is supplied by a Rutland 910 windmill and 3 chronar solar cells these are
connected to the supply at the junction box. An ammeter is fixed into the junction box which measures the
power coming into the system. A Hand cranked generator is mounted on the bench which can provide 12v DC whenever it is needed. With this system 12v power can be maintained at all times.
A smoke alarm and an automatic extinguishing system are also installed.
How far we've got:
About eight months ago, we purchased an old Dodge/Commer ambulance from a friend for next to nothing.
The
only problem was that the ambulance was in a severe state of decay. We have had to totally rebuild all of the
framework that supports the shell of the body from about 5ft down. We have been collecting equipment
since the A30 campaign. A broken photocopier was purchased from a recycling Centre, this has now been
fixed and is often used.
After applying for a grant to complete the office we received £1450 which paid for all the repairs to
the vehicle and enabled us to get it road legal. Out of the money we perchest computer equipment and every
thing else needed for the office. Although the office was not totally finished we decided to take it to a
campaign and field test the set up.
Our first mission was the anti quarry action at Teigngrace in Devon. When
we arrived there office was in a cardboard box. The first thing we did was produce informational leaflets
describing what was going on this proved quite successful as the development had not yet received planning
permission, on the leaflets we asked people to write to John Prescott voicing there objections. The campaign
had not swung into "full on mode", as we had stated if a public inquiry were held we would vacate the site.
This meant building irremovable defenses was out of the question campaigners who were use to building
lock on's spent there time handing out leaflets in the local towns. The department of the Environment
received about 1500 objections against the scheme which could have been a major part in the decision to call
a public inquiry.
Having the office on site meant people were informed instantly on what was going on thus avoiding
confusion and lost messages. People on site were also a lot more informed as to the facts about the
campaign. On the A30 campaign some people even at the end didn't know about DBFO a key reason for
being there in the first place.
To say we didn't have problems would be a lie. The first problem was power, keeping the CB and
the phone on all the time was just about ok with the wind mill and solar panels, but running the computer
and printer used more power than we could get from our equipment. Our intention was to buy some more
modern solar panels from the grant, in order to get the power we needed would have meant spending about
£400 which we were unable to afford. We got around this problem by charging up batteries from a friendly
local who also gave us space to keep the photocopier in. Our generator packed in within the first month,
windmills and solar panels can be repaired in the field but petrol generators need spare parts which we are
still having problems locating. Another problem we had was our inverter (converts 12v DC to 240v AC).
This had been sent off to be fixed which left us with no mains power a friend sorted this problem by lending
us one till ours was ready.
The filing cabinet we got was ok but after filling it with information it's location in the vehicle
meant the weight was uneven causing problems when cornering. Chopping it in half and putting one half on
ether side of the vehicle seems to have solved vehicle stability.
All in all MO worked really well and proved to be a very useful tool for the campaign after our first
mission which was totally successful as a public inquiry was called, we are finishing installing cupboards and getting ready for the next mission.
MO's politics
The Mobile Office has been set up in order to highlight environmental issues. People working with MO are
dedicated environmentalists, not just protesters but people who want to change the destruction humans are
having on the planet. Many different projects are undertaken by MO we don't limit ourselves to non-violent
direct action as a lot of time is spent raising awareness in more traditional ways. People working with MO
are involved with Agenda 21, recycling, permaculture and sustainable development. We are constantly
examining our actions and way of life in order to reduce our own impact on the planet.
If more people examined there way of life a lot of planetary destruction could be avoided. Our principals of
working gear more toward cooperation opposed to competition. Ten people can watch one telly opposed to
ten people watching ten tellies!
We need your help NOW!
Help is needed connecting to the Internet we have valued a data card at £300 this will give us a board rate of
9600 when working out the modem speed and mobile phone costs we're coming to the conclusion being
fully connected is going to cost a fortune one idea we had was to use radio to transmit to a land line, dose
any one have any suggestions we would be very interested to hear from you.
We're also collecting information for our files. Please send us any info. you have on what
your up to.
We desperately require donations NOW toward this project. Every penny, stamp or envelope helps. Please
send us a contribution. If anyone would like the mobile office for a campaign or action please contact us.
Watch this space for updates on our project. Cheers!
