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Website established 10th February 2002
Next meeting will be on Tuesday 13th
October 2009
2009
Area Report
At time of writing our season of attending events and shows has come to an
end, so this report covers the years’ activities by the “regular” members of
our area.
The season started by several of us “dusting down” our vehicles to take to
Margam Park for a photo-shoot to advertise the forthcoming event “Fortress
Wales” which was to be held at the Park over the early May bank holiday
weekend.
Our next outing was to the above event where several of our members camped
at the park for the duration of the show. The weather turned very cold and
miserable on the Monday, this is when our club gazebo came to very good use.
Karl Boston transported his VT55 recovery tank to the show (at great
personal cost) which was of great interest to the visiting public.
Unfortunately Karl was not allowed to drive his tank around the park which
was disappointing for him.
The following weekend, 10th May, saw a good turn-out of vehicles
at the car show at Pencoed College, the weather was fine and we all enjoyed
the day, our new area banner, provided by the MVT, had its first airing at
the show.
There was a gap in activities as we awaited the “big one” – the Normandy
Tour.Several of our members went on the tour, some on the official camp site
some at privately arranged accommodation, but we all got together for visits
to the many places of interest.One of our party had a mishap right at the
end of the tour, Paul Price had a problem with his camper van which wouldn’t
start, and by the time he had fixed it he had missed his scheduled ferry
crossing. On the positive side Pauls jeep literally kept the Welsh flag
flying, as shown on the back cover and inside report of Windscreen issue
124.
Terry Peters and I did not return home after the tour week, but continued
with our annual holidays touring through France and down to northern Spain,
where to our dismay we had foul weather and therefore returned into France.
We had a good turnout of vehicles at the Forces Day held in the grounds
behind Cardiff Castle on 27th June. We had a great reception from
the public during the parade through the city with our vehicles. The day
turned out to be hot and sunny with everyone enjoying the event.
A few of us attended the Bromyard Gala on 4/5th July meeting old
acquaintances from other areas. The show was a bit disappointing with the
lack of stalls which we all like to browse. The following week we all
returned to North Nibley for a new Olden Days Transport Show, which again
saw a good turnout of military vehicles.
The Welland Steam Rally at the end of July is always a favourite being one
of the biggest events. This year we did not have the mud bath but were lucky
to have fine weather again.Our next show was the Gloucestershire Steam &
Vintage show at Kemble airfield, end of July beginning of August, which is
another big show with a huge variety of motor vehicles and many stalls to
suit everyone.
A couple of us went straight from the Kemble show to the Evesham Vintage
Steam Rally – a first time for us. The showground was rather wet when we
arrived but dried out after a while. This was quite a good event which was
added to with the local MVT areas’ “Barracks” being a great attraction.
At the end of August it was back to Kemble for the MVT National Rally, the
Severnside Area put in a lot of time and effort arranging this event. It was
a little disappointing that many members did not turn up at the show as this
should have been the MVT bumper show.
On September 13th several of us attended a more local show at
Tonyrefail – the annual Transport Festival, a small show but well worth
supporting.
The following weekend many of us attended the biggest event held in South
Wales – the Vintage Rally held at Tredegar House grounds; again several of
us camped at the showground along with some members of the South East Wales
area. The number of military vehicles was down on previous years, but still
enough to interest the visiting public.
Our last show of the season was at the end of September, the Miniature Rail
and Road Rally, at Pembrey Country Park, West Wales. This was again a first
for us but we had a good display of members’ vehicles. We were made very
welcome by the organisers who arranged camping for us for the weekend.
Pembrey Country Park is a very attractive area with the seven mile long
beach, sand dunes and the permanent miniature railway, a ski slope,
restaurant and a camp site for participants. The site was a World War 2
ammunitions factory which still has the covered bunkers connected with a
network of roadways which we were able to use with our vehicles. The
organisers were very pleased with our turnout and invited us back next year
requesting more vehicles.
Regarding our local club scene – at our meeting at the beginning of the year
our chairman Terry Peters proposed that we meet in the future at 8-30pm to
give members who may be working more time to attend, this was approved by
the meeting and confirmed at the following meeting.
The June meeting was poorly attended as members had just returned from
France and were “recovering”, the chairman and secretary still in France.
