As we prepare to witness against the DSEI arms fair this September, there are opportunities to get creative – whether you are able to join us in London, or will be witnessing from where you are.
Friends can participate by creating :
- banners with messages of peace and against arms;
- paper lanterns (to symbolise shining a light on the arms trade);
- origami hearts that can be given to arms dealers and members of the public;
- leading (or joining in with) singing!
Banners
Create a banner with messages of peace, and/or highlighting why we oppose the arms trade. Keep it short and simple, use words or images. Banners can be any size or shape (unlike in previous years where we asked for a specific size of mini banner). Just make sure it’s something that you (and/or whoever you are travelling with) can carry yourselves.
Paper Lanterns
These will be particularly used on the walk of witness, where we aim to bring the arms fair into the Light, as we walk together to the headquarters of arms companies involved in the trade of violence and death. A simple family-friendly craft – follow the video below for instructions:
Origami Hearts
This is a simple heart design, suitable for beginners. The heart has two flaps that open, and a message of peace can be written on the inside. These can be given to members of the public on the Walk of Witness (we will also have leaflets) or arms dealers as they queue to enter the arms fair on the No Faith in War day.
Singing
There is also an opportunity to lead some singing – we have some well-loved songs that have been shared at previous actions, and just need someone confident to get us started – if you are interested please email hello@quaker-roots.org.uk
If you are not confident to lead the singing, have a listen to some of the songs, and get ready to join in. As the wonderful Margaret who has led us in the past says: when we all sing together, it doesn’t matter if each individual isn’t perfect, the combination of our voices will make a beautiful sound.
Ways to join in
Friends who cannot join in-person in September can post their creations, so that your message of peace will be at DSEI, while you witness from wherever you are. Creations can be sent to QPSW at Friends House, 173-177 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BJ marked for the attention of Lyndsay Burtonshaw .
Those who are travelling down might like to do a creative activity together with your Meeting, and bring what you have made along. This could make a nice activity for a children’s meeting too.
There will also be an opportunity for crafting at Westminster Meeting House ahead of the Walk of Witness, and (weather permitting) at the West Gate of the Excel centre on the No Faith in War day.