Most of those attending the meeting had been part of the bank action at Barclays in St Albans on 29th October, along with Rebels from XR St Albans, Tring and Chesham. We reflected on the success of this:
size of turnout (between torrential downpours)
accessing the bank by six Rebels who conducted an indoor die-in,
the very speedy police overreaction (four squad cars and crime scene tape to cordon off the bank and surrounding pavement where the outdoor die-in took place) which drew a bigger crowd,
some positive responses from the public including a mum with a buggy who told the police to stop harassing protesters and go after rapists and paedophiles,
a member of the Barclays staff who said thank you
and the way we achieved a significant impact without any arrests.
After the meeting, the Herts Advertiser covered the action, and the Guardian used a photo from our July action (taken by a freelance photographer who fortuitously came over from the court during a Press Action trial) for a piece about Barclays’ part in the climate crisis.
We plan another bank action soon, and talked about chalking and banners for COP26, and about a successful stint with the Climatometer on 31st October in Berkhamsted (should we take it to Hemel?). We also discussed ways of waking up complacent Berkhamsted following a small turnout for Clang for Climate on 30th.
