Network for Peace

How long is the shadow of a battle, an explosion, a revolution? What stories arise in the wake of devastation? To mark the publication of Granta 125: After the War, two of Britain’s foremost journalists and foreign correspondents discuss the craft, conditions and issues surrounding writing about post-conflict situations.

A talented and courageous writer and the most influential radical journalist of his generation, Alexander Cockburn was most at home in the political and cultural battlegrounds of the US. We will be joined by friends, family and colleagues to look back on his extraordinary career, exploring his view of America and his style of radical journalism. We will also hear readings from his final work, A Colossal Wreck: A Road Trip Through Political Scandal, Corruption, and American Culture, finished shortly before his death in July 2012.

Nearly three years after the start of the revolution in Tunisia, which was followed by uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa, many are beginning to examine what has changed in the region. One of those that has had a front row seat of this recent history is the BBC’s Middle East Bureau Chief, Paul Danahar. He will be joining us to share his insight and analysis of events and what he feels the future holds for the region and it’s relationship with the West.

On 21 February 2012 Russian feminist punk group Pussy Riot performed a 40 second ‘punk prayer’ on the altar of Moscow’s most esteemed cathedral. Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer closely follows the trial that followed, where three members stand accused of “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred”. Through incredible access to the legal system, they show the courtroom where Nadia, Masha and Katia sit incarcerated in a small booth, articulately defending their actions. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with co-director Mike Lerner.

Veteran director George Carey captures the extraordinary story of the double agent Kim Philby, who served as head of the anti-Soviet section of MI6. Several people who knew him well – in London, Beirut and Moscow – talk frankly about his character, and the weaknesses in the British establishment that made his double life possible. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director George Carey.

Colleague and co-director of the Academy Award-nominated documentary Restrepo, Sebastian Junger thoughtfully portrays Tim Hetherington’s life and work. At a time when greater numbers of journalists are losing their lives covering conflict, the film also addresses the high risks taken by war journalists. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Sebastian Junger and producer James Brabazon.

Mystery bicycle ride to landmarks of famous humanitarians & LGBTs. Meet at Gays the Word Bookshop, 66 Marchmont Street, London, WC1N 1AB at 10.30am. It's not a race. The ride is not timed, so you can ride as fast or as slow as you wish. If you haven't got your own bike, consider hiring one from the London blue bike hire scheme. The Ride Out for Human Rights is a fundraiser for the for Peter Tatchell Foundation. The registration fee is £20. If you would like to pay by cash on the day please email: pliny@petertatchellfoundation.org.

Speakers include Maya Evans and Mary Dobbing from Voices for Creative Non violence and Penny Walker.

Speakers include Maya Evans and Mary Dobbing from Voices for Creative Non violence and Penny Walker.
The FOR quilt will also be on display showing those killed by drones in Pakistan

Public meeting with Brian Terrell, a co-coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence, on the Military Use of Drones. Queens College Birmingham, on the corner of Somerset Road and Farquhar Road in Edgbaston, Birmingham

Assemble outside Primark at 10.30 a.m and march to War Memorial, Martins Hill, Bromley for speeches and laying of wreath. Bromley and Beckenham CND

The Temple of Peace in Cardiff was opened on 23 November 1938. Lord Davies gifted it to the Welsh people as a memorial to men ‘from all nations who gave their lives in the war that was to end war’.

Davies was actively involved in the search for stable international order through the League of Nations and the League of Nations Union. He wanted to see the establishment of a strong International Police force so that international agreement and peace could be obtained. In a letter of 1943, he asked ‘what doth it profit a nation if it gains the whole world and loses its own soul?’

Skill share facilitated by Don Rowe.
We will be exploring the peace education opportunities and resources connected with the forthcoming anniversaries of the first world war. All our skill shares are practical workshops with ideas that can be incorporated into your work as peace educationalists.

Develop essential skills for any peace activist in conflict resolution and building healthy communities at the Alternatives to Violence Project's low-cost weekend workshops. Workshops are held throughout Britain and can be booked online

Develop essential skills for any peace activist in conflict resolution and building healthy communities at the Alternatives to Violence Project's low-cost weekend workshops. Workshops are held throughout Britain and can be booked online

Develop essential skills for any peace activist in conflict resolution and building healthy communities at the Alternatives to Violence Project's low-cost weekend workshops. Workshops are held throughout Britain and can be booked online

Develop essential skills for any peace activist in conflict resolution and building healthy communities at the Alternatives to Violence Project's low-cost weekend workshops. Workshops are held throughout Britain and can be booked online

Followed by alternative Christmas Market. All welcome.

Lecture with speaker Pat Gaffney, Pax Christi. Revisiting the peace message of Pacem in Terris, how Pax Christi seeks to put words into action 50 years on.

Ecumenical service and gathering.
With Bishop William Kenny, RC Diocese of Birmingham, Reverend Paul Dean, URC, Kent and Rev Torbjorn Holt, Chair, Council of Lutheran Churches in the UK.