The 5th Annual Smokey Bears Picnic

Alun: Somewhere around a thousand or more Smokey Bears and their supporters gathered on Southsea Common on Sunday afternoon, along with a considerable police presence.

We had arrived in Southsea quite early and checked out the common about 11 am. There were a number of police vehicles, a mobile detention unit, and scattered bobbies around the common.

Just after 2 pm one section of the common began to fill with campaigners. From a distance it did not look like many, but as we approached the crowd looked considerable. By this stage we had heard that there had already been several arrests and searches, mostly from amongst the younger people, a few confiscations of small amounts of herb. There had also been the arrest of a man for flying his kite on the common; although several other people were also flying kites police had explained to him that his kite, in the shape of a cannabis leaf, could be seen to be advertising an illegal event; the police said that people were allowed to gather for picnic but permission was needed for an event which had not been applied for, and anything which made the picnic look like an event, such as banners or leaflets or stalls, would force them to act under the local by-laws. Hence the absence of banners, although the small group of CLCIA from Wales were proudly flying the Welsh Dragon.

The afternoon was really hot and sunny, the atmosphere relaxed throughout. It was an excellent chance for a few of us to meet up for the first time.

What really struck me was the COST of the policing of the non-event. I reckon there were probably 200 police [ed: Martin who wrote last years review reckons it was 70 max.] some we spoke to had come from Southampton and even Guildford, almost as far afield as the Bears! remembering that this was a Sunday so all the cops were being paid triple rate (I think), the bill must have approached £50,000!

Fifty grand to police a peaceful picnic? Cause for a letter or two.

To me that cost and the low arrest figures adds to the success of the day. Seems to me that all one has to do is advertise a 'non-event' in a local park, spread the word that about a thousand people are expected, then sit back and let the old bill do their jobs. We don't need huge crowds, banners or flags, every time at every event. Just call it a Smokey Bears picnic and the police will do the rest!

Derrick: Unfortunately we made it late to SBP, arriving late afternoon. The picnic was still in full swing when we arrived, with many groups of relaxed, happy tokers enjoying the afternoon sun. It seemed that Vondel Park, Amsterdam had been transported to Pompey for the day. The atmosphere was so relaxed and peaceful. By this time police presence was light, and there was no oppressive atmosphere caused by them, although there were reports of people being searched as they were arriving or leaving the common. Typical low life tactics, waiting till you're on your own, before they do their dirty work. By the way, the Pompey News failed to mention the seventh arrest. Has the kite been released yet? Did it get a caution? FREE THE KITE!

This report appeared in the local paper.

 

Portsmouth: People travel to rally from all over the country

Six people are arrested at pro-drugs event

At least six people were arrested for drug related offences yesterday at an annual rally organised by pro-cannabis protesters.

Hundreds of people went along to Southsea Common to show their support for the Smoky Bears Picnic.

Officers were out in force at this year's event but people at the picnic stressed that they just wanted to show their support for the pro-cannabis cause.

Durel Hannah, 21, who travelled to Portsmouth from Bristol for the event, said she and her friends just intended to enjoy the sunshine. 'There is a really good atmosphere here,' she said.

A spokesman for Southsea police said there had not been any more trouble this year than at previous picnics and confirmed that there had been at least six arrests.

Last year former international drugs smuggler Howard Marks was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs, sparking a scuffle between protesters and police.