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

March 2018, I think. Maybe earlier.  I’d been trying to get a local protest going, but without success. I needed to be doing something out on the street, but not alone, so I came to SODEM.

Roughly how old are you?

56

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

Once every 2-3 months. Last time was Dec 2019.

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

30 miles, takes 1.5 hours.

What’s your favourite memory?

Having Members of The House of Lords come out to thank us for being there. Standing next to Helen Campbell yelling ‘Brexit’s A Lie, Brexit’s a Con, Brexit’s Rubbish and we want it Gone.’  Hearing how well the experimental fairy lights on my flag showed up on TV. 

Tell me your story

I read Modern European Studies at uni, so the European peace project is very firmly cemented in my soul. I love co-operation and bridge building. The Leave vote was an attack on so much I hold dear. I had never protested previously but I was driven to it. I could feel the nascent fascism. I became quite desperate to see it beaten. The origins of the EU are anti-fascist, so to me it was clear that Brexit is a fascist (I call it ‘corporatist’ to avoid people immediately jumping to thoughts of goose-stepping and so concluding that I’m a crank) tool. I couldn’t commit to too much physical activism, so I spent time creating connections in various local groups, I helped organise an Ode to Joy choir in Guildford, and I became a moderator for the Facebook group ‘The 48%’.    

I also helped local LibDems with local and national campaigns leading up to elections.  Since Johnson became PM and has surrounded himself with the Leave cabal, I’ve felt hollow. I’m trying not to be fearful for the future, but it doesn’t look good to be poor or ill in the future UK. I want to leave England and its apparent majority of small-minded bigoted people, and I seek solace in the virtual world of decent people, many of whom are Remainers, or RemainerNow people.  Currently shielding my mum and trying to ensure that the duplicity of the Johnson government messaging about their handling of the pandemic is exposed. Also trying to encourage increased calls for an extension to the Brexit transition. Trying to feel positive & be resilient throughout isn’t easy for any of us, but at least we have each other (and my home hasn’t flooded! xx )

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