It is with great regret that I have to report the death of Dave Barnes’ wife
Bette, who passed away in April. Our sympathies go out to Dave and his
daughter Emma.
Ernie Williams
Veterans Day, Cardiff - Excellent,
had a number of vehicles from both South Wales and South East Wales areas in
attendance. The public turned up in huge numbers, and we had very good
weather for it. We took part in the parade through Cardiff, with thousands
of people lining the pavements to watch and cheer as the parade went past.
Next year Cardiff will be the focal point for veterans day for the UK, so
should be even better!
Lister Tyndale Rally, Berkeley Castle
- A good show with lots of vehicles and stalls.
Abergavenny Steam Rally -
Nice show, had excellent weather. Quite a few military vehicles there
this year, which was a change from last year when on the day I went I was
the only one there, though that was due to the atrocious weather they had.
It was a very enjoyable day out this year.
South Wales Classic Car Show, Pencoed - A very good show, huge
numbers of vehicles there although less military than normally attend. The
weather was excellent, a big change from last weekend! Some people were
actually looking for shade as it was so warm. Our new club banner which we
received during the week was also on display, which got us points in the
best club stand competition for the show.
Fortress Wales, Margam Park - This
show is in its 3rd year and is growing. We had a lot more vehicles attend
this year, and it was nice to finally see Carl's VT55 recovery vehicle - we
don't normally see many armoured vehicles at shows. The weather on Sunday
was good, lots of public attended the show, however Monday was cold and
windy - very cold where we were. It was lucky we had some shelter or we'd
all be suffering from hypothermia!
2008
Christmas Dinner - We had tried to
arrange our club Christmas dinner, but unfortunately the date we had agreed
at out October meeting wasn't suitable for a number of people who had other
commitments on that date. We have cancelled the dinner as only a small
number of people could make it.
Tredegar Park, Newport 21st September - this
event has been cancelled because of the state of the ground and the wet
weather.
Mystery Object
Can anyone identify this? Click on
the picture to see larger image
Its now been identified, thanks to Justin who found the information.
It's a
full PRC 350 Manpack clip in installation kit for landrover FFR, GS and GP
Trucks. These units were fitted to the front wing of a vehicle to allow
communications on the move. The unit is very easily fitted and removed.
..... with radio fitted
Area Report
In my last report stated that I hoped for better weather for the forthcoming
season - my hopes have already been dashed as we have had wash-outs at
several events so far this season.
Events attended by our area members:-
The Fortress Wales show at Margam Park went well considering it was held in
the early part of the events calendar - 3rd to 5th May, the weather being
quite cool and changeable, we had a reasonable turnout of military vehicles
but could have been better. It was nice to see several South East Wales
members supporting us at Margam. There was a 'Tiger' Tank on display and
taking part in the mock battle with the South Wales Borderers group.
The following week, 11th May, we again had a reasonable turnout at the South
Wales Classic Car Club show at Pencoed college, with very pleasant weather.
Peter Young took the prize for best military vehicle (he's the one with all
the guns).
Several of us attended the Abergavenny Steam Rally over the bank holiday
weekend, this is normally a good show to see but this year it was a real
washout with the event finished by lunchtime on Monday.
We had excellent weather on June 8th for the Barry Festival of Transport
show, this is a small show but well worth supporting. I had organised a road
run through the very pleasant Vale of Glamorgan ending at the Barry show,
the turnout was poor with the same regulars taking part.
The Veterans Day event at Cardiff Castle was excellent with a good turnout
of military vehicles from both South Wales areas, the weather superb. We
were on display in the castle grounds with a huge public attendance. We took
part in the veterans parade through the streets of the capital city with
crowds lining the route, a very enjoyable experience.
The Transport Festival of Wales at Swansea was a bit disappointing as the
show was mainly modern transport trucks and the cars on display quite
modern. The military vehicle section was poorly supported but it was nice to
see Barrie Jones back on the scene with his jeep.
Next another show spoiled by the weather, the Lister Tyndale Rally at
Berkeley Castle, again a few of us from our area attended - keeping the
Welsh flag flying.
