With the resumption of the export of calves to the veal crates of France, Belgium, etc. The Vegan Society has joined forces with Viva!, Animal Aid and KALE (Kent Action Against Live Exports) to host a march and protest in Dover on 6th May.

Farmers have lobbied the Government relentlessly for the resumption of calf exports. We need to show politicians that most people are appalled at this trade and want it banned. The first shipment of calves was on on Wednesday 3rd May.

How the 6th May demo went

Read all about the event at the BBC website.

The Vegan Society was well represented at the demonstration: a Society stall (with popular merchandise and information), two current members of staff plus Chris Maclean, three council members, local contact Gerard Bane (ex-Council member) as a speaker, and many individual members in various capacities. Thank you to all those who made it, or just spread the word about it.

There was a very strong and clear message that the root cause of the live export of calves is the consumption of dairy products. Viva!, Animal Aid, CIWF and the RSPCA were also well represented.

Plans that led up to the demo on 6th May

Celebrity speakers will include Wendy Turner-Webster, as well as speakers from the main organisations talking against this vile trade. Gerard Bane will be the speaker for the Vegan Society.

Also enjoy the stalls and the gorgeous vegan food.

We'd like to make this a hugely successful day with a turnout large enough to show the government and the exporters that they aren't going to be able to re-start this disgusting trade again.

Please do all you can to encourage people along for the day, we'll have fliers advertising the event by the end of this week should anyone wish to distribute them in their area.

Itinerary for the day is:

• Meet at the bus stop on the seafront at 11am.
• Speakers at 12.
• The march starts at 1pm.

Transport from around the UK

People are arranging transport from all round the UK. Book early to help them organise the right sized coach - these things only go ahead if enough people book their places. It's the best thank you they can get.

London

There is now transport from London eaving central London at 9.30am, costs £6. Email Protected email address for booking details.

Midlands

Picking up in Redditch, Birmingham, Coventry, Milton Keynes.

Brighton

The Shoreham Protestor has provisionally booked a 49 seater. So if you can spread the word on this and refer people in the area of the route to Dover on to Protected email address 01273 885750 for booking.

Start at Hove Lagoon/Wish Rd 8.30am; Hove Town Hall/Tisbury Rd side 8.40am; BHASVIC/Dyke Rd side 8.45am; Pease Pottage Services at start of M23 9.15am.

Elsewhere

Want to go from somewhere else? Get in touch with your local animal/veggie group and talk about sharing transport.

Arranging transport from somewhere else? Contact us and we'll post something about it up here and tell the Vegan Society Contacts Network.