Welcome to the January issue of the BELTRING BUGLE
- the official newsletter of the KM, IMPS War and Peace Show
July 17th-21st 2002

ISSUE 25

I've had a lovely Christmas, in case you were wondering. I've had lots of quality time with my beautiful partner and our boisterous children. I got lots of wonderful prezzies and was thoroughly spoilt (lucky me!). I've eaten and drunk lots and lots and Debs is a bit cross because I've put back the weight that I'd previously lost. Oh well, that's what Christmas is for isn't it?! And as for New Year, we had a wonderful evening/morning with friends and family and all that leaves me to do is raise a glass to all of you and wish all of you the very best for 2002.

As I sat down to dictate this the phone rang. It was Jim Fleet who was proudly announcing the successful purchase of a live-firing 25pdr field gun that he wishes to bring to War and Peace. I am sure it won't be long before our old friend Albert Figg has a battery of 25pdrs at his disposal. My brother and I also have a pair of 25pdrs and these are currently under restoration by Tom Bewick of Kinceardineshire. Hopefully these will be ready as well for this year's Show.

We have now formed a new PR Team for the sole purpose of promoting and forwarding information on War and Peace. This new team consists of Gary Stern representing Armour and Skirmish Magazine; Mark Barnes representing the News International Photo Library; Nigel Hay representing the World Wide Web; Pat Ware representing Classic Military Vehicles; Shaun Conners representing Land Rover Monthly; Simon Thomson representing Military Vehicles International among others; and Trevor Claringbold representing the World of the Military Vehicle Modeller, Trucks and Tracks and Radio Kent. As I am sure you will all agree we have been fortunate in securing the services of such well-known personalities in the military hobby and we look forward to working with this prestigious group over the coming months. If you have any news you wish to spread then please feel free to email it to us for forwarding to the PR Team.

Did you know that it is the 50th Anniversary of the Austin Champ FV1801? The Austin Champ entered service with the British Army in May 1952 and to celebrate this momentous event a group of Champ enthusiasts from around the world led by Dale Johnson of 66 Ham Lane, Ferndown, Dorset will be putting on a 'Champ Camp' at this year's War and Peace Show. The aim is for 100+ Champs to display together on a specially designated site. So, if you own a Champ now is your time to have your piece of history. Contact Dale direct for further information on 01202 577226.

For many a year the predominant colour of military vehicles was green with the obvious exceptions of desert camouflage ranging from sand coloured, light blues, greys and finally pink; but today all of that has changed for one certain Abbott. As many of you know Fiona Pollard of the Hop Farm Country Park decided to buy her own 'tank', well, self-propelled gun for all you post-war experts who I know will correct me instantly! Well, you know what women are like about fashion and in this light it was decided that green was a bit passé for 2002. So, in early December the Abbott rolled into the Cadman workshop and down went the shutters on what was about to become a fashion statement in its own right. 'Blue!!!!!!!!' I hear you scream. Yes, how did you guess?! The now refurbished Abbott in its Hop Farm blue colour scheme is out and about. So if you're heading down the highways and byways of Kent and you pass a blue tank, yes it was a blue tank, no you hadn't been drinking!! Feel free to give the driver a cheery wave, the chances are you'll know him. Paul Shea of the Barmy Army. Not to be left out a newly acquired 432 has now rolled into the Cadman workshops to be given the same treatment. So by February don't be surprised if you spot this pair out and about as well.

I am sure over the last couple of years most of you will have spotted a small bear-like creature on the corners of the odd sign or the bottom of headed paper. Well, at last the bear is stepping forward. Drawn originally and given to War and Peace by Nick Crowhurst and named by Paul Shea by accident after an estate agent he once met - 'Warren Peace'. Warren will be leading a new campaign, 'Follow the Bear!'. Car stickers and badges will be available soon. War and Peace has always been a family-orientated Show and it is our intention to ensure that this image persists and with this in mind Warren will be aimed at promoting this for us. So, if your children are young enough do not hesitate to pop a SAE in the post and we will return this with badges and stickers.

Stoneleigh, as all of you by now know I'm sure, is at the end of this month, Sunday January 27th. The War and Peace Team will be there in force occupying our usual space in the warm Hall close to the entrance. We look forward to seeing as many of you who attend.

War and Peace will be making its first outing this weekend to Jim Baxter's Winter Warm-Up Rally at the Powder Mills Pub. If weather permits maybe it might be just cold enough for you to glimpse a blue tank!

Well, that about brings us up to date. By February the War and Peace momentum will be well under way and we should be able to inform you as to what's happening where and when. Once again, with the very best of wishes for 2002.

War & Peace Team

Tel: No. +44 (0) 1304 813945 Fax: +44 (0) 1304 812422
E-mail [email protected] Website: www.thewarandpeaceshow.com