(Background: Upper Heyford was an US/RAF base in Oxfordshire that Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher agreed could be used by the Americans as a launch site for their Cruise Nuclear missiles during the Cold War. In 1983 4000 anti-nuclear campaigners demonstrated outside the military base over 4 days. There were 750 arrests and it was one of the largest ever set-piece civil disobedience demonstrations in the UK. Vera and Jimmy went to the demonstration with a group from their church including Jean Wyatt, their minister’s wife, as part of the Christian wing of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Vera was 63 at Jimmy 72 at this time. – Richard) Jean writes: The particular memory that stands out for me is when Jimmy took us to a CCND event at Upper Heyford protesting against proliferation of nuclear weapons. It was a Peace March and we walked to the Upper Heyford Base where we prayed and left flowers and then seemed to walk miles. The rain started when singing ‘He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands’ and we’d included Maggie Thatcher in that idea. It absolutely poured and I remember Vera’s light raincoat completely soaked. We straggled on and at last arrived where a stage had been erected and various stalls, but it was all very difficult to see. The rain stopped, we sang, worshipped and shared Communion. Along the way we’d all become separated, and Jimmy had our money. Vera looked around and asked someone if they’d stand her a cup of tea which did help to warm her, then miraculously we all were together again, and Jimmy took us safely back home in his car. Vera of course was the inspiration for a Mums, Nannies, Minders Toddlers Club she so wanted our church to start in East Sheen. She became very concerned that the clientele insisted on paying for refreshments. These few lines have taken a couple of hours to compile… but as I remember my maths master saying, ‘that’s no excuse when you’ve got the answer wrong’ Much love to you all, Peace Jean Wyatt December 2013 There is more about this CND demonstration on the BBC website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/oxford/content/articles/2008/05/30/heyford_demo_feature.shtml Richard