Scores of people gather in Barnstaple park to protest against lockdown and 5G
They said they were not breaking lockdown regulations
Lewis Clarke
Tianna CorbinWhat's on Reporter
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Dozens of people wearing yellow smiley faces gathered in Barnstaple to call on the government to end lockdown measures early.
About 80 people gathered in Rock Park at 11am.
The gathering, which organisers said was not a protest, follows a letter in which more than 60 MPs and peers wrote to the home secretary calling for a change in the Covid-19 legislation's to allow protests to happen during lockdown.
Some at the gathering also highlighted their concern for the rollout of 5G.
Tom Wilks, a former police officer, spoke to the crowd.
Around 80 people gathered today (Image: Lewis Clarke)
He said: "We're here to part of a national conversation, we'll be doing it, while doing our exercise and so we're not breaking regulations.
"We stand by common law and human rights article ten and eleven under the human rights act 1998 which mean you can congregate, talk and even have a protest. This is not a protest, we are standing in the park we're here together, talking to like minded people.
"We're not happy with what is going on," he said.
He said people had lost trust in the government, explaining that we were still in lockdown on the anniversary of Boris Johnson's announcement that there would be a three-week lockdown to 'flatten the curve' to protect the NHS.
People gathered to call on the government to end lockdown early (Image: Lewis Clarke)
Mr Wilks, who is also a physicist by profession, added: "From day one when they said they were following the science, I burst out laughing. There is no such thing; there's biology, chemistry and physics; I'm a physicist by trade. I've taught genetics, so I've a rough idea what I'm talking about.
"I've also worked in military intelligence as well, so I know what's going on when people talk about a psychological operation.
"They are using behavioural science on us and SAGE are completely geeing us to comply to the point where we now are. In a year we now have our children officially being abused by the state, wearing masks, we even have the jab coming out, this is their long-term intention."
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He said people at the gathering were not concerned about being confronted by police. Despite a police vehicle passing the park, attendees were not approached by officers.
Mr Wilks said: "I have a particular contact in the police force who told me they don't have the manpower to cover every grouping. Here, they don't have the political will, unlike in London where they will come out and batter you for turning up."
He thanked those at the park for coming together.
"It's a good turnout, much better than what we thought," he said.
"It would be and it's wonderful to see so many likeminded people, standing for the truth. I'd like to thank everyone for coming along.
People in Rock gardens this morning (Image: Lewis Clarke)
"We want people across North Devon to think about their freedom, think about your choice, respect other people and do what's right what you believe in.
"To the government, we urge them to speak to scientists across the board, and to open up a debate. There's not just one way of doing science."
Another at the gathering, Katherine Armitage who is an alternative health practitioner, encouraged people to talk about different ways to look after your health.
"I'm not hearing much about diet, alternative health practices, yoga, meditation, wellbeing, fresh and air and exercise, which is being restricted more and more.
People were concerned over the roll out of 5G (Image: Lewis Clarke)
"All of those things create positive thinking. We have got singing happening here in the park today; singing out in the fresh air is a fantastic activity.
"Also, we are what we eat. You cannot take a vaccine and be healthy. It is an oxymoron."
Another angry voice among the crowd was Stewart Johnstone, a retired engineer, who said: "I can't believe what the government is trying to do to us; what are they playing at? They must think we're completely stupid.
"For any law they introduce, it needs to be proportional and justifiable, and there is no rhyme or reason for shutting down the country, taking away so many people's livelihoods, causing umpteen cases of misery throughout the country is total lunacy.
"I don't understand it, unless the politicians have caught some sort of virus themselves and it's turned them into madmen."