MO LOG and NEWS

The Mobile Office Teigngrace, Devon

The Mobile Office log is a day to day account of events.
Kept as accurate as possible, written by different people at different times.
It is kept for reference purposes.

Friends of Canbury Gardens, Kingston upon Thames

27.3.98 7.23am
Tunnellers are coming out to a press conference at 9am. All out and ok sent cheque for phone

26.3.984.45pm
Two people have snuck onto site and climbed up trees at present two climbers are kitting up in order to remove them26.3.98 Police offered a deal, if they come out of the tunnel they'll arange a press conference live on national telly allowing 30 or so protesters to come on site and welcome them out, no arrests, after much discussion they decided to stay down.

25.3.98 2.30pm
10 left in trees lots of shouting there using 2 big cherry pickers, tunnellers are digging down so they can reach the front door from underneath, Suzy locked on and has a nous round her neck connected to the door preventing it from being pulled up. Elf has had 2 shits, Justin and Suzy have had one, tunnel is smelly.

24.3.98
They came in at dawn very slowly 5 people down tunnels, loads in tower. 11.25am Mesh being laid asked tunnellers not to allow it to happen, they ignored my warning, someone nearly fell out of a harness whilst being lowered 10.25pm

23.3.98
1 hour and 23 minutes till next alarm this may be last entry till eviction, 2 cop vans stopped at bottom of park set off an arooga, now at this time 1.40am sitting and waiting

21.3.98
Pulled 101 out of hiding and set up Signs saying, TUNNEL LIFE SUPPORT, SAFETY AREA, and SAFETY EQUIPMENT. Eviction any day now, possible undercover in the area, prowling around.

19.3.98
3 new hand held bought all on 49-MHz FM codes: HH 7, HH 8, HH 9

18.3.98
Townstall woods under review until the year 2001, wired up second tunnel with intercom, worked out a way of charging tunnel batteries. Sheriffs safety guys round, haven't got a tunnel team yet, loads of people round.

17.3.98
No eviction this morning, every thing pretty much done, think I might unveil the 101 when the eviction kicks off if I have time, possible spies on site! more police boats than usual, council meeting there gona cut the trees, democracy lost the day, big possie of people went

16.3.98
Two doors in tunnel and lock on in bottom of shaft, photos taken

14.3.98
Tunnel down 15ft along 10ft, intercoms are installed between 101-tower-sleeping area-tunnel-lockon, loads of people full on building all round.

7.3.98
Boat gone back to Portsmouth have been given another boat , communal space rebuilt, eviction rhymers have started, council policy meeting on the 16 March.

5.3.98
Top Police bods checking camp in Canbury gardens Kingston, seating area re arranged, beat coppers seam to be absent, council meeting to decide the next step is on the 16.3.98

1.3.98
Am staying on site with 101, meant to be taking boat back to Portsmouth but think it's not going to happen till the weathers better

28.2.98
Got moaned at for bringing Mobile Office onto site. Few problems about the vehicle being on site in Canbury park

23.2.98
Banner drop on Fairclough house, banner read: un Fairclough hands off our park No arrests, press turned up, everyone wore white paper boiler suits looked very smart, Birmingham needs people.

20.2.98
Picked up Making Waves rib (boat) 101 ok for towing, burnt out back lights wire, took ages to sort out tail board light.

18.2.98
101 Ready to go, oil checked in Gearbox and axles, Mobile office in 8 box's 1 mini office, 2 toolkit, 3 first aid, 4 tape box, 5 booty box, 6 computer box, 7 food, 8 personal effects, fire extinguisher and leisure battery all in 101.

12.2.98
Windmill still going ballistic, had to take it down a couple of times, brushes sticking and arcking across causing dirt to build up on contacts, think pole bearings need changing as the windmill judders in high winds.

9.2.98
Boxed Mo all useful equipment is now stored in 8 boxes, apart from the TV, Windmill and solar cells, this has created an archive pile and useful but not being used equipment pile, the whole office in box form would fit into a Mini! apart from the windmill pole. Windmill going ballistic unable to fix fuse due to high speeds

8.2.98
Windmill going ballistic thinks its blown a fuse, cant replace without taking it down, everything is charged though.

7.2.98
Boxed Mo computing thus making it more mobile box consists of: Gateway 486, High screen 486, Canon BJC250 printer, Power Star 12v to 240v inverter, transformer for both computers, 4 way plug board and spike protector, mouse, lap link lead, modem lead, serial port adapter, printer lead, Psion serial link lead, half colour cartridge ( no blue) Not quite sure whats happening with MO, maybee going to split into different units, do we need to carry hundreds of files around? Do we need to pay to keep a vehicle on the road when every thing can be carried in boxes in any vehicle, or...perhaps use a more useful vehicle that also carries an office

29.1.98
101 Ready for MOT cleaned all plugs and connections, air filter, turned down tick over, made new number plate light cover, fuel tank drain slack tightened, coolant checked, head lamp straightened out, power low but manageable.

