#salisbury — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #salisbury, aggregated by home.social.
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Holy Trinity Chapel, Salisbury Cathedral
August 2025
#FensterFreitag #Salisbury #Wiltshire #England #UK #GB #SalisburyCathedral #Cathedral #Windows #Trinity #HolyTrinity #HolyTrinityChapel #Altar #Kirche #Church #Gotik #gothic #gothicArchitecture
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Salisbury Cathedral
Oh yes, I really had to work hard to earn this ‘medal’!The Tower Tour of Salisbury Cathedral’s tower isn’t for people with a fear of heights, like me – but it’s absolutely worth it!
And to be honest: you never talk about #fear – only about #heroic deeds! ;-)May 2018
#Salisbury #SalisburyCathedral #England #Wiltshire #UK #GB #GothicArchitecture #TowerTour #Gothic #monochrome #blackandwhite #photography #church #Gotik #monochrom #SchwarzWeiss #Fotografie #Kirche
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Above the roofs of the cathedral.
View from the spire of Salisbury Cathedral.
May 2018
#Salisbury #SalisburyCathedral #England #UK #GB #Wiltshire #Roof #Cross #Dach #Kreuz #monochrom #monochromeMonday #monochrome #blackandWhite #schwarzweiss #TowerTour
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Above the roofs of the cathedral.
View from the spire of Salisbury Cathedral.
May 2018
#Salisbury #SalisburyCathedral #England #UK #GB #Wiltshire #Roof #Cross #Dach #Kreuz #monochrom #monochromeMonday #monochrome #blackandWhite #schwarzweiss #TowerTour
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Above the roofs of the cathedral.
View from the spire of Salisbury Cathedral.
May 2018
#Salisbury #SalisburyCathedral #England #UK #GB #Wiltshire #Roof #Cross #Dach #Kreuz #monochrom #monochromeMonday #monochrome #blackandWhite #schwarzweiss #TowerTour
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Hype for the Future 183G: Western Piedmont, North Carolina
Overview The communities of the western Piedmont of the State of North Carolina are largely located on the general west side of the City of Charlotte, including communities such as the City of Gastonia in Gaston County, home to the Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium and the Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia. To the north is the City of Lincolnton, the county seat of Lincoln County, followed by Catawba and Iredell Counties. Within Catawba County are notable communities such as […] -
Hype for the Future 183G: Western Piedmont, North Carolina
Overview The communities of the western Piedmont of the State of North Carolina are largely located on the general west side of the City of Charlotte, including communities such as the City of Gastonia in Gaston County, home to the Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium and the Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia. To the north is the City of Lincolnton, the county seat of Lincoln County, followed by Catawba and Iredell Counties. Within Catawba County are notable communities such as […] -
Hype for the Future 183G: Western Piedmont, North Carolina
Overview The communities of the western Piedmont of the State of North Carolina are largely located on the general west side of the City of Charlotte, including communities such as the City of Gastonia in Gaston County, home to the Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium and the Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia. To the north is the City of Lincolnton, the county seat of Lincoln County, followed by Catawba and Iredell Counties. Within Catawba County are notable communities such as […] -
Hype for the Future 183G: Western Piedmont, North Carolina
Overview The communities of the western Piedmont of the State of North Carolina are largely located on the general west side of the City of Charlotte, including communities such as the City of Gastonia in Gaston County, home to the Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium and the Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia. To the north is the City of Lincolnton, the county seat of Lincoln County, followed by Catawba and Iredell Counties. Within Catawba County are notable communities such as […] -
Hype for the Future 183G: Western Piedmont, North Carolina
Overview The communities of the western Piedmont of the State of North Carolina are largely located on the general west side of the City of Charlotte, including communities such as the City of Gastonia in Gaston County, home to the Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium and the Esquire Hotel Downtown Gastonia. To the north is the City of Lincolnton, the county seat of Lincoln County, followed by Catawba and Iredell Counties. Within Catawba County are notable communities such as […] -
War, war, war
Hostilities continue with little sign of lasting peace let alone reconciliation
April 2026
There is a ceasefire in Gaza/killings continue; the straight of Hormuz is open/the straight of Hormuz is closed; the Iranians have agreed to hand over their nuclear material; the Iranians will not hand over their nuclear material; there is a ceasefire in southern Lebanon; homes continue to be demolished in southern Lebanon. Welcome to the now you see it, now you don’t world of Middle East warfare.
