Saturday 22nd September was the second national day of action against Shell protesting about their plans to drill for oil in the Arctic. In Swansea volunteers met from the local group and were joined by activists from Llandeilo, Rhondda and Porthcawl. In total there were 8 of us plus a dog! and after an initial meeting at a cafe headed round the corner to the Shell station on the main road. Here after handing in the letter explaining our presence to a not very happy management, we set up with our large Save the Arctic banner.
We were soon encouraged by motorists hooting horns in support and the few passing pedestrians were also very supportive most having heard the recent alarming news that Arctic sea ice levels have reached their lowest level yet. We stayed at the garage most of the afternoon enjoying the autumn sun and with only one altercation. One awkward customer claimed we'd obstructed the garage entrance at which point a policeman turned up and had a long argument/ discussion with us over this, however on checking the CCTV footage found we hadn't and we were vindicated!
So after an arduous few hours protesting at Shell, finished off at the nearby pub for a drink and debrief - a great day knowing we were one of a number of key protests around the country and making our point to Shell.
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