Michel and Cheryle Clements had dropped in on The Old Rectory for lunch on Friday and collected our trestle tables and the War and Peace promotion boards, transporting these to Malvern for us so when we arrived early Saturday afternoon our stand was already set up. One hours delay whilst other vehicles unloaded around us gave me the opportunity to wander among the stalls and chat to a great many of them. All were looking forward to War and Peace. Most had questions about what impact health and safety were going to have, some raised the issue of stall fees which all acknowledged should have gone up years ago. All felt that in comparison with other shows the stalls were still cheap.

By three o'clock we had unloaded and set up, and at 4.30 Graham & Amanda swept the halls of people and locked up ready for Sunday morning. A good hotel, and an excellent meal all in the company of friends made for a perfect end of the day.

Sunday morning saw a beautiful day in as the sun rose over the Malvern Hills, a full English breakfast later and we were ready to start the day.

With 5 minutes to spare we were on our stall as the doors opened at 9am, and sure enough on cue the doors opened and the waiting collectors poured in. Business seemed to be brisk all round. On our stall we were selling the Beltring 2002 video, War and Peace mugs and all the usual collectibles, although our main role was to answer questions as exhibitors came and booked in or collected their vehicle/living history entry forms. Questions varied from can I bring my caravan? Is there anywhere else to park my support vehicle? The outfit I'm bringing is 60' long , can I park it there? and so on. The question of money was raised. Most felt that War and Peace was an annual holiday and they would be there for up to 10 days so £2.50 a day was a small charge for all we provided. By 4pm I was beginning to think all was well. No criticism lots of support I had really enjoyed my weekend. All that was about to change.
As the show drew to a close a collector who I shall refer to as "Fred" stepped in front of me. Fred has been a stanch War and Peace supporter, stayed at my home on his travels to Bethune and is a very active military vehicle collector and exhibitor and heavily involved in another show in the UK. "Hello Fred" say I, pleased to see him "what have you done to Beltring?" says Fred in an aggressive manner. Taken aback, I ask "what do you mean?" and with that Fred tells me.

"Vehicle charges, caravan charges, support vehicle charges, doubling the stall prices, we've all done our sums and we know how much you make and you will no longer get our support. In my area we are 'boycotting' your show, and other areas are voting on it shortly. I will tell you straight Rex, you've wrecked the best show in the world. Nobody minds you making a profit, but there's a limit to how much people will put up with." And on and on Fred went, and Fred then finished. The underlying message was how sad he was that he would not be going. Fred spends £300 on fuel to get there and brings £2,500 to spend on the stalls, has a caravan delivered on site and he had completely mis-read the booking in forms. Fred thought he was going to have to pay for his vehicle entry and also pay to camp. As Fred had unloaded his feelings, he had told me Beltring was his annual holiday, he would normally be there for 10 days. I worked back through Fred's booking with him and the only charge Fred would have incurred was his £25 vehicle entry fee. This related to an increase in cost to Fred of £1.50 per day over his annual holiday. By now Fred was wishing he had not booked to go elsewhere along with his friends who had also mis-read the forms. In an attempt to defend his decision he got back to the subject of how much money was made. "I have been involved with 40s nights and I know the costs so I know how much profit you are making" says Fred and with that he runs through the costs, Fred had overlooked a few costs. A 35,000 sq ft marquee for 9 days, the stage, dance floor, generator, toilets, bar, cookers, fridges, tables, chairs, fire precautions, staff, lighting, sound systems, cleaners, food, crockery, cutlery, decorations, printing, marketing etc. and on and on. Fred was looking for a new line of attack.

"I have some building experience" says Fred and nobody spends £150,000 pounds revamping a shower block not even down South. Come on Fred we did not revamp a shower block we built a new one and rebuilt the old one in 1998 we had 1 ladies shower and 3 loos and the same in the gents now we have 10 showers and 10 loos in two separate blocks with an onsite shop in between. We had to install big submersible heavy pumps to move all that waste water from the middle of a field to the sewage system within the main farm, run a water supply œ a mile and install a serious heating system for all that continuous hot water based on 300 showers an hour not to mention the gas supply to run the boilers. With Fred's experience in building he could see the pounds clocking up.

