When did you first attend the SODEM protest outside Parliament and why did you come? 

November 2018. I came because I hated Brexit so much. Having seen Steve on TV news with his placards and his humour, I wanted to see if I could join in the protest. 

Roughly how old are you?

59-1/2

How frequently did you come and when was the last time you attended?

I came often but not regularly… sometimes I had to miss several weeks due to other commitments.  Last attended on 17th December after the election. The last day of SODEM in a way.

How far from Westminster do you live and what was your travelling time?

I live in Shropshire. 3-4 hrs travelling time.

What’s your favourite memory?

There are many, but doing the Cake Not Hate and Pies Not Lies stalls were highlights, also the day we had all the Stop Brexit Lollipops before the European elections.   

Tell me your story

I came along to SODEM wanting to join in with a fight against Brexit – it seemed like an accessible protest. Not meetings nor committees just simple protest. Everyone there was friendly and welcoming and I was encouraged to  come again. Luckily I had somewhere in London to stay. So then, after hearing Polly on the Jeremy Vine show and hearing she was from Hereford I sought her out too. I wanted to find out a bit more before getting more involved. It was great to have a really good chat about the whole sorry mistake that Brexit is and to find someone who cared so strongly. I was always dismayed how few people really seemed to worry about it.   

I offered to help and first task was to help with the Cake Not Hate stall, I had such fun planning it. Making signs, and the stall, making rosettes. I had had a period of anxiety and lack of direction having been a stay at home Mum with an empty nest – I just loved having a project like this, being able to help!  More stalls and props followed. Pies Not Lies, Last Chance Saloon. I became one of the team and when I could I came along to help. It was a fascinating time. Meeting lots of like minded people. Interactions with the complete opposite, the hooligans linked with the Leave side. Conversations with normal people who strongly felt Leave was the answer – these people all seemed to carry an anger and unhappiness – I felt sorry for them.

All the SODEM supporters were funny and warm and friendly, and they had lost the Referendum but had probably won at Life!  There was also the chance to see some of the politicians as they came to and from Westminster. I had a very civilised chat with Rory Stewart, saw Dominic Grieve, Anna Soubry etc.   I was very interested to see the Police close up, and was mostly very impressed how they handled situations.  Not to mention helping at the Peoples Vote Marches ! Those enormous crowds of good natured people, milling past, buying our badges. I liked being part of the team. I like witnessing the huge affection for Steve from the people as they passed. His spirit and stamina was such an inspiration to so many and gave us cheer.  There are so many moments, too many for this form probably.  I’m writing it on my phone! Happy to have a chat if you want more!! 

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