23.1.98
Total power failure on all systems, computers ink Psion, Vehicle, 12v system, communications, 3 hour battery reserve its now 19.00.Solar panels and windmill are up and running but no sun and no wind, tried charging off 110v generator but couldn't work out h

21.1.98
No news from Whatley, assume eviction is still happening. Windmill going ballistic, but not quite in time for 6pm Wednesday ritual, had to do the unthinkable and use starting battery, the phones terminal illness is getting worse.

20.1.98
Eviction at Dead Womans bottom 40 people up trees 2 arrests. Went to Bingley, couldn't find camp, arrived as someone who had been run over was taken to hospital, 30,000 vehicles go through the town centre a day, locals are desperate for the bypass.

12.1.98
MO Parked at Slowet, taxed, have started a list on Global facts and figures, windmill up and running power still low

1.1.98
In Leeds, Psion updated to PC, Think our repair on the engine block is leaking, need to work out MO's direction for the new year, funding MO and keeping everything going is proving very difficult not sure how long I can keep doing it myself, due to the lack of any other interest modifications need to be sort, maybe slim down the equipment and specialise.

31.12.97
Engine. block seems to be leaking a bit, hanging around in Leeds, updated PC's Gateway is now the main with the High screen being used as a data dump/backup, need to reassess phone bill records didn't send enough money off more funds had to be raised , the phone will now be charged at 50p per min peek and 25p per min off peek

24.12.97
Sorted Gateway desktop, and getting to grips with Windows 95, installed driver by putting it in the system.ini file managed to get the sound working.

23.12.97
Redesigned desktop on Gateway 2000, am finally getting it set up to be the main computer, Psion link and Emulator software installed.

21.12.97
In Leeds sussing out the city, due to the high number of groups getting into stuff, am thinking about setting up a resource centre, and using the 486DX in Devon for Internet access, reset Desktop layout.

2.12.97
Parked at Bank Farm, Slowet, clearing yard and demolishing old building, had a request from Bingly for MO gonna check it out, we heard that they had won.

27.11.97
MO parked up in Huddersfield, looking at possible farm, tyre needs changing, we need another project. Moved main batteries to other side of MO (junction box side)

23.11.97
CB alarm works but seems a little power hungry need to test it through an ammeter

22.11.97
Arrived in Huddersfield, Headlight switch needs sorting

21.11.97
River Rats action with Making Waves, they paddled around for an hour or two in the canal objecting against plans to ferry by boat, toxic waste from Hull to the proposed dump. Had two blow outs on the motorway, put a deposit on two new tyres.

15.11.97
Redone boot up files and included a menu option, servo came back today all fixed up and ready to put on, we may have some work soon, probably off up North for a bit.

13.11.97
Trollheim was evicted last night one year ago, sent servo off, backed up, todo,molog,phone, alarm fixed in MO, had a bath, clock and front cupboard sorted, back cupboard sorted.

11.11.97
Cops came round wanting us to move MO. gave them a guided tour, been trying to contact servo guy but can't get an answer, £100 donation went in the bank.

10.11.97
Alarm installed, wiring loom installed, shelf built above drivers seat, Internet pages rewritten, remote alarm built, small trays put up above printer, servo still not sorted but have some good leads to follow, new 3 way light switch and two new lights fitted

4.11.97
Fitted in gas cooker, MO funds are low need to sort some finances, MO still immobilised

3.11.97
Teigngrace is totally tatted down press been round, pulled off site 6 days ago, at present MO is at Winkley, brake servo gone needs replacing, chopped filing cabinet in half put it under benches on both sides should spread out the weight, new shelf above the drivers seat, fitted gas cooker firmly to the bench removed grill, site started in Birmingham

AQUA, save the rivers Teigngrace, Devon

27.10.97
Tatted down to leave, took down windmill and bender, installed 486dx PC in village hall Dave is responsible for it, Might pull off tomorrow, sorted through all the files and took them to the new inquiry office in the village hall

26.10.97
went to a meal provided by local villagers excellent nosh good gathering, looks like a small room of to one side in the village hall could be used as an office to coordinate the inquiry, feel ok about installing 486, one problem left is accommodation for people who want to stay behind the house offered was offered if it was going to be an office!

23.10.97
Lots of alcoholic trauma last night people feeling rushed into tatting down causing un needed stress, village meeting last night no clear decision on wether to set up an office in the village specifically for fighting the public inquiry, camp 1,2,5,6 have now been cleared, 3 CB's now in MO control along with 3 decent batteries, data card not looking hopeful, to slow

21.10.97
Nice day after 2 days of constant rain, river higher than its been since we've been hear, people slowly drifting off, Anna has taken on sorting the files, new safe created after office shuffle around , the key is on the Mo vehicle key ring.