So with that he turned to stall prices. "My mates tell me you have doubled stall prices," "not so" says I, "in 2002 stalls were £75 if you booked early or £100 if you booked late, now they're £125 for an early booking or £150 for a late booking most stall holders book early so its £25 per day for a 20' x 20'pitch, we were that very day paying 4 times that for a pitch half the size, and in January we had paid 10 times that for our pitch of once again half the size". This made War and Peace great value for money, not only that we had held stall prices at £15 per day for 15 years 1987 to 2002. No other show could ever make that claim, and judging by the fact that there are only four rows of stalls left, the stall holders obviously still feel the cost to be fair. The real truth is it should have gone up years ago!! And everyone knows that.

Fred was running out of arguments. "Look how many people come to the show and pay to get in" says Fred, "yes" says I "and without them there would be no War and Peace Show", as I start to run through the costs I can see Fred wishing he had not started this. The sheer cost of staging the War and Peace show is staggering. The first exhibitor arrives 21 days before the last one leaves, and we are still clearing up. I will be on site for 28 days, for 7 of those days I will grab 3-4 hours sleep a night. I will uproot my family lives for a month. Three people work solidly on War and Peace all year round, every week Debbie, my partner, is cooking another War and Peace meal as I take over the breakfast room for another meeting with people involved with the show. Every Thursday sees me at the Hop Farm from first thing to often late in the evening, the responsibility and risks are enormous and nobody wants the job!

"What happens if the vehicles do not come and next year the stalls will not come and that's the end of the show" says Fred "and you will be the loser". "With the first 1000 already booked we are currently ahead of target for the time of the year" says I, Fred and I pushed it back and forwards for a few more minutes and said our goodbyes. I could see Fred was regretting his discussion. As I helped pack up our stand I could not help but feel saddened by Fred's comments.

Driving home that evening I chose to cut across country rather than take the motorways, it was a glorious evening and as I drove my mind wondered back over all the years I had worked along with Barbara, my secretary, on War and Peace. We started back in 1989 as the IMPS Club show and from day 1 it cost me money. In the early years my brother and I paid for the low loaders out of our pockets as there was not enough money in the show to cover these costs, we covered all the administrative costs and lots more. I have no idea how many thousands of pounds we happily poured into the War and Peace Show all out of our own pockets and all for no reward. In 2000 War and Peace became a commercial show, the costs had outgrown the clubs pocket and mine. The profit had never truly borne a real resemblance to the costs and in 2000 we started the first 5 day show, this was considered to be the period of time exhibitors and traders alike wanted. The cost of the show grew again and it has not stopped growing. In 2002 the costs reached new proportions and when all the bills had been paid and the dust settled there was nothing left in the pot for me!!! In years gone by this did not matter it was a hobby, we all enjoyed it, it was fun. The last 3 years have been bloody hard work, there is not a single day that goes by when I do not get involved in War and Peace in one way or another phone calls, letters, emails, meetings, attending shows it just never stops. Once upon a time I would be patted on the back and told what a great show it is and keep it up, well I have kept it up and now I can no longer do it for free, I am seen as the "War and Greed Man". From a personal point of view I would be very sorry to see the end of the War and Peace show whether by the means out lined by Fred or by the burden of red tape that we are now having to face but as I drove that evening I asked myself the question who would be the loser?

I would no longer have the worry of it all my work load would drop by 75%, my family would see more of me, July could be spent at home enjoying those evenings as the sun drops drinking good wines, eating fine meals in the company of friends reminiscing about the show that was, with some sadness punctuated with some great moments. I have met and made some great friends via War and Peace as have many others who have supported the show for years. It was then that it dawned upon me as to who would be the losers, it would be all of us, the stallholders, the exhibitors, the re-enactors, the military vehicle hobby as a whole. Other shows would come and go but nothing would ever equal Beltring, the atmosphere, the friendships, the late night socialising, the friendly bartering, the opportunity to see and buy more there than anywhere else in the world, 5 days of show, 10 days of pure pleasure for all of us and all of it at a cost. Whether you support it or do not support it and if it dies we all lose and that would be a great shame for us all.

