WHAT A GREAT DAY!!

"I am mad" was the first thought that popped into my head, when my alarm clock started screaming at me in the middle of the night, well it was 5.20am and that IS the middle of the night for me!

As a newly recruited member of the LCA executive, I was determined that I would make it to the Worthing Demo on April Fools Day, not only to show my support, but because it was Chris Baldwin, owner of the Coffee Shop and Candidate for the LCA, that encouraged me to get actively involved, and I felt I owed it to the Worthing Collective, who have always made us welcome at their coffee shop!

So we set off, not helped by the lack of good material to keep us occupied for the 3 hour journey, that soon turned to a four hour journey, when we realised we hadn't taken into account the Rush Hour Traffic (typical stoners!)

Panic set in as I realised I was going to turn up late, miss my opportunity to make a statement on behalf of the LCA, and perhaps the whole demo all together..........

But suddenly it all turned good, traffic cleared, my mobile had enough credit to let someone know I was running behind, and we arrived in Worthing, as we approached the Town Hall, bright colours were visible and noise could be heard, we made it, and it hadn't finished yet!!!

To be greeted by a mouldy bud, a wizard and a woman (who quite frankly looked as if she was growing illegal substances from her head!) was absolutely stunning, there was a 'dealers booth' supplying supporters with Hemp Chocolate Joints, and many zany wonderful outfits, which to be honest can't really be described!

I would estimate there was at least 80-100 people there at times although some people drifted in and out of the Demo, in between buying munchies and being defiant of the law!

There were shouts of....

What Do We Want....COFFEESHOPS

When Do We Want Them.............NOW

and FREE THE WEED and

CHRIS IS A HEALER NOT A DEALER!

The police were, to be honest what I would call "jolly", and when the fancy dress was judged the POLICE handed out the prizes, and CONGRATULATED the winners!

We managed to get a representative of the council to accept a letter of complaint, although she failed to answer one wheelchaired bound mans question of

"Why do you break down doors and take away my medicine"

An MP for the Liberal Democrates arrived, to SUPPORT the protest, and was happy to be filmed by Paul!

The local papers and TV news came to report on the Demo, we hit front page of the Local Paper, and were shown on the local evening news,

All in all those who turned up managed to get us the right publicity, the Demo came across as noisy, but peaceful, and we were honked by many motorists supporting the shop!

After it had finished we were approached by a few lost looking stoners, who had made the effort to come but missed the event, but the effort was there, and they were invited back to the Coffee Shop, because after all the thought was there, even if the timing wasnt!

Finally though the Demo dispersed, loudly but peacefully down the road....until they reached the coffee shop....where I do believe most people gave themselves a good pat on the back for their effort, sat down and rolled a fat one!

I met some great people and heard some good stories, and I give 100% backing to The Worthing Collective and Chris Baldwin (and his fabulous mum Dottie), they deserve the support of EVERY toker for the efforts they have made to give the UK a coffeeshop that remains open and supports the LCA!

If you are from Worthing and I met you "Thanks" if I didn't meet you I will next time!

and if you weren't there and there isn't a good explanation, Why?

And Worthingers whilst I still have your attention, if you have any problems, complaints or questions concerning the LCA and its support, its candidates and its work, please email us at the LCA, we want to give you what you want, we want to support you, and we want to see those who made it happen get the credit they deserve.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO PUT IN THE HARD WORK AND MADE IT HAPPEN AND WELCOMED US WITH OUR OWN LITTLE TABLE AT BUDDIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NEXT DEMO 15TH APRIL MORE DETAILS WILL FOLLOW

Clara O'Donnell, 2 April 2003