CAAT National Gathering 2010

A "great buzz"

CAAT's National Gathering took place on 6 November, bringing our diverse supporters together for a day of networking, learning and inspiration. Hear from some of the people who were there about what they day meant to them:

Debby and Peter Wakeham from Luton for Peace:

“ We thought it was a great day, meeting lots of lovely people who are obviously very committed and compassionate. People from all walks of life all ages and types, people who really care. We were delighted with Mark Thomas' slot not only very funny but very well informed.

The workshops were well informed and thought provoking, we especially liked the one about how to campaign against local companies. Also, the food was great and I congratulated the people in the 'kitchen' area.

The whole event was well organised and made for a very relaxing but inspiring atmosphere, so much so that it gave us the idea of doing a white poppy awareness stall Saturday 13th November in Luton Town Centre starting at 10am. The following day, Remembrance Sunday, we will be laying a white wreath on the Luton War Memorial. ”

Mark Thomas, activist and comedian, and key speaker on the day:

Jim from Hastings Against War:

“ Two of us came to the National Gathering from Hastings Against War, which has several campaigns, including shutting down the arms trade. It was wonderful to meet campaigners from far and wide, to exchange contact details and learn faces.

This was my third National Gathering. Staffing an information table I learned that many people at this gathering were first timers, some even new to arms trade campaigning. That's a good indication of a movement constantly renewing.

This year's innovation was the 'make your own workshop sessions', which I thought was fantastic and seemed a big success. We are in a struggle that is being engaged in many different ways and it is important that its diversity of objectives and methods be expressed. ”


  • CAAT supporters
    Supporters from across the UK travelled to the National Gathering.
  • Opening session
    The opening session
  • Mark Thomas
    Activist and comedian Mark Thomas informed and entertained.
  • Workshops
    Learning and sharing ideas in workshops
  • Discussion
    Campaigners discussed how to tackle arms factories in their towns & cities.

Read more about the speakers at this year's gathering.

Find out what was discussed in the open session.

Read what happened at CAAT's 2009 National Gathering and CAAT's 2008 National Gathering.


Created 15 Nov 2010
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Campaign Against Arms Trade, 11 Goodwin St, Finsbury Park, London N4 3HQ
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