On May 28 Amnesty International UK celebrates 50 years since its first campaign for the release of prisoners of conscience. Secretary of Cirencester Amnesty Group, Claire Morris, told Charlotte Shepherd how the local group would be marking the anniversary.

IN AN age of email and twitter a hand written letter could be dismissed as irrelevant. But for a prisoner held because of their beliefs a letter or card that lets them know they are not forgotten could be a lifeline.

Letter writing to prisoners of conscience was one of the earliest activities of Amnesty International UK, when it was set up by London lawyer Peter Benenson in 1961.

And fifty years on the Cirencester Amnesty Group remains true to this, holding two letter writing evenings a year. "When this group was founded it was mostly about writing letters to prisoners of conscience - people who are being tortured or imprisoned for their beliefs. Letter writing remains at the core of what we do," explained Claire Morris. "It is very important for us. At Christmas we send out about 400 letters to prisoners. Even if only one gets through it is still worth doing."

The group is often buoyed up by success stories. This year the group heard from an appreciative family of a prisoner in the Ukraine who said that a letter had been received. "It is a tremendous feeling to hear of successes," said Mrs Morris.

Cirencester Amnesty Group was set up in 1984 by Norah Kennedy and Erik Wilkinson and has a core membership of 12.

"They are a great group of people," said Mrs Morris. "I am really impressed by their commitment and knowledge and the energy that they put into everything."

Despite being relatively small the group manages to be extremely active, thanks in part to the 300 people who are 'sympathisers' and can be called upon to help with special activities.

"These sympathetic people are tremendously important to what we do," explained Mrs Morris. "They may not be able to commit to attending a monthly meeting but they will come in and help at certain events."

Raising awareness of injustice across the world is an important task that Cirencester Amnesty Group sets itself.

Current campaign work includes women's human rights, violations of human rights in China, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), West Papua, Equatorial Guinea and a campaign to have the restrictions lifted on movements of Mordechai Vanunu, a whistle-blower in Israel.

The group has also chosen one individual, Johan Teterissa who is in prison in Indonesia, as their prisoner of conscience.

Choosing an individual to fight for is important, Mrs Morris explained. "A problem for Amnesty is that it is needed more now than ever and sometimes it seems like an impossible task," she said. "For local groups like ours it is important to focus on the individual, like Johan, because otherwise the task would be too overwhelming. An individual wronged person is a symbol of the wider problems."

Cirencester Amnesty Group fundraises throughout the year, with a curry and quiz evening held each autumn at the Organic Farm Shop and a Flag Day outside Cirencester Parish Church. "This is a chance for us to show our colours and rattle some tins," said Mrs Morris.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International UK, the Cirencester group will have some fun with a concert and a fundraiser at the local New Brewery Arts Theatre in Cirencester on Friday, May 20.

The door is always open at this group for new members to join. "We would love new members, particularly younger people," said Mrs Morris. "We are such a small group and are very stretched. It would be great to have the manpower to run more campaigns in schools, for example. I think Amnesty is a cause that really resonates with younger people."

And for those with less time to spare, turning up at the next writing event would be a great way to lend a hand. "There is a tremendous feeling and sense of purpose at the letter writing evening," explained Mrs Morris.

* For more information go to www.amnestycirencester.org.uk

* Monthly meetings are held on the first Monday of every month, or the Monday after a Bank Holiday. These start at 7.30pm and take place at the Friends Meeting House, Thomas Street, Cirencester.

* The next letter writing evening is on Monday, June 6 at 7.30pm at Friends Meeting House, Thomas Street, Cirencester.

* To buy tickets for the May 20 anniversary fundraising concert contact 01285 651605 or pay at the door.