The Blue Twosome enjoyed their trip to Malvern, creating a huge amount of interest from people, some who have never been to Beltring, some have never even heard of it, but after our invasion they are well aware of the show! This is a well organised event and although smaller than Stoneleigh, it is well worth a visit. Well done to Graham and Amanda of Jeeparts-We'll be back! Their next outing was The War and Peace Militaria Fair on 24th March, where they made an impressive entrance and took centre stage. A beautiful sunny day welcomed almost 50 traders and over 500 public visitors through the gate. Now the warm weather is upon us, these monthly fairs are well worth a visit. Don't forget next month's fair date is 21st April. Arrive by military vehicle and gain free entry.

The plans to turn the clock back to 1942 amid the Hop Farm buildings during the Show are proceeding apace. Many re-enactors have been booked and assorted livestock, farm equipment and vintage vehicles will be imported for the occasion. However, there is still space for more, if it fits into the scenario of "the Hop Farm at War". This is a great opportunity, especially for civilian re-enactors and owners of wartime civilian vehicles, to play an active part in the show, in a situation which will give maximum exposure to the public and also give plenty of time off to enjoy the rest of the show. If any small groups or individual re-enactors want to take part in this authentic recreation they will be most welcome and should contact Terry Elliott on 0207 515 8981. In particular, Terry is looking for an "American" group willing to "adopt" the vehicles and buildings of the resident War and Peace Collection and turn it into a motor pool for the duration of the show. Where else could you get the opportunity to play with some seriously heavy metal for 5 days AND sleep indoors?

Calling all Past Winners! We are anxious to ensure that many of the best vehicles at the show receive the maximum public exposure. At present, it is often a lottery whether unsuspecting members of the public stumble upon the great and rare gems on offer, including unique "one-offs" and incredibly detailed restorations. When they do, they are often not aware that they are in the presence of such great and historic artefacts. Well that is all about to change with Terry's "Showcase" field. In particular, Terry plans to include a past winners enclosure containing vehicles which can rightly claim to be "the Best of the Best". This will be a fenced and guarded area where vehicles will be displayed during show opening hours together with information about the vehicle and its history. The unique site and associated security will allow owners to display related equipment, uniforms and other items with their vehicles with safety.
Attempts are being made to trace all past show and class winners to invite their participation but the farther back in time we go, the records get more sparse so if you don't hear from us and you won best whatever sometime in the last century, please get in touch!

Another new innovation this year is the introduction of a second, more intimate, arena adjacent to the Miller Marquee. A number of attractions have already been booked or are planned for this space including the KM Brass Band, Cadet displays, Jive classes, the 1940's Fashion Show, and the wartime bicycle parade but if you or your group have an activity which lends itself to public display in such a setting, please contact Terry Elliott on 0207 515 8981 to see if it can be fitted into the programme. This arena will also play host each morning to radio controlled military models so if you have such a toy (sorry, model!), or are planning to build one, make sure you bring it to the show.

There has been a lot of publicity for the Champ's 50th Anniversary, but lets not forget it is also the 50th anniversary of the Daimler Ferret. We at The War and Peace Office have had a few enquiries about a Ferret reunion. Through our website Ferret owners can place ads and contact each other to arrange their reunion or convoys to the show. We at War and Peace will provide as much assistance as possible in publicising any such events should one be arranged. Do you fancy taking over the organising? Please contact us at The War and Peace Office.

The Beltring Wedding plans are in full swing, Nick and Carena have had a site meeting. They will be officially married in Whites Restaurant (which is a licensed venue) they will then be escorted in convoy (suggestions please) to the main arena for their "Beltring Blessing". Their outfits will be 1940's style and they plan to spend their honeymoon night in the Anderson shelter in The Hop Farm complex as part of Terry Elliott's 1942 experience.

The War and Peace Team

e-mail Rex Cadman and team for all issues relevant to the show.