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Fathers 4 Justice descend on Canterbury for Christmas demonstration

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by Adam Williams and Katie
Lamborn

Campaigners from Fathers 4 Justice
descended on Canterbury on Saturday for a special Christmas
demonstration.

The group, known for a series of
high-profile stunts, dressed as Santa Claus and assembled in the
city's Buttermarket Sqaure with banners, loud horns and
megaphones.

Speaking from the scene on Saturday,
KM Group reporter Katie Lamborn said: "It's an electric carnival
atmostphere - everyone's in good spirits. There are lots of
megaphones and plenty of chanting about 'two parents being
better than one'.

"There's a visible police presence -
but everyone seems to be having a good time trying to get
their message across."

Fathers 4 Justice campaigner Darren Ash from Herne Bay
Fathers 4 Justice campaigner Darren Ash from Herne Bay

Among the protesters was Darren Ash, 34, from
Beltinge, near Herne Bay. He has been fighting for access to his
daughter for more than a decade after his relationship
with her mother ended amicably.

Mr Ash said: "We're here
in Canterbury to send a message to Rowan Williams to listen.
The church talks about being 'in the name of the Father' but
they're not prepared to discuss the issue of the father."

At one stage, the protesters attempted
to enter the Cathedral Precincts from Buttermarket Square but were
initially turned away by police. However, they were later allowed
to go in and have a photograph taken.

After the demonstration had ended at
around 1.30pm, Mr Ash added: "I thought we got a very good
response. Thank you to everyone for coming down to support us."

A statement issued by Fathers 4
Justice members ahead of the protest last month read:
"Dressed in Santa outfits, we will yet again attempt to get our
message across to the church who, like this arrogant Labour
government, have ignored the plight of fathers for years.

"We have decided to take the campaign
back to the church as it and its synod have not debated family
breakdown since 1991. The Church of England and its representatives
must stop ignoring the consequences of this issue."

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