"It looks like you have found 'The 12 Apostles' - it is Bronze Age and is well before anything that we may call 'druid'. The rock art is more difficult to find, so I hope that you like a challenge!"
Cool!
So on Saturday the English Defence League (EDL) visited Bradford for a protest/rally. They claim not to be a racist organization, but I think you're walking on thin ice when your platform is anti-Islam.....
There were peace vigils the day(s) leading up to the EDL's arrival into Bradford, sponsored by the Bradford Women for Peace--- I believe. To be honest, I didn't know any of this was going on until I left my apartment in my morning internet/coffee routine down to Cafe Nero and saw the 1600 police officers (I exaggerate you not: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/aug/28/english-defence-league-bradford-demonstrations) forming barricades around the little park area in front of the Berlin Wall--- that was my first hint that something might be going on.
My second hint came when a guy inside Cafe Nero was wearing a pin that said "I hate Nazis." Okay, interesting sentiment to display, I thought. The Anti-Fascism league was also in town that day... I think to counter-rally the EDL?
Anyway, getting back to the days before: They had peace vigils and tied green ribbons around practically every post in the city centre. People could untie the green ribbons and wear them as a sign of support for Bradford Peace, anti-EDL. There was a big sign in the centre of town that read "Bradford Supporters for Peace" where the vigil was held. There was also a banner draped from the Midland Hotel, where the reporters camped out, that overlooked the EDL protest area, that said: "Bradford for Peace."
This would probably be a good time to mention that Bradford has had some... ethnic clashes in its history that have erupted into so called "race riots." So this whole issue of Bradford peace is an important subject for the city.
Anyway, I took some video of the whole protest/rally scene. Not the best. I wasn't in the best spot. I didn't really want to be. It wasn't too exciting to be honest. It was mostly the EDL and a core group of people chanting things like "BURN IN HELL, EDL." Most of the people were there just to spectate the whole thing...... and most of them seemed to think the whole scene was pretty pointless. There were a group of girls next to me laughing: "This is so stupid; It's going to be on the news and everything." Yes, it was stupid.
People were camped up in the hills around Bradford just hanging out, watching the scene--- once again, most of them laughing.
I have never seen so many policeman before. As they day progressed they all changed into their full on rioting gear--- shields, helmet, face mask.
Oh, here's a link with a video! Here you go:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/aug/29/english-defence-league-bradford-arrests
Chrys
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