At one level it is bizarre. Largely stemming from Washington, it seems to represent a desperate desire by the Americans and President Trump to claim some kind of victory for the ill-considered and catastrophic war they were persuaded into by the Israelis. At another level it is a disaster in which death, destruction and human misery is foisted on the peoples of Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. The killing is wanton. The pretence that the bombing and killing is directed at terrorists and because innocent people are human shields seems no longer to be the story in town.
In addition to the visible destruction there is the treatment of Palestinians in prisons around Israel which the latest UN report discusses. In exposing this practice, Francesca Albanese has been atrociously treated by the Americans as we discussed in our previous post.
Any Questions? and Danny Kruger
It is disappointing to listen to some of our politicians speaking in support of this continuing violence and carnage in the region as some kind of solution to the problems there. One such is the Reform politician Danny Kruger, the MP For East Wiltshire, a constituency touching on Salisbury. In a BBC radio programme called ‘Any Questions?’ where members of the audience put questions to a panel of – for the most part – politicians, he said in answer to a question on the Pope’s comments about Donald Trump:
“[It is] important that the Americans and Israelis win this war (audience demurs) and it is important the right side comes out on top. The Americans and Israelis were right to recognise that Iran poses and existential threat to its own region and to the safety of the world. One day we are going to have to take on the challenge of defeating the Iranian regime, the most evil regime in the world and I recognise why so many people are appalled at how President Trump conducts himself. […]
“But guys, you’ve got to be on the right side of this conflict. […] Fundamentally, the Iranians are the bad guys in this conflict and it’s really important that their power to develop nuclear weapons and their power to support terrorist organisations around the region – and in this country – [are] degraded. So I really, really hope that the outcome of this conflict is a weaker Iran.” (our italics)
Noticeable in this one-sided approach to the conflict is the absence of balance. No one would claim that the Iranian regime is other than a violent and unpleasant one, but the language of ‘winning’, ‘defeat’ and the desire to see a ‘weaker Iran’ is disappointing to say the least. Since it is Israel which has been engaged in bombing and assassinations, the absence of any mention of their activities – the killing of over 70,000 in Gaza for example, and the current process of demolitions in south Lebanon – is questionable. Is it only Iran posing an ‘existential threat to the region?’. Israel is the only nuclear power after all. One wonders if Mr Kruger has ever read the speeches of Ben Gvir or Bezalel Smotrich?
Caterpillar Tractors
On the subject of demolitions, our attention has been drawn to a YouTube post on the activities of the American plant company Caterpillar which provides the armoured machines enabling the demolitions in south Lebanon and Gaza to be carried out. See ‘How Caterpillar profits from the genocide in Gaza and [US citizens] pay for it.‘
124th v igil
Yes, they continue with over 30 yesterday (18 April) with around 40 passing motorists sounding their horns.
No sign of another local MP, Mr John Glen, who is a ‘proud’ member of Conservatives Friends of Israel the biggest lobby organisation in Parliament. Along with some Labour ministers like Peter Kyle and David Lammy, they are part of a large contingent of around 150 MPs who promote the interests of Israel in parliament.
- War, war, war
- UN rapporteur sanctioned by the US
- Will peace talks succeed?
- April minutes and newsletter
- Government deceit concerning arms exports
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People need symbols of hope - religious or not
The sculpture depicts Jesus’ empty tomb.
Salisbury Cathedral, June 2011
#Salisbury #Cathedral #SalisburyCathedral #Wiltshire #England #UK #GB #Jesus #Religion #Hope #Tomb #Easter #Sculpture #Art #Church #Flowers #Optimism #Hoffnung #Grab #Ostern #Skulptur #Kunst #Kirche #Blumen #Zuversicht
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People need symbols of hope - religious or not
The sculpture depicts Jesus’ empty tomb.
Salisbury Cathedral, June 2011
#Salisbury #Cathedral #SalisburyCathedral #Wiltshire #England #UK #GB #Jesus #Religion #Hope #Tomb #Easter #Sculpture #Art #Church #Flowers #Optimism #Hoffnung #Grab #Ostern #Skulptur #Kunst #Kirche #Blumen #Zuversicht
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People need symbols of hope - religious or not
The sculpture depicts Jesus’ empty tomb.
