The Blue Tank has been out again with her sister the Blue 432. They attended the internationally renowned modelling show "Trucks and Tracks" in Folkestone over the weekend of 23rd & 24th February. They attracted a great deal of interest, especially when Paul took the Abbot into the town centre to collect lunch! On behalf of Trevor Claringbold the show organiser we'd like to thank Rory for night security and being parking attendant and also thank everyone that brought their military vehicles to form the static display and thanks also for support from Eric Bell, George Bullock, Mike Nicholls, David Forsdyke, Mike Everall, and the many others who stopped at the War and Peace stand and enjoyed a coffee and a chat.

Next outing for the blue twosome will be at the NEC in Birmingham for 2 days at the British Travel Trade Fair. Then it's off to the Military Convention in Malvern on March 17th. Why not stop by for a chat and find out all the latest on War and Peace 2002? For Malvern show information Tel; G.A. Promotions on 01588 660700.

The Miller Magic evening on Saturday 20th July looks like being another sell out event. If you missed out last year or enjoyed it and want to be part of it again make sure you book early. Tickets are on sale from either The Hop Farm or the War and Peace office @ £15 each. We've managed to keep the price down, so no increase from last year.

We have news of a Champ convoy from the Far North West to Beltring in order to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Austin Champ. They will be forming part of the Champ Camp at the show. They'll start in the vicinity of the M6 Motorway near Greater Manchester heading towards the M1, M25, Dartford River Crossing, M20 and then A roads to Beltring. A trip of about 250 miles travelling at between 45 to 50 mph. The convoy will be carrying a full range of service parts eg. points, plugs, condensers, fan belts, oils etc. and some major components. At time of writing there are 7 Champs (5 of which have not been to Beltring before). For more information or to join the convoy contact Malcolm Scott on 01625 615290/615738.

Ginger Gammon is really busy this year he is hosting a Fancy Dress Beach Party codenamed "Operation Beach Towel". Everyone is welcome just wear as little as you like, surfboards optional on Saturday 20th July 8 pm onwards. Before that on Friday 19th he will be leading his infamous Motorcycle Ride out through the quiet (?), leafy lanes of Kent. Stopping for refreshment at a local hostelry.

Salvage Squad completed the restoration of a Centurion AVRE owned by Nick Mead. The programme was shown on TV a few weeks ago and Nick has kindly agreed to bring his vehicle to the show.
Arena Action is already being rehearsed. Battle Re-enactors have arranged to spend various weekends at The Hop Farm working out their strategy. With the newly landscaped arena they'll have their work cut out this year.

Quiet Camping will now have an appointed Marshal. Visitors to previous shows have raised many points in regards to quiet camping so IMPS member Len Shea has agreed to oversee this area. As with all Marshals on site he will be the first point of contact should visiting campers need any assistance. Due to obvious safety issues Len will be assisting people in siting their vans and tents and it would be appreciated if all campers using this area do their utmost to work with him. While on about safety, there will be sand buckets available around the site ready for emergency use. As with all things Hop Farm, they will be blue, but clearly marked.

Terry Elliott has agreed to plan and look after the activities in the Miller Marquee again this year and is already working on several projects including a new Fashion Show devoted to original, authentic, wartime clothing, the usual Jive lessons, band performances, evening 1940's dances and some surprises!

The Marquee will be expanded in size and will be adjacent to a new second arena which will feature events and activities which lend themselves to a smaller, cleaner, environment. This will feature a number of children's activities as well as a bicycle parade, Army cadet demonstrations, and a radio-controlled military model display.

Not content with that workload, Terry is also working on two other projects for this year's show:

The first is the introduction of a new show field adjacent to the Hop Farm buildings which will feature a variety of stalls, vehicle displays and living history dioramas with a particular emphasis on the 1940's. The intent is to showcase some of the rare, interesting and exciting exhibits and to give the visiting public an early introduction to the delights to be found in the rest of the show. If you have a vehicle or display of particular interest or quality and would like it displayed in a "photo-friendly" environment, please contact Terry on 020 7515 8981 or contact the War & Peace office.

Terry's other project, with the help of Nicola Reynolds, is to send the Hop Farm buildings back 60 years and create one huge 1942 living history display. The whole farm will be occupied by Land Army girls and Italian prisoner of war
helpers using period tractors and equipment. The area will also feature an anti-aircraft gun and searchlight complete with crew, a local Home Guard detachment, an unexploded bomb situation and various civilian vehicles and re-enactors. If you are interested in taking part in this exciting development, which will operate mainly between 9am and 1pm on the days of the show, please contact Terry on the number given above.