Description
Object description
British civilian peace activist and anti-nuclear protestor at Greenham Common, Berkshire and Menwith Hill, Yorkshire, 1981-1993
Content description
REEL 1: Aspects of period in GB, 1937-1981: family background in Wales; attitude to women's issues and political beliefs including membership of the Labour Party; role in current (1993) protest at Menwith Hill US base, Yorkshire. Aspects of period at Greenham Common, Berkshire and Menwith Hill, Yorkshire, GB, 1981-1993: story of marching from Cardiff to Greenham Common, summer 1981; family situation; attitude to march and first contact with feminism; opinion of women's camp and global impact; story of being chained to railings at gate to draw media attention to campaign; attitude to living in camp; opinion of military training.
REEL 2 Continues: further comments on being chained to railings and reaction of authorities; reason for setting up permanent camp; opinion of Ann Pettitt; reason for camp being women only; story of becoming a lesbian while in the camp and reaction of family; attitude of men to women only camp including members of Labour Party and CND; method of dealing with scepticism from men; attitude to women carrying out non-violent protests; story about occupation of sentry box; further comments on lesbianism and reaction of family; description of activities with organisation Women Against Cruise Missiles; story of attempting to bring court case against President Reagan in US.
REEL 3 Continues: influence of Quakers on decision to leave family; reaction to hostile coverage in Daily Mail; attitude to pacifism; further comments on attempting to bring court case against President Reagan in US; further comments on current protest at Menwith Hill US base, Yorkshire; opinion of arms trade; role of women in former Yugoslavia; description of development of camp on return, 1983; reason for women making regular incursions into base; attitude to camp during absence; types of women in camp; opinion of organisation and leadership in camp; attitude to accusations of Soviet funding for women's camp; description of different characteristics of women at gates into camp; problem of intimidation by partners of some women; description of vigilante action against women's camp.
REEL 4 Continues: description of effects of 'zapping' (electro-magnetic rays) on women in camp; story of taking part in the 'Embrace the Base' action, 12/1982; story of arrest and imprisonment in Holloway Prison; opinion of police and prison services; role of imprisoned women protestors in campaigning for prisoners' rights; comparison of protests at Greenham Common and Menwith Hill; story of standing as election candidate, 1983; opinion of James Callahan and Denis Healey; opinion of success of Greenham Common camp; attitude to US policy in former Yugoslavia; comparison of women protestors with political leaders.
REEL 5 continues: description of US listening post at Menwith Hill; further description of activities at Menwith Hill; reaction to arrival of Trident warhead convoys and proposed demonstrations; opinion of CND and members including Bruce Kent, Joan Ruddock and Glenys Kinnock; story of CND attempting to prevent visit to Libya on anniversary of US bombing; attitude to US.