A stormtrooper was the unusual sight at the Harbourside Market on Saturday. Shoppers browsing amongst the crafts and food stalls were confronted by a friendly stormtrooper who had turned away from the dark side and was telling shoppers about Volkswagen's dark side - namely that they have been lobbying to block European legislation that would help combat climate change.
There was a bit of contention to get into the stormtrooper outfit - Richard, Greg and Loz were all keen. Richard got first bat, then at lunch Greg took over. They did a changeover on the bench outside the Watershed - two men in public transition half-human/half-trooper – but decorum was maintained at all times. Note to editor: not sure if these pictures should be published or not!
Apparently the trick for a comfy helmet is to wear a bobble hat – that left no room for Greg’s lovely hair to tuck up. His very visible pony tail left passers by assuming he was a lady – he set them straight!
The Harbourside location brings the local Greenpeace group into contact with a wide range of public opinion. On Saturday the team met people who worked in the defence and nuclear industries and who were not particularly well-disposed to Greenpeace in general. They also met a Volkswagen employee who was positive about Greenpeace in general, but not happy about this particular campaign.
However, the team also engaged many shoppers who signed petition postcards (205 altogether) and quite a few had their photos taken with Stormtrooper Richard or Stormtrooper Greg. Some photos are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48798428@N02/sets/72157628288977243/
Thanks to Sue and Ian for reporting back on the day, to Richard and Greg for their fancy dress dedication and to Adam, Loz & Cordelia for public engagement, photography and logistics.
Background on the Volkswagen campaign can be found here: http://www.vwdarkside.com/en The counter running on that website shows that over 470,000 people have signed up to the campaign online.
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