Rex Cadman
War and Peace Show Organiser 1989-2003

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

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

What The Collectors Have To Say:

"Just a quick reply to the "comments" of "Fred".
This will be My 4th. consecutive visit to the W.& P.. It's My annual holiday too. All I can say is that after a long, hot, dusty day,when the "gear has been stowed" there is nothing better than a good hot shower, before trying to fire up the Benghazi Burner and do dinner,as a prelude to a frontal assault on "The Ginger Gammon Tent" As for the re-building of the shower block, and the adding of a shop for the 2002 show THANK YOU & WELL DONE. Especially to those good people who man (or is it Woman ?) It. I can now leave home in the safe knowledge that I have only got to go a few hundred yards to cover up the fact that I've forgotten to pack this, that or some other vital piece of kit, (Gas Bottle, Fag's, Milk last year!). Thus preserving MY image as a logistic's Genius. For that alone I'm thankful to all concerned TA! I know that the shop has only a limited selection of stock, but it's only been open for one show, but I'm sure that in future, once You know what "moves best",or what is asked for the most that is'nt yet on sale, the range will be adjusted to suit, space permitting. I dare say that the cost of upgrading/installing the infrastructure is huge, but once it's done, it's done, and should'nt need doing again for a goodly few years, O.K., there's always the upkeep, and the operating expenses,and they'll always rise, but what does'nt?. Is'nt this the reason that WE ALL PAY Our various entry Fee's ?. I don't know how much it cost to stage a show like this, but I'm willing to guess that it's in the HUNDRED'S rather than the TEN'S of THOUSAND'S, so why should'nt it be run as acommercial venture ?. If it was'nt, sooner or later It'll stop.....FOR GOOD!. So as this years show draws near, I for one will not complain about the costs,as I think it offers good value for my money, as do all the other people that I go with, or meet up with each year. We always have a great
time, keep up the good work, FOR ALL OF US. Yours I.G. From Bedford." - Ian Gregory, Bedford.

"Dear Rex,keep up the good work,the War and Peace Show is the best! In any enthusiast sphere there are always whingers and they usually hate the idea of anyone making a penny from what they consider to be "their" hobby. From what you said in the atricle they are usually not that well informed either. Anyone with half a brain must be able to work out what a huge undertaking the show is and we are all lucky that you and your band of helpers continue to restore rare vehicles and put such a fantastic show on. All the best, John Goodman"

"Dear Rex

Having just read the Bugle ? especially part 2 ? I feel obliged to give you some moral support.

I am happy to say that we from the Danish Historic Military Vehicle Association are looking forward to attend War & Peace 2003. ? This will be our eighth show and after you installed the new showers we have next to nothing to complain about. Considering the size of the show we are always amazed at how well everything works.

We have talked a lot about the fees and we agree that the 25 £ is a very small price to pay for 7-8 days of camping.

As far as I know there are no complaints about prices from three of our members who have bought stalls this year

We also think that banning civilian vehicles from the show area may be one of the best things that could happen, - and as long as the parking space for them is safe I can not see why anyone should complain about this arrangement. The absence of white Transits as backdrops to the show vehicles can only be a real bonus, to the exhibitors as well as the public.

The only thing we do not like so much is the very restricted vehicle movement on the show days.

We like to pop down to the supermarket in Paddock Wood in a jeep to buy our supplies every day around 11.00, and every time we have to plea with the people at the gate to let us in when we get back. The fact that they have sometimes let us in, is probably explained in the fact that the vehicle was loaded with bags of groceries etc. and our solemn vows to drive sensibly . .

