It’s a strange term. Strange because it could mean many different things.
Leave it alone so that it remains.
Go and leave. On the other hand - remain.
But whichever way you look at it - those words mean so much to some people. They are the three words that stand for freedom. Terminology used by the Home Office on visa applications for permission to stay in the UK for limited or indefinite periods of time.
Leave to Remain Art Exhibition 16-22 June 2003
From Leave to Remain:
“Margareta Kern, has had the title in her mind ever since her displacement from Bosnia triggered the endless process of asylum and visa applications for her. She felt that the term ‘leave to remain’ describes well the experience of suspension where one might be asked to leave or to remain in the UK. An almost twisted sense of poetry in those words struck her, and was one of many reasons that led her to start organising the ‘Leave to Remain’ exhibition.”
I am amazed by both Margareta and Marcus - they work tirelessly for the things they believe in. Passionately. She, an artist. He an engineer.
Marcus will walk all the way from the port of Dover to the Home Office in Croydon - to mark the beginning of Refugee Week and the opening of the Leave to Remain art exhibition.
Have already made a pledge - and I plan to track Marcus’ challenge at his log. I think I might even try to venture out to Croydon on Sunday 15th June to welcome him at the finish if I can.
Posted by jag at May 31, 2003 01:02 PM“The shoes on my feet - I’ve bought it
The clothes I’m wearing - I’ve bought it
The rock I’m rocking - I’ve bought it
‘Cause I depend on me …“
From Independent Woman by Destiny’s Child
Well if you do get to Croydon, and if we haven’t moved by then, drop me an email and we’ll arrange to meet up for a drink :o)
Posted by: Pewari on May 31, 2003 07:03 PMWhat a great idea. Esp. if weather is conducive to beer/drinks etc. Aill see if I can get myself an “exit visa” for that day - not sure if I have to be at the in-laws that Sunday you see - and not sure what time Marcus is predicting to be at the Home Office office in Croydon - but will certainly let you know - would love to hookup with you/and-or your crew etc.
Marcus: if you read this - please let us know roughly what time you expect to hit the streets of Croydon!
Best regards - Jag
Posted by: Jag on May 31, 2003 10:10 PMSounds like a much better way to mark Refugee Week than what the BBC is planning.
Posted by: Stu on May 31, 2003 11:30 PMEr.. no links? Thr Guardian | Derision greets BBC plan to turn asylum into a game(http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,967471,00.html).
Posted by: Stu on May 31, 2003 11:31 PMThank you Jag! Your support means so much!
I really apreciate it & it’s wonderful you flagging up the ‘leave to remain’ stuff!
And your web-log is great! I loved the Cornetto!!! Keep writing them, they really are very creative diaries!
Thanks also for the comments, I checked the article on the BBC’s newly proposed asylum reality show, and I feel deeply outraged, upset and that the work of tipping that balance in the favour of justice has just begun. What has happened to us? Have we traded our sense of compassion for the cheap trill of the power?
Posted by: Margareta Kern on June 1, 2003 12:23 AMI also just read the BBC story and my emotions went from disbelief to a visceral feeling sick. Terms like “political football” are harmless against the grave insensitivity that the BBC unearths there.
Back to walking: I’m doing my fourth test walk tomorrow, this time distance won’t matter as long as I keep walking for eight hours.
Regarding my ETA in Croydon on Sunday 15th June, I think I’ll arrive at around 13:00. This will have been my fourth day walking and I hope that by then I should have a fairly good idea on how long it’ll take me. Pewari, your welcome to come and see me crawling in :)
Finally I want to post a BIG THANKS for the support so far, keep it coming! During the walk I’ll have my mobile on and would love to hear from anyone wanting to give me a blast of moral support. The number is +44 709 222 4220.
Posted by: Marcus Kern on June 1, 2003 12:49 AMOK - I have adjusted my Movable Type config so that it recognises HTML in the comments. This means that Stu’s BBC hyperlink now works properly.
On the article: well - I really don’t know what to say other than “sigh”. I certainly expect more from the BBC - especially as I just renewed my TV licence the other day.
Hey Margareta - thx for the feedback. I like the LTR site - so much that I pinched the image of the certificate. I certainly do plan to come along to the showing. If I cannot make the Sunday - I will certainly come on one of the following days.
Best regards - Jag
Posted by: Jag on June 1, 2003 10:31 AM