It's all over!

Susan Lamb and I travelled to Leicester on the two dates of the Shakespeare performances. We had intended to distribute free leaflets to the attendees, giving the positive aspects of Richard's life and refuting the Shakespeare depiction. However, since the production company had allowed a piece in similar vein by Matthew Lewis to be included in the programme and the Dean had also allwed leaflets to be placed on seats by the Richard III Society, we decided that this wasn't needed. We visited Richard's tomb and lit a large andle in a jar for him. While we were at the tomb a helper asked us if we were aware that 'hundreds of dissenters' were thought to be going to demonstrate against the performances; they even checked for bombs! I think this extremely paranoid reaction reveals their guilt. We had never threatened anything so disruptive or violent, nor would we. WE understand the terms dignity, honour and respect and acting in that way would dishonour Richard and our fellow Ricardians. Afterwards, we laid a huge bouquet of white roses on Richard's statue outside, with a message from the Loyal Supporters. The next day, we did the same and noticed that our original candle was still burning - it had burned all night right through the performance and looked as if it would continue for the second one. It was a small beacon of peace amid the disrespect. We will now be closing the petition, but thank you for all your support!