We got to Victoria Tower Gardens at 11.30 and already people were beginning to wander in the gardens, a colourful crowd of polar bears big and small, dogs (one donning a very distinguished 'Save the Arctic' cape), jugglers, three Ice Queens and.... The North Pole! There was music, face painting, and a good supply of Arctic creature masks and Save the Arctic flags. At 12.30 the heroic Ice Ride arrived greeted by much cheering and whistling and we were informed that due to the wind Aurora would not be crossing the bridge. So we made our way across Lambeth Bridge (blasted by the wind) and as we got to the other side we caught a (very big) glimpse of white and a roar filled the air. Aurora was indeed coming toward us from Lambeth Road and it was a truly impressive sight. Everyone rushed forward (in a very orderly manner, naturally) and soon the giant bear was surrounded by people cheering and waving flags. I found it very moving, Aurora's roar was a plea for people to act and protect her land that could not be ignored. The bear itself was a marvel that encapsulated the efforts of the amazing people who built her and the support of everyone else who has been working so hard for this campaign. When we passed St. Thomas Hospital Aurora paused to greet with her roar a few children who were at the windows and we all waved and cheered.
The Carnival atmosphere changed dramatically when we reached the Shell Centre, where we stopped. Two women from Canada's Northwest Territories explained how we are all one with our environment and all its creatures and must therefore care and be responsible for it so we can pass it on to future generations. They also talked about the great damaged that's being done by oil companies in their region and how this is disrupting their way of life. They then performed a traditional song; it was very moving and everyone listened in total silence.
Then we were invited to break the injunction Shell had taken against Greenpeace by drawing around our feet with chalk on the pavement just outside the building; adults and children busied themselves cheerfully with chalk on the street in what was a peaceful but powerful act of civil disobedience. And to end the day everyone joined Aurora in a mighty roar to get the message through to Shell: we are Arctic Defenders, we are angry and we will do anything to protect the Arctic and its creatures.
Comments