Access to the War and Peace Show. By now all IMPS members should have had the opportunity to read the War and Peace Ltd - IMPS contract and it has been brought to my attention that there is some confusion over the expiry date of free pedestrian and vehicular access. To clarify this in the contract - Obligations of the Company, clause 5.4 we quote: "Allow current and new members of IMPS with valid membership cards issued prior to 31 December 2000 free public entry, free vehicle entry and half price caravan entry to the show for the duration of this agreement". In December 2000 War and Peace extended this concession as a gesture of goodwill to the 31st December 2001 and in June 2001 when the new 2002 entry forms were printed this was confirmed in writing. The entry forms were examined and found to be correct by the committee at that time. We therefore stand by the extended date of 31st Dec 2001.
To the writer of the anonymous letter titled "I have no particular view on the IMPS KM War and Peace Show". We would like to thank you for your comments but at the same time remind you that as an IMPS member you have free access to the show. We hope you take advantage of this and look forward to seeing you there.

For all you Jeep enthusiasts (which now includes Rex & Barbara), Jeep World Magazine has now confirmed that the star of their stand at this years War and Peace Show will be the incredibly rare WWII Willys MT TUG 6X6 Jeep. It is believed that only 4 of these now exist out of an original 15. Owner Fred Smith from Staffordshire has just completed a full restoration of this vehicle. This may be its only public viewing.

Champ Camp: Dale Johnson informs us that entries are starting to roll in along with planned convoys, rumour has it that there is a possibility of a "Gutty" appearing. Also entered is the Wolseley Mudlark of Ivor Hodge, and a group of Austin Gypsies organised by Mike Gilbert, along with this the REME have agreed to lend the Champ Camp the sectional Champ and the Champ and trailer on the heavy DROPS platform. Finally Roy Elvis of Champ Spares fame has agreed to supply the Champ Trophy. So don't forget, if you own a Champ, contact Dale Johnson on 01202 577226.

By now our PR Team has begun to get into its stride, if you watch the military mags you will shortly see their prose. Whilst on the subject we have a correction to make. Mark Barnes is a freelancer in the military vehicle world and works for News International by day.

The New Kent Trading Standards Act 2002. As organisers we have registered the Show with the Trading Standards Officer at KCC thereby complying with the new act. Should individual traders wish for further information the contact number for the Mid Kent Trading Officer is 01233 652384 (we believe registration is free). Due to the newness of this act we are unable to provide advice although you are of course more than welcome to contact the War & Peace Office for further information.

Due to the close proximity of France, HM Customs & Excise have advised that we should inform participants of the Show of the following regulations.
"No Exhibitor/Stallholder is permitted to sell excise goods (Beer, Cider, Wine, Spirits or Tobacco products) at any time on the Hop Farm site."

"Selling or handling alcohol and tobacco in which UK taxes have not been paid is a criminal offence and anyone caught doing this could be prosecuted and may receive up to seven years in prison".
"Customs and Excise patrol our events and anyone caught selling or dealing in excise goods on which UK taxes have not been paid, will have the goods seized. Any vehicle used for the carriage of excise goods will also be seized."

On a lighter note The War and Peace Show has agreed to assist a young Dutchman by the name of Peter Alexander van Teesleling in promoting a book he has written about Arnhem in 1944. Copies of this book are available direct from Peter at a price of £8 at [email protected] or alternatively via The War and Peace office. Peter will be promoting and signing his book at this years show.

The Blue Tank as promised made its maiden outing to The Plough at Powder Mills joining the 35+ vehicles that had braved the cold start to the year. Our thanks to the Baxter's for a pleasant start to the year at a well chosen venue with thoroughly enjoyable fare. The Blue Tank's next outing was to assist promoting the Medway Ex Services Welfare Centre by eventually parking in the pedestrianised Chatham High Street. That was after giving The Mayor of Chatham (gold Chains and all) a ride around the one way system. A big thanks to all those who supported the event by bringing vehicles, especially the NLBA.

The War and Peace Team

Tel: 01304 813945
E-mail:[email protected]