TAMMY: “When I first turned up here at 11o’clock on the 15th of October, there weren’t many people around. I thought to myself, this is not going to happen. I sat down on the steps of St. Paul’s just checking my phone, and when I popped my head back up after 10 minutes there were hundreds of people who just seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. It was amazing. Then the general assembly with hundreds of people the police turning up and kettling us. I was really frightened, but I was determined not to go anywhere. Then at night I was playing with a balloon and it went on the other side of the riot police lines. I asked if we could have it back. they said no. So I started chanting: “whose balloon?” and immediately after hundreds of people shouting with me “our balloon”. It’s hard to say just one thing.
FANNY: “The very first morning, the 16th of October. I wasn’t even sleeping in a tent. I had been sleeping on a piece of cardboard on the concrete, right next to Starbucks. I woke up and it was freezing, but it was a beautiful day. Then a total stranger just walks up to me and asks if I wanted a hot drink, initially I said I was fine. But she insisted on buying me a cup of tea or coffee, as she said it would be her honour, because she appreciated so much we were occupying. That was a beautiful moment, where I realised the strength of the movement and how much I wanted to be part of this.”
PEDRO: “I have been here since the 15th of October, I can’t specify any one particular experience. But generally speaking the most memorable experience has been meeting so many amazing people. During these four months I have met such a variety of wonderful people and that is something I will always remember.”
JAMES: “On November the 30th public sector strike, using the demo units, which were those big, tall bamboo structures. I was a part in helping bring those into London and out on the day. They really caught everybody’s eye and gave people a focal point, around which to gather. But probably more than that I would say the most memorable Occupy experience is the next one.”