Stephan rang me from the No Tesco in Stokes Croft squat.
I had just taken a picture of this Tesco bag blowing randomly on a branch in a car park in Portishead.
Stephan said tonight’s Sunday communal meal may be its last.
Last Tuesday, a repossession order was granted to Tescos plc – the ‘conscious squatters’ lost their court appeal to keep the site for the community.
I call them ‘conscious squatters’ because they look after the old Jesters comedy venue site with its bar and stage and share it consciously, hence the squat’s screening of Food Inc, last night’s Cosmic Cabaret and its regular Sunday night communal meal.
They have been occupying the premises ever since we locals heard Tesco has a planning application on the site. Even though there are 6 Tescos within a mile [see comment below] and 31 in Bristol.
I would much rather have this cosy communal space the squatters have created than another soulless supermarket.
Yet any minute now, eviction papers could be served. The squatters then have 48 hours to leave.
Here is Stephan’s Project Flowers at the squat. Note the framed flower drawings.
“Flowers represent positivity,” Stephan explains. “In a way we are all like flowers.”
He created the project so everyone could take part in it.
Food is like that – something we can all take part in.
Tonight the squat served the most amazing vegan meal for over 50 people in return for donations only.
My plate of varied inventive coleslaw (raw cabbage, slivers of kiwi, finely cut celery, herbs, seeds, and cardamon), vegan chilli stew, potato curry, beetroot and spinach leaves and a mound of brown rice. Followed by homemade fruit crumble and dairy-free custard.
The funny thing tonight turned out to be networking-central. I caught up with five different lots of friends from different parts of my life (including dance, work, family and food).
The No Tesco in Stokes Croft squat is creating community.
It is budding, at the beginning of its spring growth, fertile with plans including a food coop to make local healthy food affordable for all.
It would be no joke if the squatters in the old Jesters comedy club were evicted.
Real Food Lover 