Description
Object description
Film shot on behalf of the Chemical Defence Establishment shows members of CND gathering for a demonstration outside one of the traffic gates into the complex; some of the protesters are filmed trespassing on Ministry of Defence Land. The camera is, for the most part, situated within the perimeter of the Porton Down Establishment.
Content description
Placard on the bridge over the railway at Porton on behalf of a hunger striker reads: "I am fasting to express my contempt for the inhuman work carried out at Porton". A crowd of CND supporters gather at the modest access gate ("Haven Gate"), watched over by older members of the Ministry of Defence Police (Army Department Constabulary). The atmosphere is calm. Most of the demonstrators appear to be in their twenties, although there are some older people. Many carry placards: "Porton for the People!", "Reverence for Life - Schweitzer" etc. Camera focuses on their faces; some of the protesters jeer, many give a two-fingered "salute", others try to hide their identities. Many take photographs of the MOD camera itself. Viewpoint moves to Porton Pheasant Road, where demonstrators are filmed climbing gates and fences and trespassing on the broad Porton ranges. Long shots of clusters of people; many are carrying banners - "Porton for Peace" etc. One demonstrator has a large Soviet flag. Soldiers, MOD Police and members of the local constabulary gather up the clusters of protestors and escort them off the land. A small group of protesters climb a meteorological tower on Black Barn Road. Individual protesters are arrested by soldiers and put in the back of an MOD Land Rover; outside, the police take their details (many of the arrestees are sitting or lying on the ground). A group of protesters from the Dundee branch of the anti-war group the Committee of 100 are challenged by police. Some demonstrators sit in road, impeding passing vehicles. Back at Haven Gate, speakers address the crowd. An army lorry tries to leave the complex; it is blocked by the demonstrators who attempt to remove the canvas cover at the rear of the lorry.
Physical description
16mm