Twyford Rising - land and resistance, voices from the first road protest
Twyford Rising is a book that needed to be written. Now the manuscript is complete, I need your help to print and distribute it.
Twyford Rising tells the true and previously untold story of the protests to stop the construction of a motorway through Twyford Down, a beautiful hill in Hampshire, England. This was the first time environmental direct action on this scale had been taken in the UK and it inspired similar campaigns across the world.
My book tells the story of the protests in the words of people who were there, weaving together memories of local residents, new age travellers and young environmental activists. Only those who took part can really tell this story of unlikely alliances, adventure and heartbreak. Interviews are linked by my narrative, which is rich in descriptions of a wild and ancient landscape, evoking a place that was loved by the people who walked there and by those who camped on the route of the road. Twyford Rising is illustrated with photographs and leaflets from the time, recording both actions and the lost land itself.
Twyford Down is acknowledged as the birthplace of the modern environmental movement and my book contains ideas and inspiration for contemporary campaigners. It is also vital for understanding todays' environmental protests, including those against HS2, fracking and climate change. Alongside activism, Twyford Rising also explores the quest for low impact lifestyles and spiritual connections with the Earth.
With your help now, I can turn my manuscript into a book that others can enjoy. The money I raise will pay for the design, printing and distribution of Twyford Rising and ensure it can be circulated through universities, bookshops and festivals.
By contributing you will help make sure this unique moment in history is available for all to read - and help me tell a truly incredible story.
Photo credits for film: A McNaughton (tipi, security guards & tripod), JMP, C Thomas, K Barrett, I Crawford (painted faces) J Cooke, M Lambert & R Harbinson (woman at the wire).
Music thanks to P Gill.
Video editor J Volynchook