GRANTS NOT FEES' DEMO IN LONDON (Pg 1)

IT was 4am, Wednesday morning. We were cold, tired and in need of a coffee. About 60 students from Sunderland had gathered together, not only to take a day away from their studies, but to fight their cause in the "Grants Not Fees" March in London.

The coach set off, with the sound of laughter and chatting throughout the coach. Everybody was in high spirits. However, it didn't take long for the noise to subside, and, only an hour later, the sweet sound of sleep was all to be heard. After a welcome stop for bacon sarnies, batteries were recharged, ready for the exciting day ahead. As we got to London, anticipation was high, and as we joined the growing mass of students, lecturers and supporters of the march, it was obvious that everybody was raring to go!

It was great to see support from all four corners of the UK - including universities from Cornwall, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Support for the cause from the student masses. After a couple of false starts, the march got underway, to the sounds of the upbeat bands from the London universities, to the various chants being shouted and repeated throughout the thong of supporters.

Banners were held high as we walked through the streets of London, shouting our message out loud -"Grants Not Fees!" As we were walking, it was an honour to know that we were participating in one of the largest demonstrations London has seen in decades.

Laughing, chanting and waving our banners, it was all good fun and, with the constant tooting of horns and the thumbs up from passers by, everyone seemed to support us. As we crossed over Waterloo Bridge and on to Kennington Park, the support from the people of London did not dwindle.

Although we were getting tired, spirits remained high with the constant chants and music. Both of us found walking past a local school brought the message home. Seeing the children waving at us, oblivious to our cause, we knew the march was important, not just for ourselves, but on the behalf of the next generation. As the march ended, people cracked open their beers and plastic bottles of vodka to keep out the impending cold. It amazed us how many people were actually involved in the demonstration. It was a great experience to witness, and to be a part of such a worthwhile event.

Numerous inspirational speeches were given, including speakers from trade unions, NATFHE and UNISON. The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, also spoke out to support the march and its objectives. He said, "MPs don't have the right to pull up the ladder to a free education just because they've got theirs." NATFHE and Ken Livingstone also suggested that one way to bring back the grants would be to reintroduce the progressive tax system. They claim that since wealthier people are more financially solvent and require educated people as employees, it is only fair that they should help fund higher education, as it will ultimately be of benefit to them and their companies. As the speeches ended, everybody dispersed. Not home, but to the sponsored event at the Brixton Academy.

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