Three hours in the sun (and the wind and the rain and the sleet)
On Saturday 23 March, volunteers from Mid Kent gathered amidst the market traders on Gillingham High Street to sell the idea of European Cooperation to the passers-by. Thanks to the seven volunteers (including Jack the Lab) who braved the elements and engaged with members of the public, some for three hours, some for less.
Despite the gusting March wind, we erected our trusty street stall, replete with membership invitation cards, Embrace Erasmus leaflets and others, which we pressed upon those who would take them.
EuroMonitor (formerly known as Brexitometer)
As usual we raised our whiteboard and flipchart with the latest Brexitometer on it, dubbed “EuroMonitor”. It had five questions, all relating to rebuilding the UK’s relationship with the EU.
It is interesting that no one disagreed with any of the propositions, and there was only one who was unsure about restoring Freedom of Movement.
“Would thou wert not so unkind”
While we were a little uncertain about the reception we would receive from the general public in the centre of Gillingham, on this occasion it was the weather which we had to do battle with. The wind, which seemed to change direction every few minutes, almost toppled the stall and the easel on several occasions.
The passing, heavy clouds teased us constantly with the threat of rain, while occasionally dumping considerable amounts on us. Twice the rain fell as sleet or wet snow.
When shall we do it again?
In spite of the weather “a good time was had by all”, as they say. And before we departed for home, we agreed that we’d do something similar to mark Europe Day around 9 May. More details will come along later.
European Movement Mid Kent 