The "big" MVT Show at Kemble again turned out to be a rough weekend weather
wise. We had a reasonable turnout from the South Wales areas, where members
joined together to convoy to the event. It was nice to meet up with old
friends from around the country and enjoy vehicles not normally seen in our
area. I must congratulate the Severnside members for the effort put in
organising such a big event.
The Bromyard Gala weekend was another washout with foul weather spoiling an
event that is normally well supported. The military vehicle display was a
bit thin on the ground this year - perhaps members heeded the weather
forecast, which was bang-on.
The above events attended by our members is up to date at the time of
writing, let's hope for better weather for future events this summer,
or we are going to have a repeat of last year!
On the local scene we have had our area AGM, "surprise surprise" the same
officers were re-elected. We could do with some young blood to take over the
helm from us "elderly" officers. We do have two "youngsters" in Phil Rice
(Treasurer) and Gareth Williams (Webmaster), so there are hopes for the
future running of the area as Terry and I "fade away".
Ernie Williams
June
Swansea
There were six military vehicles attending the show,
held at the recreation ground in Swansea. This was a big show for commercial
and buses, and also quite a few cars. The weather could have been better, it
was cool and we had one or two showers.
Veterans Day, Cardiff
A number of us met up at the motorway services to the west of Cardiff
and drove in convoy, collecting another jeep on the way.
We had 10 vehicles attend this event, which was held alongside Cardiff
castle. most were jeeps but we also had 2 lightweight landrovers and a 101
landrover. They looked good on display amongst the trees. Just after midday
we drove through the castle, and joined the parade through the center of
Cardiff, then back to the castle where we stayed for a couple of hours
before returning to our previous position in the park alongside the castle.
The weather was good throughout the event which always helps, and I think we
all enjoyed the day.
Barry
A nice show, and having unbroken sunshine all day helps. A few of us met
up at the motorway services and had a pleasant road run to the show at Barry
which was held alongside the restored railway. A lot of public attended the
show, and we all had an enjoyable day.
May
Abergavenny
There were a few military vehicles at this show, but unfortunately the
poor weather spoiled the show. Constant rain meant that some people did not
attend and by midday on the final day most had given up and were leaving,
which was a pity as this is a very good show normally.
Pencoed
This was as usual a good show, and we had very warm weather, we were
glad of the shade from our club gazebo. There were a number of jeeps from
the area in the show, including one we hadn't seen before attending its
first show. There was also a very nice dodge truck, and a more modern dodge
pickup.
Fortress Wales, Margam Park
This is the second year for this event and the number of local military
vehicles attending is increasing. Many re-enactment groups attend this event
and this year a Tiger tank was also present - photos of some of the vehicles
are on the pictures page.
We already have a list of forthcoming
events for the year, these are on the events page which will be updated when
more shows are advertised (and if I remember to do it). If you know of any
events not on our events list please let us know and i will add them.
2007
July
Welland Steam Rally
Unfortunately the committee has taken the decision today to postpone the
Steam Rally. It will now be held on 14, 15 and 16 September 2007.
OBITUARY
Eric Raymond Thomas
23 April 1937 – 1st February 2007
It is with great sadness that I have to report the loss of Eric Thomas who passed away after a short illness at his home in Bridgend on 1st February.
Our sympathy goes to Eric’s sons Vaughan and Rhys and the rest of his family.
His funeral was well attended by many of his friends in the MVT, unfortunately several members were unable to attend due to the heavy snow fall that morning.
Eric was a long standing and respected member of the MVCG/MVT, and until the past year was a regular at our monthly meetings.
Eric was also well known by members outside our area, whom he met at the shows throughout the summer season.
Eric will be sadly missed by members of the South Wales Area for the quietly spoken gentleman he was.
Area Report
On my New year resolutions list is "Write area reports for Windscreen". So to show other areas that we are still "alive and kicking", I decided to make the first issue of Windscreen in 2007.
Our regular faithfuls are keeping the meetings going and we were glad to welcome a new face into our midst when Gordon Ratcliffe joined us at our October meeting and at our annual Christmas Dinner.
We have another member to hopefully swell our ranks in Sam Fletcher, I recently verified Sam's Jeep, which he imported from Norway, it is in quite good condition.