18.10.97
camp clearing going very well, photocopier sent off, along with generator and 2 dot matrix printers,

16.10.97
Phone bill covered by donations from the village meeting, locals on the case with the public inquiry, grand tat down begun, yesterday council snoopers came round saying WBB had asked them to consider evicting us under their environmental health laws told them we would be gone in 3 weeks so they might as well not bother even thinking about it till then.

15.10.97
After a mornings rant about the phone bill £92.44 quid came in from donations £7 bucket on the blag it was for alcohol £65 bucket from the locals meeting MO expenses are: £105 phone bill £50 to pay for repair on inverter £20 photocopier toner If these are covered we will be in the same position we were in when we arrived in

14.10.97
John Prescott called a public inquiry. He made his decision at high noon, started tatting down to pull off, MO is owed £115 for the phone bill at present I don't know wether it will be paid I will be instigating other measures to cover bill if the dosh from Aqua is not forth coming.

13.10.97
Tors tour began, quirt day apparently John Prescott is going to make his decision within the week.

12.10.97
Everyone back from walk, big two day party, many tales including the weirdest thing found on side of road, a fish!! A banner drop happened to show how upset people were at being snubbed by John Prescott after being stopped by police from delivering the letter to the door and not being able to hand it to him personally after being told he would accept it in person.

9.10.97
Rewired junction box, tidied up all wires, psion got wet and stopped working data ok

6.10.97
Every thing has settled down a bit on site, undesirables have left, rubbish cleared. John Prescott has said he will meat the walkers if they get there before 12pm Thursday, moral on the walk is good and getting better as they get closer to London, it's a shame there's only 3 locals walking a bit out of proportion with 11 protesters, the walk has been an eye opener for locals

5.10.97
Waterproofed bender, things seem to be settling down on site, problems being sorted with help coming from unusual quarters, CID were round yesterday asking questions, police helicopter flew over circled a couple of times, various arrooga rumours for Thursday not sure what to think made a phone call, if JP has decision for walkers they could try and clear the site before walkers return

4.10.97
People jacking up on site and leaving a mess which was spotted by a local, people using have been asked to leave, police came round looking for person wanted for questioning, it's all going pear shaped.

2.10.97
walkers moral was a bit low yesterday but was up again today, informed someone they were not welcome in the field due to there harassment of women, did an interview for a bunch of collage students, topped up with distilled water sarahs battery and main MO battery

30.9.97
The walkers had there hardest day yesterday no one dropped out getting amazing support, people beeping there horns, loads of donations, enough to keep going, they spent a night in a car park things getting rough, very good reception in Ottery, 4th day starting to ware hopefully there second wind will kick in.

27.9.97
Everyone set off to walk to London about 40 people went on the march, big breakfast this morning with newspapers and TV filming the kettle.

23.9.97
Theirs gona be about 10 people from camp and 7 people from the village with people joining the march along the way, very quirt camp 2 tatted down, just found out you cant use word whilst other programs are running it comes up with weird messages when you save

22.9.97
Moved out of MO into a squarer or bender except it's square, walk to London press release faxed off,

17.9.97
People are going to walk to London from Teigngrace see file: ..\mailouts\press\aquaps10.doc

16.9.97
Rebuilt solar panels into one frame, office under went a major sort out, things got drastic but are ok now, full moon and eclipse, phone file up to date with psion

12.9.97
Managed to get printer working on 486dx

11.9.97
Police, WBB, Simon Barnet (Michelmores solicitors) came round and served notice of the courts decision from the 29.9, they went to all camps banging stakes into the ground they left us loads of nice plastic envelops, they put a very large pile of soil in front of the gate to block the entrance, WBB were presented with the golden toilet award see aquaps09

9.9.97
Two diggers turned up, they wanted to dig trenches to stop vehicles from gaining access, people sat on diggers and the fire brigade came out but couldn't do anything as there is no law in Devon about blocking access tracks, 10 assorted cop cars and vans turned up people moved out of the way after they asked nicely and said please.

8.9.97
People starting to come back after the festival been very quirt over the weekend.

3.9.97
Stuff sent to Dispatches: Letters from Peter, Tale of how it used to be by Colin, stuff on the Sheriffs act, badger report, report into WBB environmental report, affidavit's, press statements from disk, press cuttings, letters to people including John Prescott.

2.9.97
It looks like we will pull of the Teigngrace site if John Prescott calls a public enquiry, its very quirt the waiting begins, Updated half of phone book onto psion sent off to be put on disk, Internet pages updated apart from the pictures, camp six's bread is brill

29.8.97
AQUA went to court today and although a good ethical defence was put up WBB were granted possession the hearing lasted 2 hours, the judge was fair although runour has it he's a drinking partner with one of the WBB top bods! people don't want to see the trees trashed.

