Leafleting In Wigton
A successful day of leafleting went ahead today in Wigton where Cumbrian organiser of the fascist BNP is standing on the 3rd of May.
We covered every house on Greenacres estate without receiving any negative feedback whatsoever. The leaflet we delivered was showing the uselessness of the BNP as councillors although we could only show a few examples on an A5 piece of paper.
Maryport Against Racism will be carrying out further leafleting in the run up to the election on Thursday.
Use your vote to stop the fascist BNP on May 3rd.
29 April, 2007
10 April, 2007
Don't Believe The BNP's Lies
I received a leaflet through my door Sunday morning from Martin Wingfield the candidate for the BNP in Ellenborough/Netherton ward and was offended to see him accuse Maryport Against Racism as a front for the Labour party. Maryport Against Racism was formed after it was decided a group was needed in order to combat racism and racist groups in Maryport during our public meeting informing people of the lies and deception the BNP use. Many members of the group are not members of political parties and those of which are, are not all members of the same party. Our clerk is actually standing as a Green Party candidate in the upcoming local elections. Whatever the BNP accuse Maryport Against Racism of, they cannot deny the message that we deliver, as everything we say about them can be backed up and is the truth. Don’t believe the BNP’s lies.
I received a leaflet through my door Sunday morning from Martin Wingfield the candidate for the BNP in Ellenborough/Netherton ward and was offended to see him accuse Maryport Against Racism as a front for the Labour party. Maryport Against Racism was formed after it was decided a group was needed in order to combat racism and racist groups in Maryport during our public meeting informing people of the lies and deception the BNP use. Many members of the group are not members of political parties and those of which are, are not all members of the same party. Our clerk is actually standing as a Green Party candidate in the upcoming local elections. Whatever the BNP accuse Maryport Against Racism of, they cannot deny the message that we deliver, as everything we say about them can be backed up and is the truth. Don’t believe the BNP’s lies.
03 April, 2007
Rock Against Racism
Last Sunday, April 1st, Maryport Against Racism organised it's first ever public event, Rock Against Racism and it was a great success.
A Sunday night is not the best night to hold a rock concert, as the club owners pointed out, but we still managed to attract an audience of about 100 people mainly local people. Even better was that while we expected the audience to be mainly young people it was people of all ages who turned up.
The purpose of the concert was to raise awareness about racism in general and racist political parties, the obvious one being the BNP, in particular which are once again organising and winning support. Judging by the amount of people who gave us their contact details to get more involved we were very successful in this.
The other important part of the night was that people enjoyed themselves and with a cheap bar and some excellent bands it’s safe to say most people had a good time.
The bands playing were punk rockers (in a teenage sort of way) Band Substance, Six String Revolution with acoustic protest songs, some classic rock with AWOL, Shore who sounded a lot like Oasis, more class rock from Ionian and finally Speeding Bee who were more like stand up comedians than a band.
I had a slot to do a short speech on racism and the arguments racists use in between AWOL and Shore which was well-received, even if I say so myself. I would post up a transcript of this but I ad-libbed most of it on the night.
Despite our various worries beforehand, that no-one would turn up on a Sunday night or that some of threats from people on the internet would actually be carried out for once, all the planning ensured that the event happened without a hitch.
Since this was our first public event we were all extremely happy with the result. We have reached a wider audience, mobilised more people in the run up to the local elections and gained a fair bit of publicity for ourselves. We would suggest that any local groups similar to ours tried out similar events because we put across a powerful anti-racist message, accompanied by a great soundtrack and fun while we did it.
Last Sunday, April 1st, Maryport Against Racism organised it's first ever public event, Rock Against Racism and it was a great success.
A Sunday night is not the best night to hold a rock concert, as the club owners pointed out, but we still managed to attract an audience of about 100 people mainly local people. Even better was that while we expected the audience to be mainly young people it was people of all ages who turned up.
