Yesterday seven of us from five different London networks (Waltham Forest, Islington, Southwark, South West London and Bethnal Green) showed up to bring the KFC 'Revolting Package' message to the citizens of the republic of Leyton, E10.
Disconcerted staff
Our jolly band of buzzing activists arrived on the scene around 1pm, ensuring the rather disconcerted local KFC franchise owner and staff were aware of our campaign and intentions, before setting up camp with a giant KFC bucket, two orangutan costumes, two placards and hundreds of leaflets in front of their establishment.
Jubilee street theatre
Local residents were initially bemused by our colourful installation and assumed we were a Jubilee street theatre activity, honking their horns and stopping to take camera phone pictures with the apes.
'Is KFC killing THESE orangutans?'
Before long however, we began to engage in good campaign conversations, especially with passing families with young children drawn in by the animal costumes and props. 'Is KFC killing the orangutans, THESE orangutans?' one little boy asked pointing at our two frolicking apes.
Cheerful coppers
Even the police got into the spirit of the campaign, with the local the duty Sergeant winking at me in the orangutan costume and muttering 'very fetching, madame orangutan', before explaining to the shop owner that we were all just exercising our democratic right to peaceful protest and they were happy for us to stay there until our leaflets ran out.
Jobs a good un!
At approx 4.30pm we drew our jolly proceedings to a close and headed to the local pub beer garden to toast our joint efforts. Congratulations to the Waltham Forest group for pulling together a great day of action; an all round fun and meaningful way to spend our Jubilee Saturday!
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