Peace Centre in Reading

Proposal

This proposal is to consider establishing a Disarmament Project based in Reading that will provide up-to-date information on developments at AWE Aldermaston and provide support facilities that will enable more and more people to witness and protest at the continuing nuclear arms race.

It is proposed to raise funds for the purchase of a suitable property easily accessible by public transport in west Reading. It could be a modest detached property, with space for an office, meeting rooms, kitchen, shower/WC, disabled & car pool parking and garden. Some adaptation for disabled access is likely to be necessary.

It is proposed to manage the Centre on the lines of a Quaker Meeting House, with a warden to take bookings for use of the facilities. A quarterly management group meeting would supervise the administration and an annual meeting for all users and supporters called to reflect on the effectiveness of the project and decide its future direction.

The Nuclear Information Service (NIS) will undertake the administration of the process to establish the Centre> It would use the office in the first year and establish a Core Group to oversee the project until the 2009 review.  NIS will fund the running costs until 2009 and, as a limited company, take financial responsibility for the purchase transaction unless a separate company is formed to do that.

The centre would have the following main functions

1.      To provide office facilities for Peace research, analysis and publications

2.      To provide meeting rooms for groups

3.      To provide office facilities for legal and transport support

4.      To provide overnight accommodation for groups

Consideration will be given to renting a property, but if purchasing is decided, the sum of £300,000 is the target, to include funds for the adaptation of a suitable property. A running total of donations will be available on the NIS website: www.nuclearinformation.org/disarmament/action.

In order to move things on, financial commitment is needed from supporters now, although no funds will be required at this stage. If you support the proposal in principle and are in a position to help with a one-off donation, loan or annual donation, please sign the slip below and send it to NIS Director, Evelyn Parker, rxeparker@yahoo.co.uk , who will maintain confidentiality. Legal contracts for loans will be drawn up when necessary.

Please let me know if you wish to be added to the list below at: di@nuclearinof.org

Peace Centre Supporters