About

Occupy Worthing started on 15th October.

I’d been keeping a close eye on the Occupy Movement for a week or two; I knew that it was what I’d been waiting for, probably for most of my life!

A Facebook group had been started, and there were quite a few curious members. It was a lovely sunny Saturday, and I plotted up outside Steyne Gardens in a deck chair, with some pretty crudely made posters, and a banner which said; ‘We are the 99%’. During the afternoon I met up with a couple of the curious people from the FB group from there things moved pretty fast. The following day I went back to town, this time outside HSBC bank and for the next two weeks us fellow Occupiers would meet their almost daily. We quickly realised that we needed fliers to give out, and started Megaphoning sessions.  Almost all of the people we spoke to were in agreement that we live in a very unjust society.

Occupy Brighton were also forming and decided to join them to show as much support and solidarity as possible. The time spent at the Occupy Brighton camp was usually colourful and interesting. I feel that the Occupy Movement has learned so much from the camps and it’s an experience I shall never forget.  Occupy Worthing is still fairly small in numbers and it’s never been viable to have a full time camp.

However, Occupiers regularly assemble in the town centre, either for direct actions against such things as workfare and bankers bonuses. One thing that I feel so important is getting out there and speaking to people about the issues, and of course giving out our lovely ‘Free Hugs’ (Please find your pull out my special ‘Free Hugs’ heart in the middle pages!).

Occupy Worthing is currently working towards speaking in schools to explain all about the Occupy Movement and is looking into a community garden project.
Occupy Worthing coming along well are General Assemblies (Open Meetings) are once a fortnight at the Beechwood Hall Hotel.

If anyone has any items for the agenda please post on Occupy Worthing Facebook page, or email: occupyworthing@hotmail.co.uk.

Hope to see you there!

I’ve met some amazing people over the past six months and looking forward to meeting many more in the coming months.  I’m so proud to be part of the Occupy Movement. Long live Occupy!

Sarah Chalk