Welcome to the third Essex HMVA newsletter of 2019, I'm writing this post Armed forces day and the Echoes of History show.

I'm pleased to say that we had great weather for our first Armed Forces day - the temperature was slightly cooler than the highs of 33 degrees c that was seen just the Saturday before and we had a fantastic attendance from members of the Essex HMVA, reenactors and other vehicle owners.

During the day, thousands of people came out to see the event and show their appreciation of the role that the Armed forces have and continue to perform in order to protect our liberties and freedom that we enjoy, and Armed forces provided an opportunity for us to thank them for their continued commitment.

What was also so heartening was to receive support from the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Simon Brice, Cllr Bob Brice, MBE (Leader of Maldon District Council), Cllr Flo Shaunessy, Rht hon. John Whitfield

I have to start with thanking everyone who attended the Echoes of History Show, and also our volunteers and security team, led by the ever-present Bob, who seemed to be always on duty. I also want to thank Wendy and the girls who staffed our tills, not only did they get to grips with our new card payment system but were cheerful and helpful to all the public going through the gate. The start of the setting up was from Wednesday, but the real work started from the Thursday and Friday, getting things in place ready for the all go on Saturday. I can say what a pleasure it was working with everyone, including those for who it was their first time helping us at this event. I heard so many times from not only the trustees and show team but also the public and entrants, what a great team we had, and it reminded me of the days of running events at Tilbury where everyone just mucked in and got on with it. There is certainly allot more to do, to get an event up and running since the Tilbury days, and that leads me to thank all those who helped behind the scenes. This includes the group we call the 'Olive Drab Team' who wrote the programme, the press releases, the website, and recruited our new show photographer David Carroll. I am told, he took over 4000 photos, so it really gives us a photo archive to use in future. In fact, we have ended up with so many good photos we decided we would make a special edition of the Olive Drab, our in-house members magazine. The Olive Drab, Echoes of History Show Special will be available to buy, not only by our members but the general public as well. If you are interested in pre-ordering your copy, please click here to go to the shop

My list could go on and on, but everyone in the association should feel proud of what they achieved. This also goes for those who are not members, and on the whole behaved well, and interacted with the public even when some rain showers came. The central point for operating the show is the information point, this is the hub for everything and what made it so easy to manage. This is headed up by Marion Tebb, who is someone that brings focus and order to everything. The Trustees would like to give a special thanks to her, for her many years continued service, she gives to the charity.

Although the event is over, there is still things we need to do, such as reviewing the event, for which we have a big snag list. This is no surprise, as over the years we have found that the first year you seldom get to where you want it to be, so we will be concentrating on those key issues, which came up several times during feedback. It was things we can focus on, such as the PA, and most importantly road signs, but these should be something that can be sorted.


2020 Winter Gathering Date


I'm pleased to say that the Winter Gathering for 2020 will be on the 12th of January 2020 in Promenade park in Maldon.

Essex HMVA Instagram account

You may or may not have been aware that we now have a dedicated Instagram account for the Essex HMVA - we will use that account to post pictures of both forthcoming events and information about events that we will be at, if you'd like to take a look, you can find it here: https://www.instagram.com/essex.hmva/

Essex HMVA Website

Russell and David have produced a brand new website for Echoes of History, as well as continuing to update the Essex HMVA website, including pictures of member's vehicles and collections - if you would like to appear here, please contact them at: Essex HMVA website editors, sending them pictures of your collections and a description where appropriate. This is a chance to let others see and learn about your interests, and I would encourage everyone to do so. In addition we have Face Book pages for both the EssexHMVA and Echoes of History there is also an additional one specifically for reenactors attending the show.

I mention several times in this report about contacting the Essex HMVA; this can be done via email, phone, the web sites (any of them) or Face Book pages (any of them) or even the Echoes of History Show line.

Olive Drab Magazine

Another quarter brings another Olive Drab, and I still look with pride at everything that's produced each quarter by such a small team of people, I know that everyone involved attempts to provide a mixture of articles - if you feel that you'd like to contribute, I know that the editors would be more than happy to hear from others who feel that they'd like to write something.

For non-members, you can have a glimpse of what you're missing at: www.olivedrab.co.uk


FILM WORK

A general note to vehicle owners, I often get requests for vehicles to take part in film work. When I am asked if we, can supply vehicles it's usually at short notice. So, if I do approach you with regards to film work I would appreciate a speedy answer in order that we can either supply a vehicle or I can ask someone else. Doing film work can be a great experience and you never know who you are going to meet!

(This also goes for other requests we often get for vehicles for weddings, school leaving days, 40's parties and even funerals.)

To those people who request a vehicle for these types of activity, can I ask you to bear with us and we will do our best to fulfil your request if we can. However, please consider this is our hobby and the vehicles are the owners pride and joy, valuable, not cheap to run and if you want something like a tank it's expensive!


BARN

Currently the Barn is full, however there may be some movement soon, so if you have an interest in storing your vehicle there, please let us know.

EVENTS

We have had several new shows added to the events list so I recommend you go to www.essexhmva.co.uk, where you can see the latest info on up and coming events

Likewise, if you are an event organiser, please use our contact us form to enter your event details so we can add it to our web site in order that our members can see it.

Don't forget, we have monthly members meetings, and you're welcome to attend or even join while you're there - you are most welcome.


Lastly, I want to welcome all the new members who joined recently and thank you for your support. For those who have not yet joined, it's never been a better time to become part of the association. There are lots of benefits to joining, and you don't even have to have a vehicle to be a member.

Colin Tebb

Essex HMVA Chairman