26.8.97
Legal file created in order to work out and keep track of what the fuck is going on, lots of legal chat, CH4 want to film MO

25.8.97
Showed a video put notes in front of dates in order to have files closer to top of list, loads of power, started working on court stuff for AQUA

24.8.97
River rally went well not as many people as there could have been, may be loads of rain this morning put people off, good day though and a lot of good contacts with the public. Updated stuff onto floppy.

23.8.97
Moved into field set up windmill, MO produced flier07,

20.8.97
Finished our first web page. Got donated a 486dx desktop computer with a colour screen floppy drive don't work but hay lets not worry about that. Got loads of floppies need to virus check them

14.8.97
Numbered and filed all A30, Otter view files, all 4 draws of the filing cabinet are full, we have access to mains, photocopier still paying up, printer might be running out of ink. Gig tonight at the Lanterns. Apparently Trevor Coleman is breaking the law with his new service of Swampy Busters, WBB also braking the law using him

12.8.97
Got all the Ottery files,

11.8.97
Got 2 new batteries for MO, plugged into mains and charged everything up, we are now skint!! Designed, layed out and printed our first real fliers for the AQUA march in August, got a hydrometer and oil think we have every thing we need for now.

10.8.97
Generator fucked, got to move today, 4 solar panels up and working, loads of sun, batteries not holding need 2 truck batteries, I do hope MO starts!!!

8.8.97
Big fuck-ups, genny died seems to work for a bit then stop and not restart, got to move on Sunday, photocopying is out as its doing weirdness and fucked genny, good day for sun! Telly died the other day, fitted radio ariel. Done gig flier for AQUA

6.8.97
Our phone rang the camp mobile, the camp mobile rang us, recall rang back and played back general fireside chat, WEIRD!! Phoned up Zion train and Levellers to blag a gig wrote off letters, photocopier fucking up big time don't think it likes the damp, weather crap no sun no power.

5.8.97
Big fuck up with High screen, trashed hard drive when trying to print out stuff note only print one thing at a time so to avoid over loading print manager, replaced hard drive with one we got with Gateway 2000, Lost someone down the river but after much frantic searching found them, wrote up flier02, sorted out disks and numbered them all

4.8.97
Got a filing cabinet for MO, colour printer works on 12v, Gateway 2000 works on 12v but only if batteries are fully topped up, High screen prints in colour, worked out how to get good prints off photocopier when using generator, got 4 solar panels that need mounting in glass for £20. Funds running low

3.8.97
Managed to get Gateway 2000 to run off 12v system, fixed up another solar panel still unable to load scanned .pif file, sent off aquaps03 (press statement). They came round with the court papers for all camps today Torquay Magistrates court on 29th August.

1.8.97
Spent all day trying to sus new computer had to use jenny a lot to, siphon petrol from MO and connected main battery to system. Printer doing funny things. Photocopied some handouts but was told a bit to controversial, wrote up new flier for AQUA. Tidied up wiring. T3100e computer passed onto Hans

31.7.97
Went shopping today, we got a cannon printer a scanner and a Gateway 486 Lap top computer which has PCMCIA slots so we can connect to the Internet. It´s taken us some time to get a suitable computer but now we can pass on other computers to people who will use them for the cause. Just been told the council have threatened the land owner with a £20,000 fine if MO doesn't move off his land he was told this from a phone call no official letter has been sent. Power is low so were having to use the generator need more solar panels, unfortunately by the time were connected to the web our funds will be exhausted.

31.7.97
The Mobile Office's first mission!!
At present The Mobile Office is parked just outside a small hamlet called Teigngrace near Newton Abbot, South west Devon.

A vast area of glorious countryside is under threat from the multinational quarrying giant, Watts Blake Bearns, who have just gained approval at the first stages, in gaining planning permission.

The Mobile Office issued its first press statement but the photocopier was suffering from condensation. This means photocopying early in the morning is out of the question! The weather is glorious and the demand for power to run this computer is being met by the sun.

The local support for the 'AQUA' campaign has been amazing, and is unprecedented to date. I've met no one who agrees with the quarry expansion. Even the local parish council is totally against the scheme. There are four camps set up on the proposed site.

Some digger drivers in a nearby quarry use the same CB channels as us. So CB banter has begun. They call us 'The Heebee Jeebies' for some reason. Usually they seem quite cheerful and use standard comments such as 'dirty smellies', 'scruffy monkeys' and 'Swampy'.

John Prescott has called a halt on the scheme in order to consider calling the application in for a public enquiry. So please write to the Labour party with any comments.

12.1.1997
PP3's Log of the A30 Evictions

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