Salisbury Cathedral, June 2011
#Salisbury #Cathedral #SalisburyCathedral #Wiltshire #England #UK #GB #Jesus #Religion #Hope #Tomb #Easter #Sculpture #Art #Church #Flowers #Optimism #Hoffnung #Grab #Ostern #Skulptur #Kunst #Kirche #Blumen #Zuversicht
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People need symbols of hope - religious or not
The sculpture depicts Jesus’ empty tomb.
Salisbury Cathedral, June 2011
#Salisbury #Cathedral #SalisburyCathedral #Wiltshire #England #UK #GB #Jesus #Religion #Hope #Tomb #Easter #Sculpture #Art #Church #Flowers #Optimism #Hoffnung #Grab #Ostern #Skulptur #Kunst #Kirche #Blumen #Zuversicht
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People need symbols of hope - religious or not
The sculpture depicts Jesus’ empty tomb.
Salisbury Cathedral, June 2011
#Salisbury #Cathedral #SalisburyCathedral #Wiltshire #England #UK #GB #Jesus #Religion #Hope #Tomb #Easter #Sculpture #Art #Church #Flowers #Optimism #Hoffnung #Grab #Ostern #Skulptur #Kunst #Kirche #Blumen #Zuversicht
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Violence becomes the message
Peter Hegseth’ message in one of violence with a religious justification
April 2026
The message of our vigils, the 122nd of which was held on Saturday 4th, is one of peace in the region not violence which seems to be never ending. This is set against the speech (sermon?) given by the Secretary of State for Defense, Peter Hegseth, last week in the Pentagon. Hegseth belongs to the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches, a conservative network co-founded by the self-described Christian nationalist Doug Wilson. CREC pastors have appeared at Hegseth’s Pentagon services at least three times, including Wilson who preached there in February.
The US Constitution was clear that church and state should be separate. George Washington was himself a devout Anglican and was keen for religious tolerance to be available to all faiths. He and the founding fathers were also keen for the state to be distinct from religion – a lesson they had learned from Europe. Hegseth’s bringing his faith into the political sphere is alarming. In his latest speech he speaks of ‘ … overwhelming violence of action to those who deserve no mercy’ a quote from the Psalms.
Critics such as Ronit Stahl, author of “Enlisting Faith: How the Military Chaplaincy Shaped Religion and State in Modern America,” said referring to God in broad language is not unusual in this context. “But the shift towards the specificity of Jesus Christ and therefore Christianity and in Hegseth’s case, a particular form of Protestant Christianity, is new, especially coming from the defense secretary.”
The tone of his speech is troubling and couching it in religious justification especially so. It can be seen here. For many, Christians or no, the appropriation of religious faith to justify the killing and destruction of country which is now largely defenceless is profoundly saddening. The Christian message is based partly on forgiveness not vengeance. The Guardian reported that Pope Leo spoke for many beyond the Catholic church at a Palm Sunday mass in Rome in forcefully rejecting attempts by zealots such as Hegseth to conscript Christianity. “No one can use [Jesus] to justify war,” he said, quoting Isaiah. War-makers’ prayers would go unanswered. “Your hands are full of blood.”
Over 30 attended the vigil and there was a pleasing number of ‘honks’ from passing motorists. A video can be viewed here courtesy of Peter Gloyns.
Sources: PBS, CNN, Air Force Magazine (US), Guardian, HuffPost, The Independent.
Recent posts:
- Violence becomes the message
- Mass death in Sudan
- Israel passes death penalty bill for Palestinians
- Well attended vigil
- Trade Minister a member of Friends of Israel
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Well attended vigil
Strong attendance at 121st vigil
March 2026
Around 36 attended the 121st vigil and it was pleasing to welcome some passers-by who stopped to join in. Nearly half the cars sounded their horns. The vigils started because of the horrific events on October 7th and the ensuing violence in Gaza. The violence continues and around 4 weeks ago, both Israel and the US have started a bombing campaign in Iran and very recently, Israel has started a ground and bombing campaign in Lebanon. In the past few days, the Houthis in Yemen have recommenced their campaign sending missiles towards Israel.
There has never been a sign of the local MP Mr John Glen at any of the vigils nor any mention of them in his weekly column afforded to him by the Salisbury Journal. Mr Glen has claimed in the paper to be a proud member of the Conservative Friends of Israel group. Another member of the Labour party version is the Trade Minister highlighted in our previous post (see link below).
