Welcome to the April issue of the BELTRING BUGLE
- the official newsletter of the KM War and Peace Show

With the nation currently gripped by Foot and Mouth, we are pleased to make the following announcement from Brent and Fiona Pollard, owners of the Hop Farm:

"We are receiving numerous calls in connection with the Foot and Mouth Crisis, in particular whether planned events at The Hop Farm including the War and Peace Show will go ahead this year. The Hop Farm is very much open for business and is following all the MAAF guidelines. The War and Peace Show and the monthly Militaria Fairs will take place. The Hop Farm has isolated a few animals which might be susceptible to the disease and are also taking the precaution of asking all our visitors to disinfect their feet on arrival. We are looking forward to a very busy event season and to welcoming you at one of our shows in the very near future."

So, good news for War and Peace and of course for the very popular War and Peace Militaria fairs, held each month.

Sadly many events are being cancelled up and down the country because of the epidemic, including we are told at least 28 County Shows. Naturally up to date information is on the War and Peace web site and the full UK military events calendar is on www.milweb.net. So be in no doubt that our event is on, if you go to no other show this year, Beltring is the one to focus on. With over 1,000 traders already booked in, many have told us that War and Peace generates a large proportion of their turnover, both directly at the show and as a result of their presence at the event. No other military event in the world can hope to approach the sheer scale of business that is done between our traders, collectors and the public.

Canadian (CMP) vehicles will be taking part in a very special event at Beltring. Canadian HMV collector Geoff Winnington Ball who runs "Maple Leaf Up" - a website and magazine for CMP enthusiasts, aided by IMPS Jim Baxter are organising a mass gathering of CMP vehicles in the arena on Saturday morning. Because Beltring is so vast, this means that all the many CMP enthusiasts will be able to meet up in one place, rather than be spread around the showground. Numerous photographers and magazines will be in attendance to ensure that these often overlooked war horses get some coverasge. Veterans are especially welcome, many British soldiers used CMP Chev's and Fords and have a particular affection for them. If you have an appropriate vehicle (this of course includes vehicles in WW2 Canadian markings), please do make the effort join in -it will be a truly unique opportunity to put as many WW2 CMP vehicles together for some great photo opportunities.

Military Machines International launches on May 3rd. War and Peace is pleased to be working with this exciting new magazine and has agreed joint marketing initiatives and extensive coverage of the show in future issues. With a mainly colour format this monthly magazine will also reach the general public via the major newsagents - all good for war and peace and the hobby in general.

Just to remind you of the special deal arranged for ALL military vehicle enthusiast with our friends at Norfolk Line. This rapidly expanding ferry company gave visitors to the 2000 War and Peace Show a very special rate for crossing from Dunkirk to Dover and many of our overseas visitors took advantage of the luxury ferry and a very good discount on their ferry travel. Great news is that following negotiations with Norfolk Line they have extended the offer to ALL military vehicle enthusiasts, whether travelling in a car, van truck or of course, an MV - anytime until 31/12/01 Simply quote "Beltring" when making your booking. To book, call 01304 218400 - you will be able to travel for just £12 per metre each way, however big the vehicle is. So, if you are going on holiday, attending a rally or just plundering some scrapyards, do please take advantage of this very generous offer. Already, several people have imported ex military vehicles using this special rate and tell us they are delighted with both the discount and the service. Full details are of course on the War and Peace website.

Win a Video of War and Peace 2000 !!!
We are currently running a competition to win a video of last years event. The winner will be picked on May 8th (VE Day) - if you can't wait you can of course buy your copy through the War and Peace office.

Some of the entries already indicate an even wider range of vehicles including yet more German armour, recently recovered from the middle east. It looks certain that we will top last years figure of 3059 vehicles in attendance
As entries flood in every day at an ever increasing rate, it would really help Barbara if you could get your entries in as soon as possible, this helps avoid the last minute rush and the inevitable panic to make sure everyone gets their passes and information in time. As IMPS members if you can help reduce the workload, it would be much appreciated.

The Jeep has now been bought for the Jeep Raffle, look out for it at events in the run up to Beltring - as well as selling tickets to your friends and neighbours, help is always needed to support the IMPS stand at these shows and sell e few books of tickets - it's actually good fun so why not lend a hand. Remember every ticket sold puts a pound coin in the club bank.

Tickets for the Herb Miller Dance on the Saturday night are selling fast, so reserve yours now!

Just in case you had forgotten, Rex and The KM War and Peace Office can be contacted on 01304 813945July 18th-22nd 2001