The purpose of the concert was to raise awareness about racism in general and racist political parties, the obvious one being the BNP, in particular which are once again organising and winning support. Judging by the amount of people who gave us their contact details to get more involved we were very successful in this.
The other important part of the night was that people enjoyed themselves and with a cheap bar and some excellent bands it’s safe to say most people had a good time.
The bands playing were punk rockers (in a teenage sort of way) Band Substance, Six String Revolution with acoustic protest songs, some classic rock with AWOL, Shore who sounded a lot like Oasis, more class rock from Ionian and finally Speeding Bee who were more like stand up comedians than a band.
I had a slot to do a short speech on racism and the arguments racists use in between AWOL and Shore which was well-received, even if I say so myself. I would post up a transcript of this but I ad-libbed most of it on the night.
Despite our various worries beforehand, that no-one would turn up on a Sunday night or that some of threats from people on the internet would actually be carried out for once, all the planning ensured that the event happened without a hitch.
Since this was our first public event we were all extremely happy with the result. We have reached a wider audience, mobilised more people in the run up to the local elections and gained a fair bit of publicity for ourselves. We would suggest that any local groups similar to ours tried out similar events because we put across a powerful anti-racist message, accompanied by a great soundtrack and fun while we did it.
22 March, 2007
Leafleting In Cockermouth
Maryport Against Racism members were approached by a group of citizens concerned over the activities of the far right BNP in their town. The BNP are to stand a councillor in Cockermouth for the first time on 3rd May and have been busy leafleting the area with newspapers and other propaganda and also held a stall in the town centre although were forced to pack up due to the rain and lack of interest from locals. A few people from Cockermouth along with Maryport Against Racism managed to produce a counter leaflet revealing the truth about the BNP almost immediately and deliver them to over 800 houses in the All Saints ward of Cockermouth yesterday afternoon where thankfully, the rain held off. There was a good response from members of the public and we were approached by several people asking if there was anything they could do to help.
As long as the BNP are spreading their hate filled lies and half-truths, honest local citizens will be willing to combat it. Cockermouth is a prime example. Use your vote on May 3rd to stop the BNP.
Maryport Against Racism members were approached by a group of citizens concerned over the activities of the far right BNP in their town. The BNP are to stand a councillor in Cockermouth for the first time on 3rd May and have been busy leafleting the area with newspapers and other propaganda and also held a stall in the town centre although were forced to pack up due to the rain and lack of interest from locals. A few people from Cockermouth along with Maryport Against Racism managed to produce a counter leaflet revealing the truth about the BNP almost immediately and deliver them to over 800 houses in the All Saints ward of Cockermouth yesterday afternoon where thankfully, the rain held off. There was a good response from members of the public and we were approached by several people asking if there was anything they could do to help.
As long as the BNP are spreading their hate filled lies and half-truths, honest local citizens will be willing to combat it. Cockermouth is a prime example. Use your vote on May 3rd to stop the BNP.
18 March, 2007
Rock Against Racism Band Line-up
Here's some info on the great bands you'll be hearing on 1st April! Visit their Myspace sites to hear samples of their music.