Use of white phosphorus
The violence seems set to continue with civilian casualties mounting on all sides but mostly in Iran and Lebanon. A particularly troubling development last week was a report by Human Rights Watch producing evidence that Israel is using white phosphorus in southern Lebanon. White phosphorus is a chemical substance dispersed in artillery shells, bombs, and rockets which ignites when exposed to oxygen. It can set homes, agricultural areas, and other civilian objects on fire. Technically, it is not a chemical weapon.
Under international humanitarian law, the use of airburst white phosphorus is unlawfully indiscriminate in populated areas and does not meet the legal requirement to take all feasible precautions to avoid civilian harm. The effects on humans is fearful. Biology Insights report ‘direct contact with white phosphorus leads to severe and immediate localized damage, primarily through chemical and thermal injuries. White phosphorus ignites spontaneously when exposed to air, typically at temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 degrees Celsius. This ignition initiates a highly exothermic reaction, releasing significant heat and causing the substance to burn fiercely at temperatures between 800 and 2500 degrees Celsius. The burning continues until the phosphorus is consumed or deprived of oxygen.
‘The resulting burns are profoundly painful and can be full-thickness, extending through all layers of the skin. White phosphorus particles readily adhere to skin and clothing. Because the substance is highly lipid-soluble, it can penetrate deeply into underlying fatty tissues, muscles, and even bone. This deep penetration leads to extensive tissue necrosis [death of cells] at the point of contact‘.
Inhalation is also extremely painful and causes lung damage and possibly renal failure.
‘Beyond horrific‘
A 2023 Amnesty report described its use then as ‘beyond horrific’. The weapon also contaminates the ground and makes its future use problematic for agriculture. Since most villages in the area are dependent on agriculture it has profound economic effects as well.
Hastings protest by Jewish people
This short moving video taken by Hastings Jews for Justice is a protest against Israel’s planned execution law for Palestinians only. Palestinians in Israeli prisons are already tortured, abused, starved and raped. They will be hanged if this law is enacted. There is no appeal. They claim it is state-sanctioned murder. HJJ calls on all MPs to condemn this vile law. Please add your name to the HJJ letter here: https://forms.gle/gnEgkRs553z5Yi617 HJJ Website: https://www.hastingsjewsforjustice.org/ This Guardian article provides an update on the progress through the Knesset.
Previous posts:
- Well attended vigil
- Trade Minister a member of Friends of Israel
- Palantir and the threats to our rights
- Is a two state solution possible?
- Vigil No 120 attracts strong support
Photo: Peter Gloyns
#Hastings #HJJ #Iran #Jews #Lebanon #Salisbury #vigil #whitePhosphorus -
It's Book Quote Wednesday and the word is BLUE. Three plot strands converge over a dodgy wifi connection ... #bookqw #yafantasy #salisbury https://www.benjeapes.com/index.php/the-teen-the-witch-the-thief/
Hear me read a longer extract at benjeapes.substack.com.
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SU Marching Band Practices with Washington Commanders Marching Band – Friday November 21, 2025 https://www.rawchili.com/nfl/544376/ #Article #band #College #Commanders #delmarva #Football #HigherEducation #marching #news #NFL #practices #press #PressReleases #PublicRelations #Salisbury #su #SuNews #UMD #UniversitiesInMaryland #University #UniversitySystem #Washington #WashingtonCommanders #WashingtonCommanders
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SU Marching Band Practices with Washington Commanders Marching Band – Friday November 21, 2025 https://www.rawchili.com/nfl/544376/ #Article #band #College #Commanders #delmarva #Football #HigherEducation #marching #news #NFL #practices #press #PressReleases #PublicRelations #Salisbury #su #SuNews #UMD #UniversitiesInMaryland #University #UniversitySystem #Washington #WashingtonCommanders #WashingtonCommanders
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Large crowd attends 100th vigil
Around 90 attend the 100th vigil
It is astonishing to report that around 90 people attended the silent vigil in Salisbury’s market place. There have been a few occasions over the past 2 years when we have considered stopping, usually after a ceasefire or peace initiative when some might have believed that the killing was over. The recent ceasefire was no exception with a huge amount of fanfare from President Trump supported by a degree of pressure on Israel to stop. Well, it hasn’t lasted with over 100 killed on Tuesday and the creation of a semi-permanent line being established taking yet more territory from Gaza. Hamas have returned the remaining live hostages and Israel has released 250 prisoners and 1,700 ‘detainees’.
