Message from Ruth Cashman of Lambeth Unison who is based at Brixton Library re the Lambeth Libraries March on Saturday. I wanted to send a quick update on what we have been up to. • We’ve been holding stalls in Town Centres to collect petition signatures, letters to councillors and let people know about the march on Saturday – we have given out 10,000 leaflets so far and have been heartened by how many people already know about the proposals and Saturday’s march! • Local community groups have been translating and sending round petitions in community languages • We’ve been approached by a venue in Herne Hill to do a fundraiser gig. Tim is organising some comedians and bands and I think Josie Long also wanted to help out. I think this would be great for publicity • Some of the local faith groups are contacting all their worshippers and asking them to write to their councillors • We met some people who can’t manage the march and so will go straight to South Lambeth and wait for us there – please let anyone you meet who can’t manage the walk that they will not be alone at the finishing line • We’ve organised a PA for speeches at the end and megaphones for ensuring everyone knows what is going on • We met with the police who ok-ed the route but requested we had 10 stewards. • I am in the process of drafting a press release A few practical things ahead of Saturday: • Which speakers would you like to put forward? I’ve asked the MPs if they would like to be billed as speakers. It would be nice to have friends, workers, writers and any other celebrities we can rustle up • Does anyone want to give a quote for the press release? • I think it would be good if every library is visible on the march – we don’t want them to see someone isn’t there and think it is the “weak link” – does everyone have placards and/or banners? Thanks everyone, we are doing a great job! Ruth Lambeth UNISON Brixton Library