Band Substance:Band Substance are a punk rock band from Workington. They formed in mid-2005 when drummer Andrew Terlerckjii joined guitarist Alex Elliott and bassist Sam Houston. They've been building up an enthusiastic following, playing at Monroe's in Workington and other local venues. Right now Band Substance are writing new material and playing shows around Cumbria. You can listen to their tracks on: www.myspace.com/bandsubstance
The Six String Revolution: The Six String Revolution consists of CJ and Comedy Dave. Influenced by Billy Bragg and other protest singers, they write and play politically poetic, acoustic songs on anti-homophobic, anti-racist, anti-sexist and anti-capitalist themes. They say: "Music isn't just about playing pretty tunes, it's about saying important stuff too." Hear them playing on: www.myspace.com/thesixstringrevolution
AWOL: AWOL all met up at school in Maryport and formed a band in 2002. They have played many gigs in Keswick, Cockermouth, Workington and Maryport, including highly successful appearances at the Maryport Blues festival in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and at the Silloth Beer Festival. They love to rock out, and their main influences are bands like Guns 'N' Roses, Free, ZZ Top and Motley Crue. Find out more about AWOL by going to their website: www.myspace.com/awoluk
Ionian: Ionian are a five-piece, alternative rock band from Keswick and Maryport. They play a mixture of covers and original music, and are currently working on their own album. They played at Maryport Blues Festival and Solfest in 2006, and were regional winners for Cumbria and Lancashire in the Rockidol 2006 competition. Their influences range from classic bands such as Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd and Cream to more contemporary music such as Velvet Revolver and Tool. They are building an enthusiastic fan base online, and they are set to win over plenty more. You can hear their music on: www.myspace.com/ionianrock
Speeding Bee: Speeding Bee are a band from a village in Durham called Pity Me. They play music which can be most easily described as ska-punk. They are blighted by the fact that they are all in separate further educational institutions across the country. They like feminism, animal rights, unilateral disarmament, respect, peace, love and Twin Peaks. They don't like racism, sexism, homophobia, stereotypes, intolerance, ignorance or Hollyoaks. One of them once made Billy Bragg a cup of tea. Check them out at www.myspace.com/speedingbee
Here's some info on the great bands you'll be hearing on 1st April! Visit their Myspace sites to hear samples of their music.
Band Substance:Band Substance are a punk rock band from Workington. They formed in mid-2005 when drummer Andrew Terlerckjii joined guitarist Alex Elliott and bassist Sam Houston. They've been building up an enthusiastic following, playing at Monroe's in Workington and other local venues. Right now Band Substance are writing new material and playing shows around Cumbria. You can listen to their tracks on: www.myspace.com/bandsubstance
The Six String Revolution: The Six String Revolution consists of CJ and Comedy Dave. Influenced by Billy Bragg and other protest singers, they write and play politically poetic, acoustic songs on anti-homophobic, anti-racist, anti-sexist and anti-capitalist themes. They say: "Music isn't just about playing pretty tunes, it's about saying important stuff too." Hear them playing on: www.myspace.com/thesixstringrevolution
AWOL: AWOL all met up at school in Maryport and formed a band in 2002. They have played many gigs in Keswick, Cockermouth, Workington and Maryport, including highly successful appearances at the Maryport Blues festival in 2004, 2005 and 2006, and at the Silloth Beer Festival. They love to rock out, and their main influences are bands like Guns 'N' Roses, Free, ZZ Top and Motley Crue. Find out more about AWOL by going to their website: www.myspace.com/awoluk
Ionian: Ionian are a five-piece, alternative rock band from Keswick and Maryport. They play a mixture of covers and original music, and are currently working on their own album. They played at Maryport Blues Festival and Solfest in 2006, and were regional winners for Cumbria and Lancashire in the Rockidol 2006 competition. Their influences range from classic bands such as Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd and Cream to more contemporary music such as Velvet Revolver and Tool. They are building an enthusiastic fan base online, and they are set to win over plenty more. You can hear their music on: www.myspace.com/ionianrock
Speeding Bee: Speeding Bee are a band from a village in Durham called Pity Me. They play music which can be most easily described as ska-punk. They are blighted by the fact that they are all in separate further educational institutions across the country. They like feminism, animal rights, unilateral disarmament, respect, peace, love and Twin Peaks. They don't like racism, sexism, homophobia, stereotypes, intolerance, ignorance or Hollyoaks. One of them once made Billy Bragg a cup of tea. Check them out at www.myspace.com/speedingbee
05 March, 2007
MARYPORT ROCK AGAINST RACISM
Maryport Against Racism are organising a Rock Against Racism concert for the 1st April at Grasslot Club. Unfortunately we are going to have to operate an over 18's only policy so bring ID so as not to be disappointed. The cost will be £5 on the door, all proceeds will go towards covering the costs of organising the gig. Hope to see you there.