There are arguments about the remaining dead hostages with Hamas claiming that they are finding it difficult to locate them in the rubble. As Israel will not allow foreign journalists into Gaza, truth is hard to determine but it would seem probable that Hamas’s account is likely.
We put detainees in inverted commas because the hostages taken by Hamas on their violent raid on October 7th two years ago received, rightly, considerable coverage and few will be unaware of the numbers killed or taken. Media coverage has consistently used the word ‘hostage’ for those taken by Hamas. Those taken by Israel – in considerably larger numbers and who were subject to horrific treatment and torture – are referred to as ‘detainees’. British media has continued with this fiction since the conflict began. The death toll in Gaza is nearly 69,000.
That such large numbers turn out on a Saturday evening is a testimony to the strongly held convictions about many aspects of the conflict. Whilst acknowledging the brutal nature of Hamas and the horrific attack on October 7th, the destruction of Gaza, the imposition of a food and medicine blockade and the wanton killing of women and children has profoundly shocked many. The British government’s continued support for Israel – directly and covertly – has also produced great anger.
UK arms sales reached a record level in June and the notion that the UK has ‘robust’ measures to control such sales is in tatters according to Campaign Against the Arms Trade. Exact details are impossible to determine as the licensing is vague and because of secrecy. The plain fact is that we continue to supply arms and overfly Gaza despite the appalling carnage that has taken place there.
One hundred vigils and no sign of the local MP Mr John Glen at any of them nor any mention in his weekly piece in the Salisbury Journal. Mr Glen is thought to be a member of Conservative Friends of Israel.
A short video is available here thanks to Peter Gloyns. We shall be back (sadly) on November 8th.
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Large crowd attends 100th vigil
Around 90 attend the 100th vigil
It is astonishing to report that around 90 people attended the silent vigil in Salisbury’s market place. There have been a few occasions over the past 2 years when we have considered stopping, usually after a ceasefire or peace initiative when some might have believed that the killing was over. The recent ceasefire was no exception with a huge amount of fanfare from President Trump supported by a degree of pressure on Israel to stop. Well, it hasn’t lasted with over 100 killed on Tuesday and the creation of a semi-permanent line being established taking yet more territory from Gaza. Hamas have returned the remaining live hostages and Israel has released 250 prisoners and 1,700 ‘detainees’.
There are arguments about the remaining dead hostages with Hamas claiming that they are finding it difficult to locate them in the rubble. As Israel will not allow foreign journalists into Gaza, truth is hard to determine but it would seem probable that Hamas’s account is likely.
We put detainees in inverted commas because the hostages taken by Hamas on their violent raid on October 7th two years ago received, rightly, considerable coverage and few will be unaware of the numbers killed or taken. Media coverage has consistently used the word ‘hostage’ for those taken by Hamas. Those taken by Israel – in considerably larger numbers and who were subject to horrific treatment and torture – are referred to as ‘detainees’. British media has continued with this fiction since the conflict began. The death toll in Gaza is nearly 69,000.
That such large numbers turn out on a Saturday evening is a testimony to the strongly held convictions about many aspects of the conflict. Whilst acknowledging the brutal nature of Hamas and the horrific attack on October 7th, the destruction of Gaza, the imposition of a food and medicine blockade and the wanton killing of women and children has profoundly shocked many. The British government’s continued support for Israel – directly and covertly – has also produced great anger.
UK arms sales reached a record level in June and the notion that the UK has ‘robust’ measures to control such sales is in tatters according to Campaign Against the Arms Trade. Exact details are impossible to determine as the licensing is vague and because of secrecy. The plain fact is that we continue to supply arms and overfly Gaza despite the appalling carnage that has taken place there.
One hundred vigils and no sign of the local MP Mr John Glen at any of them nor any mention in his weekly piece in the Salisbury Journal. Mr Glen is thought to be a member of Conservative Friends of Israel.
A short video is available here thanks to Peter Gloyns. We shall be back (sadly) on November 8th.