It is not that we don not understand the reason for the restrictions, but it is a bit of a problem as we don?t care much for the food which is for sale on the area, and it?s a bit much to carry supplies for 20 people or more on a couple of bicycles.

But if it has to be this way, we can cope with that too.

Best regards ? see you in July

Ole Willumsen" - Ole Willumsen, Denmark.

"Hello Rex its a sunday Morning and I click on to the War and Peace show to read the Beltring Bugle March 2003 part 2 . I feel I had to write a supportmessage to you, so Rex and the others keep up the good work here in Belgium we stand behind you 100% Its the only show on earth where we could be with friends and Collectors, and if you needed help here in Belgium from now on every event we take part there will be a Banner with the following text: We're Going to Beltring W&P show, And you!!So this small letter for a great Team thanks and regards luc " - Snyders luc, Belgium.

"I've just read your comments on the March Bugle. Please don't give up on the show. I appreciate it may be a labour of love but I for one would miss it as I think a lot of people would. The trouble is that people such as 'Fred' don't see the whole picture only their small part of the whole. You may not remember me but I met you at Tracks and Trucks 2002 (I did see you this year but didn't get a chance to say hi) and you remarked upon my Radio Controlled JagdPanther (I was with Mark Spencer of Mark-1-Tank) and I thought you was an all right kind of guy. I don't think you're in it for the money, that's obvious when you speak of the show! All the best and you will see me in July 2003!" - Stuart Humphrey, UK Tank Club Membership Secretary

"Dear Rex and team,
I have just read your reply in the imps newsletter, I am very sad to hear of all the criticisms that you and the team are still recieving.

can I just say that if it was not for the kindness of you and Rod in the years past then i know that we would not have been able to get my dads Sherman to the show in 1994. we have had some great times on our own at the show, and now as a family, indeed fate has only conspired against us once so that we missed the show in 2000. Rebecca and Harvey are looking forward to this years show, as soon as we were back from the 2002 show they were sorting through their toys and making stalls in the back garden selling things to each other. it seems to have become part of a family pilgrimage to kent each year.

we all willingly offer you our support for all you have done in the past and still are on our behalf for a great show.

regards,
Margaret Gillatt, Nigel Wilkes"

"Hi Rex, Barbara & team.

Rex, just read the March Bugle and how well it was all going until Fred put in his 10 pennyworth. You cannot deny a man freedom to speak his mind and I have heard others trumping off much the same line but that is not a view we all necessarily subscribe to. How disappointing for you two once again. Doesn't matter how wrong you believe the speaker to be and how right you believe you are, in my experience you can never quite help taking it a bit personally, but this usually passes after a few days.

The reason for putting keyboard to e-mail is to give you a glimpse from the other side of the coin.

This is my 10th Beltring with my family and friends and appreciate how hard it must be for you and Barbara to put all the names to all the faces. For the last 4 shows I have come in a small organised but non aligned group with two other friends and their friends/families. One is probably by now a self made millionaire, on paper at least. The other a self employed electrician, just an average guy earning his way and myself up until recently a village bobby. Three strange bedfellows with wide ranging and differing views on most topics, but a common interest in military vehicles. We are your average show goers. Book in a few vehicles, stay 9 days and just chill out and have a good time soaking up whatever aspect of the show takes our fancy, when we fancy. We contribute nothing major, but last year tried to atone for this by doing a bit of dust laying.

Having had nothing to do over the years except watch what goes on, we have seen what the team do, what improvements have been made and what you Barbara and the team have to put up with. So do the vast majority of people we know and mix with, although I am sure this is not always apparent to you.

So long as you keep organising it the show will go on. Maybe a few of the big supporters from the past may drop out because perhaps they no longer feel as valued or quite as important to the success of the show as they once did. Those that are mature and cerebral enough will see what's happened and continue to support the show in a less obvious role I suspect. The few that cannot come to terms will drift away sadly, but that's life. They will be missed but the show will go on. We all think the biggest risk to the show is from good old British health and safety implemented by jobsworths. They are everywhere now and we all know it. There is no doubt some aspects did need tightening and I do not know anyone that would not gladly see an end to the vehicles roaring around all over the place all the time, but that is an old chestnut and did not need outside agencies to highlight it.

