Heavy overnight snow kept activists and shoppers away. Two activists with four placards and 200 leaflets between them arrived 10 am outside Burtons to find Police and security guards waiting. We were told we could not stand outside the shop under the covered collonade as this was shop property - absolute rubbish. Still, we stood in the snow instead. Soon got in the swing of things. Local paper photographer took shots of us holding up a 'Tax Demand' and at 10.30 we were joined by a 'Boots' worker on his T break - other people joined in and left as time went on - we got up to 5 strong at one point. We harangued the crowd and spoke to the shop workers and the police - who were relieved to discover there wouldnt be 100's turning up to try and occupy the shop - then left us alone. Very good reaction from people - one guy stopped to tell us he lived in the seychelles but still paid UK tax on a voluntary basis. Another guy wanted to know if I understood the difference between tax 'Avoidance' and tax 'evasion'. Seemed to think that government advisers avoiding tax is OK because it is not illegal!!
I think we made a lot of people think, especially those who worked in the shop...I overheard a customer ask a shop assistant 'whats all that about' to be told "they are protesting because our Boss dosen't pay any Tax"
Police also popped back for a joke and a chat and seemed very sympathetic - told us they are facing 9% funding cuts and up to 1400 job losses in Hampshire.
Got rid of all leaflets and after 2 hours we handed the tax demand into the store manager and disbanded .
Very positive feelings going forward - it goes to show you did not need a huge mob to run an efective demo and we were right to continue despite the low turnout- I think three people is about right if you delegate roles.
I pressed on to the nearby southampton topshop protest which should have started at Midday but when I got there at 12.55 there was no one to be seen so I dont know what happened there.
I could have started a one man protest but I was pretty hoarse by this time plus I was lugging four placards around with me.
A worthwhile exercise I felt.

What a great little event this was. Really well supported by the public and great to chat with many who had no idea what was going on or what this was all about. Big thank you to my fellow sign wavers and we had a really good morning with no hassle and really nice Police Officers to keep us cheered up.

Cold, but was a good morning's work!

http://www.eastleighnews.org.uk/news/2010/12/21/burtons-in-tax-dodge-protest

http://www.eastleighnews.org.uk/news/2010/12/13/town-shops-could-be-tax-protest-target