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Baltimore Orioles greats to sign autographs at Salisbury event https://www.rawchili.com/mlb/247175/ #Baltimore #BaltimoreOrioles #BaltimoreOrioles #Baseball #Md #Memorabilia #MLB #news #Orioles #Overall #OverallPositive #Positive #Salisbury #Sports #SportsMemorabilia #SportsNews
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Video of Salisbury vigils
Video highlighting the 80+ vigils held in Salisbury and the exhibition
June 2025
We are delighted to attach a video* with clips from the 81 vigils so far held in Salisbury in aid of peace in Gaza. The bombing of Iran and the retaliation by them has distracted attention from the continuing misery which is taking place in Gaza. The death toll now stands at 56,000 including thousands of children. Many more have suffered terrible injuries with life long consequences.
The is an exhibition at Salisbury Methodist Church, St Edmunds St which is open from 9:30 clips of which
appear in the video.
The strangulation of Gaza continues with tightly restricted supplies of food and other goods allowed in. The war of words continues with an Israeli spokesman interviewed on Channel 4 saying there is no blockade. Foreign journalists are not allowed in so independent reporting of what is happening is difficult. The evidence seems to point to utter confusion at the aid distribution points with many being shot every day in a desperate attempt to get food.
Britain continues to supply weapons to Israel and to give them diplomatic cover. More attention is being paid to the role of the RAF, especially after the action by Palestine Action last week at Brize Norton. The RAF has overflown Gaza around 600 times now and the claims by the minister that they are to help find the remaining hostages is to be doubted in view of the government’s continued support for Israel and the supply of arms.
The local MP, Mr John Glen, has not visited any of the vigils and has not mentioned them in his weekly column in the local paper.
Previous posts:
- Video of Salisbury vigils
- Proscribing Palestine Action
- Evensong this evening
- Salisbury vigil and exhibition reminder
- Why Labour Leaders Are Pushing for ECHR Revisions: A Political Analysis
*The Exhibition and video are the work of Peter Glyns.
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Video of Salisbury vigils
Video highlighting the 80+ vigils held in Salisbury and the exhibition
June 2025
We are delighted to attach a video* with clips from the 81 vigils so far held in Salisbury in aid of peace in Gaza. The bombing of Iran and the retaliation by them has distracted attention from the continuing misery which is taking place in Gaza. The death toll now stands at 56,000 including thousands of children. Many more have suffered terrible injuries with life long consequences.
The is an exhibition at Salisbury Methodist Church, St Edmunds St which is open from 9:30 clips of which
appear in the video.
The strangulation of Gaza continues with tightly restricted supplies of food and other goods allowed in. The war of words continues with an Israeli spokesman interviewed on Channel 4 saying there is no blockade. Foreign journalists are not allowed in so independent reporting of what is happening is difficult. The evidence seems to point to utter confusion at the aid distribution points with many being shot every day in a desperate attempt to get food.
Britain continues to supply weapons to Israel and to give them diplomatic cover. More attention is being paid to the role of the RAF, especially after the action by Palestine Action last week at Brize Norton. The RAF has overflown Gaza around 600 times now and the claims by the minister that they are to help find the remaining hostages is to be doubted in view of the government’s continued support for Israel and the supply of arms.
The local MP, Mr John Glen, has not visited any of the vigils and has not mentioned them in his weekly column in the local paper.
Previous posts:
- Video of Salisbury vigils
- Proscribing Palestine Action
- Evensong this evening
- Salisbury vigil and exhibition reminder
- Why Labour Leaders Are Pushing for ECHR Revisions: A Political Analysis
*The Exhibition and video are the work of Peter Glyns.
-
Video of Salisbury vigils
Video highlighting the 80+ vigils held in Salisbury and the exhibition
June 2025
We are delighted to attach a video* with clips from the 81 vigils so far held in Salisbury in aid of peace in Gaza. The bombing of Iran and the retaliation by them has distracted attention from the continuing misery which is taking place in Gaza. The death toll now stands at 56,000 including thousands of children. Many more have suffered terrible injuries with life long consequences.
The is an exhibition at Salisbury Methodist Church, St Edmunds St which is open from 9:30 clips of which
appear in the video.
The strangulation of Gaza continues with tightly restricted supplies of food and other goods allowed in. The war of words continues with an Israeli spokesman interviewed on Channel 4 saying there is no blockade. Foreign journalists are not allowed in so independent reporting of what is happening is difficult. The evidence seems to point to utter confusion at the aid distribution points with many being shot every day in a desperate attempt to get food.
