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

I first attended SODEM in late January 2019.   I had become increasingly aware that many people were against Brexit (as I was…).   I had attended the People’s March in October 2018 and was advised to get on social media by young family to get better informed about Pro EU groups, People’s Vote, anti-Brexit groups etc.   I became increasingly concerned about all the lies, irregularities, etc., around the whole advisory referendum and Brexit chaos.

Roughly how old are you?

75 years  – Born February 1945 – and feel European.

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

At first January 2019 once a week/fortnight but by the spring 2019 increased to couple of times weekly.   By Sept 2019, 2/3 times a week regularly right up until March 2020 when lockdown started. Haven’t been during lockdown due to being of senior age.    

I also went regularly to Whitehall Watch during recess in summer 2019

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

Bus from home at 9 am to Epping tube;  9.30 am Epping to Mile End, change to District Line to Westminster, eta at Westminster 10.35 ish.  Total time around 1hr 45 mins.

What’s your favourite memory?

Several favourite memories: the feeling of cavalry  arriving when after a horrible time with yellow vests around us, the Yorkshire4EU band and choir arrived singing By Ilkley Moor —with anti-Brexit lyrics.  Fabulous atmosphere. Many times, like that.  Cake not Hate Days, Pies Not Lies Days;   Bonding with others in Crush Cafe after Tommy Robinson’s supporters ran amok through our peaceful demonstration.

Tell me your story

Although I would say I am on the ‘left’, I was not political before Brexit.  I’ve certainly never voted Tory in my life, but have swapped between Labour and LibDem.  I felt bereft when the UK voted to leave the European Union. I have demonstrated before at NHS rallies, also against live animal exports abroad from Brightlingsea many years ago. 

Your donation helps to keep this website going. Thank you.