The price increase in the view of (The Camovan Club) as we laughingly call our group is this.

We have been on borrowed time for some years at £10 per vehicle for a bloody good week away staying on site. The price increase is both fair and warranted and will not deter us or anyone else that we know from coming. We shall turn up the Friday before as usual, plot up, do nothing towards the running of the show other than abide by the showground rules and once again have a brilliant week. If we see either you or Barbara we will say hello and thank you, and that's as good as it will get from most of us, but know this. We will mean it.

Come the Sunday night we will join in the last night bash and Monday we will leave all depressed and waiting for the calendar to go round one more year.

We are all grateful for the show and for the most part it's consistency. Please keep it up as long as you, Barbara and the rest of the team have the will. Remember there is a vast silent majority of show goers out there that you are not hearing from and that means things are actually quite alright in spite of how a small but loud minority might sometimes make it appear. They are entitled to be heard but, do not lose sight of the fact that a minority is what they are.

Regards to you all and see you at the show." - Pop, Dick and Harry.

"Rex,

As a relative newcomer to the MV scene, (I had a champ some 20 years ago, have missed it ever since and bought another one last year), I joined IMPS to receive newsletters full of information on military vehicles.

I also went to War and Peace last year in the Champ with some pals, stayed for the week and had a wonderful time for very little money.

Sadly, all I receive from IMPS are newsletters full of letters and articles decrying the club, the elected officers, the policies and the show. All of this means nothing to me as a new member and leaves me wondering what on
earth is going on?

One of the few articles worth reading however is the "Belting Bugle" and issue 40 was a very well written and moving piece. Unfortunately people have no idea of the costs and effort involved in organising and running a show of this proportion. I help organise a couple of village fetes and shows, (on a completely different scale!!) and we have nothing but complaints when stallholders are asked to contribute £5 even though they take several hundred pounds and have a good day out.

The problem I have is explaining the costs to them of even a small village fete such as insurance, rent to the parish council for the village green, fees to the police for cones etc, use of the sports pavilion, printing of programmes, hire of the PA, ropes for the arena etc etc.

Obviously your costs are several orders of magnitude higher but sadly peoples perceptions and attitudes are just the same. I understand you wanting to give it all up but please don't do so. I've only been once but will be back with my pals this year - Where else could we camp out for a week, see so many interesting vehicles and displays, be entertained all
day every day, visit miles of stalls and meet such a great bunch of people for such little money.

Keep it up

Best regards

Paul Smith"

"Dear Rex and War & Peace Team
I have just read the Bugle page on your web site,.
I felt I must write to give you mine and my husbands support,
My husband Richard has been coming to the War and Peace show now for many years ( coming on a Friday night and back home to me on Saturday he takes photo's of the vehicles to help with his model making) In 2001 he finally persuaded me to come with him for a long weekend ( Friday to Sunday ) I really enjoyed all the walking around looking at the vehicles and stalls, 2002 saw me eagrly awaiting that years show as we had brought tickets for the Herb Miller night and despite the downpour and the firemen having to come into the tent, We had a brill night (and yes I also mistook the huge balloon for the moon) .
I have Since Xmas been crossing of the days to this years show and have made my list's for what I need to bring and can't wait for July to come, It looks like the show is fast becoming part of our annual holidays and I for one am not complaining , So please keep up the good work and I'm sure the show will still continue to grow,.
All our best wishes see you in July.
Margaret and Richard Allen"

"Dear Rex,

just read the latest edition of the bugle and was sad to read of your encounter with "fred". For the record I went to the War and Peace show for the first time last year. I had a great time, thought it was worth every penny and will be going back this year ( for two days this time ) as will the three people I went with last year. Keep up the good work !

Yours Sincerely

Clive Wickens"