Britain continues to supply weapons to Israel and to give them diplomatic cover. More attention is being paid to the role of the RAF, especially after the action by Palestine Action last week at Brize Norton. The RAF has overflown Gaza around 600 times now and the claims by the minister that they are to help find the remaining hostages is to be doubted in view of the government’s continued support for Israel and the supply of arms.
The local MP, Mr John Glen, has not visited any of the vigils and has not mentioned them in his weekly column in the local paper.
Previous posts:
- Video of Salisbury vigils
- Proscribing Palestine Action
- Evensong this evening
- Salisbury vigil and exhibition reminder
- Why Labour Leaders Are Pushing for ECHR Revisions: A Political Analysis
*The Exhibition and video are the work of Peter Glyns.
-
Video of Salisbury vigils
Video highlighting the 80+ vigils held in Salisbury and the exhibition
June 2025
We are delighted to attach a video* with clips from the 81 vigils so far held in Salisbury in aid of peace in Gaza. The bombing of Iran and the retaliation by them has distracted attention from the continuing misery which is taking place in Gaza. The death toll now stands at 56,000 including thousands of children. Many more have suffered terrible injuries with life long consequences.
The is an exhibition at Salisbury Methodist Church, St Edmunds St which is open from 9:30 clips of which
appear in the video.
The strangulation of Gaza continues with tightly restricted supplies of food and other goods allowed in. The war of words continues with an Israeli spokesman interviewed on Channel 4 saying there is no blockade. Foreign journalists are not allowed in so independent reporting of what is happening is difficult. The evidence seems to point to utter confusion at the aid distribution points with many being shot every day in a desperate attempt to get food.
Britain continues to supply weapons to Israel and to give them diplomatic cover. More attention is being paid to the role of the RAF, especially after the action by Palestine Action last week at Brize Norton. The RAF has overflown Gaza around 600 times now and the claims by the minister that they are to help find the remaining hostages is to be doubted in view of the government’s continued support for Israel and the supply of arms.
The local MP, Mr John Glen, has not visited any of the vigils and has not mentioned them in his weekly column in the local paper.
Previous posts:
- Eighty second vigil well attended
- Video of Salisbury vigils
- Proscribing Palestine Action
- Evensong this evening
- Salisbury vigil and exhibition reminder
*The Exhibition and video are the work of Peter Glyns.
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Vigils: photo exhibition
Exhibition of photographs of the vigils held in Salisbury for peace in Gaza
June 2025
We have posted many times concerning the vigils held in Salisbury Market Place each Saturday at 5pm. Nearly 80 have now been held and there is a regular attendance of around 40 who attend and never less than 30. There is an exhibition of photographs of these vigils starting on 23 June and ending on 19 July at the Methodist Church in St Edmunds Street, Salisbury. They are available to view from 09:30 to noon and at other times when the church is open. We attach a flyer below and if you live in the Salisbury/South Wilts area we ask that you consider displaying it please.
The horror continues with the Independent reporting that 30 were killed by Israeli fire at one of the food points yesterday 31 May. Israel will not allow independent journalists into Gaza so claims are often hard to verify.
The current estimate is that 54,000 have now died in Gaza including many women and children.
Vigil poster 2025 copyDownload#Exhibition #methodists #photoExhibition #Salisbury #SMC #vigil
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British Jews speak out about Israel
Board of Deputies of British Jews write open letter criticising Israel’s actions
April 2025
UPDATE: 24 April
The Deputies who wrote the letter to the Financial Times face disciplinary action which seems to indicate there are many tensions in the British Jewish community over the war in Gaza in which over 51,000 have now died. The vice-chair has been suspended. All those who wrote are subject to the complaints procedure according to a statement by the Board. The Board has received ‘multiple complaints’ it said from the public and Deputies.
This is a brave move by the Deputies. Around one in eight have written the letter published in the Financial Times on 15th. One of their number was interviewed on various channels on 16 April and said they could no longer ‘turn a blind eye or stay silent’ in view of the violence. This is the most extremist of Israeli governments they claim which is openly encouraging violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, strangling the Palestinian economy and building more new settlements than ever. ‘Israel’s soul is being ripped out’ and as members of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, they fear for the future of the Israel they love and have such close ties to. Until now, they have been supportive of the Israeli government.