27 February, 2007
Times and Star letter
Last weeks edition of the local paper, the Times and Star, carried the following letter about Maryport Against Racism:
Anti-racist group is students on an ego trip
Published on 23/02/2007
I WAS recently baffled and amused when I received a leaflet through my door from the Maryport Against Racism group informing us all about the threat and the growing support of the British National Party within Maryport.
The leaflet informed us that the BNP claims that the large number of foreign workers in the town is keeping wages down and putting pressure on the housing market, with all available rented accommodation being taken by greedy landlords wanting to “cram as many in as possible.”
Apparently, according to Maryport Against Racism, this is untrue.
Well, as a former employee of one of the factories where most of the migrants work, I believe that that is exactly what is happening.
One does not blame individual workers for being here, as they are only wanting a better life.Our government is to blame for allowing this to happen.
Factory owners plead they have to import foreign labour to fill vacancies. That is untrue. You can always recruit workers if you are prepared to pay a decent rate for the job.
I am not a politically-minded person, and I am not defending the BNP. But Maryport Against Racism seems to me to be a few immature sixth form students on an ego trip.
P HOLDSWORTH
Maryport
The co-ordinator of the group, Jonathan Wood, has replied:
I refer to the letter P Holdsworth dated 23rd February. Can I first start off by talking about the factories in Maryport? The jobs that were available at the factories such as Cumbrian Seafoods have been vacant for years although many local people refused to work there. The Eastern European workers only go where there are jobs as over 97% of migrant workers are in paid employment.
You say that immigrant workers are not to blame for the lower wages and it is the fault of the government and the bosses, so removing migrant workers still doesn't take care of the real problem. The wages would still be low and the factories would still have job vacancies which people would be unwilling to fill which in turn would lead to the eventual closure of the factory which means no employment for people such as yourself.
There are actually 5.5 million Britons which equates to 10% of the population living abroad. This is what is currently causing the pensions crisis. Due to our ageing population, it is predicted that there will be only 2 workers for every pensioner, this would place severe strains on the welfare state and may lead to the end of state pensions and the NHS as well as many other things we take for granted.
As for Maryport Against Racism being 'a few immature six form students on an ego trip.' May I point out that I am the only sixth form student in the group. There are several University students doctors, councillors and various other backgrounds. I don't think insults are a positive way to conclude your argument.
We should also not forget why Maryport Against Racism is campaigning against the BNP. Whenever the BNP have been elected into council, they have been useless. Their manifesto is not too different to that of the Nazis in 1930's Germany (the British standards board actually stated that it should not be deemed slanderous to call the BNP Nazi) and many of the BNP elite have been in the past members of extreme right wing parties e.g. Nick Griffin (the leader) was once a senior member in the International Third Position. This is a party that advocates the burning of Jewish babies and the hanging of homosexuals.
Jonathan Wood,
Maryport
Last weeks edition of the local paper, the Times and Star, carried the following letter about Maryport Against Racism:
Anti-racist group is students on an ego trip
Published on 23/02/2007
I WAS recently baffled and amused when I received a leaflet through my door from the Maryport Against Racism group informing us all about the threat and the growing support of the British National Party within Maryport.
The leaflet informed us that the BNP claims that the large number of foreign workers in the town is keeping wages down and putting pressure on the housing market, with all available rented accommodation being taken by greedy landlords wanting to “cram as many in as possible.”
Apparently, according to Maryport Against Racism, this is untrue.
Well, as a former employee of one of the factories where most of the migrants work, I believe that that is exactly what is happening.
One does not blame individual workers for being here, as they are only wanting a better life.Our government is to blame for allowing this to happen.
Factory owners plead they have to import foreign labour to fill vacancies. That is untrue. You can always recruit workers if you are prepared to pay a decent rate for the job.
I am not a politically-minded person, and I am not defending the BNP. But Maryport Against Racism seems to me to be a few immature sixth form students on an ego trip.
