{"id":3459,"date":"2011-02-17T09:30:42","date_gmt":"2011-02-17T09:30:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/?p=3459"},"modified":"2011-02-18T17:40:31","modified_gmt":"2011-02-18T17:40:31","slug":"squatters-take-over-6m-fitzroy-square-mansion-lol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.urban75.org\/blog\/squatters-take-over-6m-fitzroy-square-mansion-lol\/","title":{"rendered":"Squatters take over \u00a36m Fitzroy Square mansion. LOL"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Squatters<\/p>\n

Squatters have moved into stinking rich movie maker Guy Ritchie’s enormous \u00a36 million mansion, located in London’s upmarket Fitzroy Square.<\/p>\n

At least 12 people are thought to have taken over the Grade I-listed house, setting up the Really Free School<\/a> in protest at rising tuition fees.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Squatters<\/p>\n

The new residents of Mr Ritchie’s des res have already set up a full schedule of events, with films, workshops, discussions and more – check out their\u00a0calendar here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

They’ve also got a\u00a0wish-list\u00a0of items they need<\/a> – get down and contribute something if you’re in the area!<\/p>\n

\"Squatters<\/p>\n

Lurking outside was a small pack of press photographers. Bless.<\/p>\n

\"Squatters<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to pay them a visit but\u00a0hope\u00a0to do so over the next\u00a0couple\u00a0of days.\u00a0You\u00a0get an answerphone message if you call this number.<\/p>\n

\"Squatters<\/p>\n

\n
The chair of trustees from the Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Association seems rather impressed with their new neighbours:<\/div>\n
\n
What The Really Free School has done is take a house that was not being used and created a space where ordinary people could get together and learn from each other and draw attention to the state of education in Britain. Instead, the press focussed laser-like on the fact the house is owned by film maker Guy Ritchie.<\/div>\n
\n

None of the press reported that the School had previously occupied an empty house in Bloomsbury Square, put on educational events, left peacefully and returned the place undamaged without its owner having to go to court to seek possession. Neither did the press take much interest in the many progressive activities that are taking place in the School in Fitzroy Square.<\/p>\n

A BBC reporter took exception to being thrown out when he was rumbled and The Telegraph grumbled about not being let in. Why do the press think they have a right to be inside when they are clearly incapable of reporting facts that are there for all to see or can\u2019t be bothered to look for?<\/p>\n

In reporting this news story they have not only done a disservice to the creative and inspiring young men and women who have set up this free school but also to the thousands of people living in Fitzrovia and the many hard-working voluntary organisations which try to relieve poverty and improve the lot of ordinary people.<\/p>\n

These young people are a credit to their generation and we would do well, in the short time that they will be in Fitzrovia, to listen to their voices and embrace their enthusiasm for trying to bring about a better society.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/news.fitzrovia.org.uk\/2011\/02…for-the-media\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

\"Squatters<\/p>\n

The delights of Fitzroy Square, with the BT Tower<\/a> behind. Click here for a 360 degree interactive panorama<\/a> of the posh square.<\/p>\n

\"Squatters<\/p>\n

Really Free School update: Friday 18th – eviction looms:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Invite Tonight<\/strong>
\nFellow FreeSchoolers,<\/p>\n

Our time in this space may be coming to an end, but it is by no means the end of the cultural significance that is the historically reoccurring idea of the freeschool.<\/p>\n

From 6 o\u2019clock onwards Friday 18th February, there will be a massive street soiree to celebrate and continue this temporary autonomous zone, before Richie Rich\u2019s latest purchase gets turned into yet another rich man\u2019s clich\u00e9.<\/p>\n

Bring a dish and join us in the square; expect games, musical minstrels, the tinkling of ivories, song and dance, hood talk, a banquet, a radical history tour & more.<\/p>\n

It never was about mansions, nor b-list bad film makers \u2013 zhumba continues to spread, join us on the streets and let this joyous celebration be known to one and all!<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s make this last 4eva.
\nSee you on the streets.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Discuss the squat on our bulletin boards<\/a><\/p>\n

Info<\/strong>: Notes for squatters<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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