Not all Board members agreed and a senior member of the Board is quoted in an article in the Jewish Chronicle:
“[…] The publication of the campaign has been met with a divided reaction in the British community. A senior member of the Board of Deputies described the move as “an incredibly badly advised decision,” adding: “[It is] highly divisive and inappropriate in undermining [Board president] Phil Rosenberg so publicly in a national forum. As British Jews, we should not be commenting on what is effectively an Israeli political matter.”
People who criticise Israel face accusations of anti-Semitism and more recently, being ‘supporters of Hamas’. This has been the standard, knee-jerk almost, response to their such criticisms. The Board’s spokesman, Baron Frankal, in the Channel 4 interview said he has received a lot of supportive comments. It will be difficult for the Israeli’s to level these accusations against the Board of Deputies.
Over 50,000 have now been killed in the conflict, the majority women and children, and all aid has been cut off for weeks. There are accusations of genocide being perpetrated.
We in Salisbury continue to hold vigils on Saturday in the market square and all are welcome to join.
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Arms sales and the revolving door
New report from the Campaign Against the Arms Trade reveals extent of this activity
November 2024
The question of arms sales has risen up the political agenda partly because of the question of whether we should continue to sell weapons to Israel. It also cropped up with the decision recently to award a GCVO to the King of Bahrain presented by King Charles. It was also an issue during the war in Yemen where British weapons and personnel were involved in helping Saudi in their ferocious bombing campaign in that country. All these and other examples revealed an industry with considerable political influence. They result in a distortion of our political process and an almost complete disregard for the effects of the arms on people at the end of them. The destruction being carried on in Gaza is facilitated by the continuing sale of F-36 aircraft elements of which are made in the UK. An ‘ethical dimension’ to our policy seems to be a thing of the past. There is little sign that arms sales are restricted to states which ignore human rights or International Humanitarian Law.
Not so much a revolving door as an ‘open plan office’
Campaign Against the Arms Trade CAAT has campaigned on these issues for many years and their current magazine, Issue 270, Autumn 2024 contains a number of articles on the topic of arms. One concerns what has been known as the ‘revolving door’. In an article ‘Government and Arms Industry Joined at the Hip’, they explore the deeply compromising nature of this relationship. They have published a report From Revolving Door to Open Plan Office: the Ever Closer Union Between the UK Government and the Arms Industry. They argue that the arms industry has become so deeply embedded in the government that the boundary has almost disappeared. It is now not so much a revolving door as an ‘open plan office’. 40% of top military staff and civilian personnel leaving the MOD hold positions in the arms and security industries. Transparency International research shows that one company, BAE, had more meetings with ministers and with Prime Ministers than any other company.
Private Eye carried out an extensive survey in 2016. This went into great detail and named names.
Why does it matter?
It matters for three main reasons:
- Firstly, arms cause great misery for millions of people. The harrowing images on news programmes of property destruction, dead bodies, lines of people on the move or rows of tents housing displaced people are the result of the activities of this trade,
- The lobbying power is such that government ministers seem to fall into line almost as soon as they assume power. Grand statements by Sir Keir Starmer and David Lammy for example are quickly forgotten as the next trade deal is signed. The arms trade seems to wield enormous power and influence over government policy,
- Thirdly, the ‘open plan office’ means senior staff in the Civil Service and in the MOD and armed services are keeping an eye on prospects as they approach retirement. Lucrative board appointments and ‘consultancy’ contracts await them. Are they going to ask uncomfortable questions or raise difficulties with an arms contract and jeopardise these prospects?
As CAAT put it:
‘When these ‘revolvers’ leave public service for the arms trade, they take with them extensive contacts and privileged access. As current government decision-makers are willing to meet and listen to former Defence Ministers and ex-Generals, particularly if they used to work with them, this increases the arms trade’s already excessive influence over our government’s actions.
‘On top of this, there is the risk that government decision-makers will be reluctant to displease arms companies as this could ruin their chances of landing a lucrative arms industry job in the future. Beyond individual decisions, the traffic from government to the private sector, and vice versa, is part of a process where the public interest becoming conflated with corporate interest, so that it becomes normal to unquestioningly meet, collaborate and decide policy with the arms industry, then take work with it.’
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Sunrise over Salisbury.
With very steamy windows.
It was just too cold to stay in my tent last night and I decided to "de-camp" into the back of my car.Edited for size alone, as always
#Salisbury #Sunrise #travel #RoadTrip #camp #camping #UnderCanvas #tent #TentLife #VanLIfe #OnTheRoad #BakeHouseFarm