P HOLDSWORTH
Maryport
The co-ordinator of the group, Jonathan Wood, has replied:
I refer to the letter P Holdsworth dated 23rd February. Can I first start off by talking about the factories in Maryport? The jobs that were available at the factories such as Cumbrian Seafoods have been vacant for years although many local people refused to work there. The Eastern European workers only go where there are jobs as over 97% of migrant workers are in paid employment.
You say that immigrant workers are not to blame for the lower wages and it is the fault of the government and the bosses, so removing migrant workers still doesn't take care of the real problem. The wages would still be low and the factories would still have job vacancies which people would be unwilling to fill which in turn would lead to the eventual closure of the factory which means no employment for people such as yourself.
There are actually 5.5 million Britons which equates to 10% of the population living abroad. This is what is currently causing the pensions crisis. Due to our ageing population, it is predicted that there will be only 2 workers for every pensioner, this would place severe strains on the welfare state and may lead to the end of state pensions and the NHS as well as many other things we take for granted.
As for Maryport Against Racism being 'a few immature six form students on an ego trip.' May I point out that I am the only sixth form student in the group. There are several University students doctors, councillors and various other backgrounds. I don't think insults are a positive way to conclude your argument.
We should also not forget why Maryport Against Racism is campaigning against the BNP. Whenever the BNP have been elected into council, they have been useless. Their manifesto is not too different to that of the Nazis in 1930's Germany (the British standards board actually stated that it should not be deemed slanderous to call the BNP Nazi) and many of the BNP elite have been in the past members of extreme right wing parties e.g. Nick Griffin (the leader) was once a senior member in the International Third Position. This is a party that advocates the burning of Jewish babies and the hanging of homosexuals.
Jonathan Wood,
Maryport
19 February, 2007
Rock Against Racism
Maryport Against Racism is presenting Rock Against Racism. It's going to be held at Grasslot Club in Maryport (near the go-kart track) .
If your band is interested then leave send us an e-mail or leave us a message on our MySpace.
Maryport Against Racism is presenting Rock Against Racism. It's going to be held at Grasslot Club in Maryport (near the go-kart track) .
It will be held 1st April with tickets at £5. The probable times will be 5pm - 11pm although this will all be confirmed nearer the time.
Confirmed Bands:
If your band is interested then leave send us an e-mail or leave us a message on our MySpace.
28 January, 2007
More Leafleting in Maryport
More of the Ellenborough-Netherton ward has been leafleted now leaving only half of old Netherton and Pecklewell including Victory Crescent to do.
We've had a lot of positive support and only minimal negative feedback thanks to the man in his underwear shouting profanities at MAR members. We hope to finish the ward as soon as possible.
More of the Ellenborough-Netherton ward has been leafleted now leaving only half of old Netherton and Pecklewell including Victory Crescent to do.
We've had a lot of positive support and only minimal negative feedback thanks to the man in his underwear shouting profanities at MAR members. We hope to finish the ward as soon as possible.
26 January, 2007
Successful Leafleting in Brampton
On Sunday 21st January, members of Maryport Against Racism along with roughly 20 other activists leafleted the town of Brampton which was contested by the racist BNP in a County Council byelection. Almost every house in the village was leafleted with nothing but good response from the local people.
The election took place yesterday and the results stood as:
Conservatives 717 votes
Labour 363 votes
BNP 88 votes.
Turnout: 23.3%
Another embarassment for the far right showing that the people of Cumbria don't want fascism.
On Sunday 21st January, members of Maryport Against Racism along with roughly 20 other activists leafleted the town of Brampton which was contested by the racist BNP in a County Council byelection. Almost every house in the village was leafleted with nothing but good response from the local people.
The election took place yesterday and the results stood as:
Conservatives 717 votes
Labour 363 votes
BNP 88 votes.
Turnout: 23.3%
Another embarassment for the far right showing that the people of Cumbria don't want fascism.
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