Members of BHFOE were at Balcombe on Wednesday 28/8, as independent observers. The camp has grown, the tents sporting the identity of all the groups that are joining in with the Balcombe residents. The police presence is less ominous –they also have set up their own camp along the road, complete with their own toilet block. Below is an update from one of the members on the day’s events:
It was a peaceful day, as drilling was not happening on that day, and no lorries had to be escorted by cordons of police.
Zoe Carol and Francoise put banners up, talked to people – gathering details on what has been happening at the front line – and Carol put on her orange legal observer jacket. There was nothing un-towards to witness: it was a housekeeping day for the campers: brushes were out, people were collecting water, the bins got emptied, neighbours delivered food boxes, children walked the dogs, plant pots and various posters got lined up in front of the tents.
The rest of us took in the sunshine!
It was only a lull however, when the holiday period is over, many campers will have to go back to work. Much more worrying issues are on the horizons in Balcombe and elsewhere, with more lorries or equipment due, a pending application to pursue exploratory gas/oil drilling, with a response from the environment agency due the 19th of September. Before this, FoE folks will get together to decide on their Autumn actions and campaign focus.
Meanwhile, everyone can find a way to rally round and support Balcombe residents, and the other groups. If you are sceptical, we urge you to just visit, and ask your questions from some of the very knowledgeable people on stand-by. If you want to support the group, you can bring useful goodies, or take any personal or financial action you see fit. The site is quarter of an hour’s walk from the rail station and it is clearly signposted with yellow ribbon.
Brighton & Hove Friends of the Earth 
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