Regarding the Christmas Dinner, it was once again a success with the members enjoying the value for money meal and cabaret, though the comedian was a bit risqué.
Last year many of us attended a variety of events around the country, with the MVT show at Kemble being the best attended ever by South Wales members and was thoroughly enjoyed.
An important event in our area was the "Veterans Day" at Cardiff Bay. The organisers were delighted to see our vehicles on display and requested us to attend in future years, as apparently "Veterans Day" is going to be celebrated throughout the country from now on.
This years event at Cardiff Bay will be held on Saturday 16 June. We would like as many as possible to take their vehicles to this event, (there is a weight limit at the Bay, contact me for details). Last year travelling expenses and camping fees were paid to South Wales members, I hope to negotiate the same this year.
A new event, local to many of us, will be held in Margam Park (J38 M4) on May 5-6-7th. this event is being organised by The South Wales Borderers Re-enactment Society and the Confederate Union Re-enactment Society and have invited MVT members to attend. There is camping at Margam Park from 3rd to 8th May.
The winter period has been a bit uneventful as usual, with the exception of an off-road run at the beginning of winter, which took us up into the very steep mountains above Resolven in the Neath valley.
We joined forces with the Neath Tractor and Commercial Club and followed a very rough track which took us up to the wind farm on top of the mountain overlooking the Afan valley. when I stated the track was rough I do not exaggerate, the jeeps were tested fully in four wheel drive, not recommended for the faint hearted.
At our Area AGM in May 2006 the following were elected/re-elected to office:-
Chairman - Terry Peters. Secretary - Ernie Williams, Treasurer - Phil Rice. Website Co-coordinator - Gareth Williams.
Our Chairman thanked the out going Treasurer, Dave Kingdom, for his work over many years, and welcomed our new Treasurer Phil Rice.
Regarding our Website, www.southwalesmvt.co.uk it is there for members use, as well as passing on Area information, anything you wish to display on the Website contact Gareth who will oblige.
Now that spring is approaching we look forward to another good year out with our vehicles and attending as many events a possible.
Ernie Williams
Our Christmas dinner went well, with some interesting
entertainment. We've had a few new members since the last time I reported,
the most recent of which has just imported a jeep from Norway.
There's a new event in Margam Park this year which sounds interesting, its
on for 3 days and as its local hopefully there will be good attendance from
our members.
Hope to see you all in the meetings and shows in the coming year.
2006
June
Speedway event, Cardiff - The final of the British speedway grand
prix was held in the Millenium stadium in Cardiff. The
organisers requested six jeeps for the event to carry the competitors around
the stadium prior to the racing, and to drive the winner around at the
end. Our area provided the jeeps, although one broke down on the way -
fortunately he had an A-frame so was able to be towed around the stadium by
one of the others.
Veterans Day - Cardiff We were invited to display our vehicles at
the veterans day event at Cardiff bay. A few jeeps and a Bedford lorry were
able to attend, with some of them camping overnight in Cardiff.
North Nibley - This was as always a good show, with a large
number of military vehicles present. It was nice to see so many heavy
vehicles there, in most shows its usually the smaller vehicles that we see.
May
Singleton Park Show - Less vehicles than there usually are, maybe
all the mud last year and the rain last night put people off going. Cold
wind where we were parked though in sheltered spots it was quite pleasant.
We had a few Jeeps, and a couple of other vehicles.
Pencoed
- As usual a good show, nice day for it too. Peter young won the prize for
best military vehicle, and it was nice to see Carl's big recovery vehicle,
not many big vehicles in our are of the MVT.
Goytre Wharf, Abergavenny - 40's theme at the canal basin, and quite
a lot of military vehicles turned up. They all had a good day, with nice
weather, quite warm when the sun came out. I think this is the second year
this event has been held, and it's worth going to.
2005
December
Christmas Dinner - Went very well as usual, we all enjoyed
it and nice to meet up as we don't see many during the winter months.
September
Tredegar House, Newport - Always a good show, pity its not a two
day event.
August
Steam and Vintage, Kemble Airfield -
Cardiff's Centenery Celebrations, Cardiff Bay -
July
VE/VJ Celebrations, Coopers Field, Cardiff
- A very, very hot day. We assembled at the camping site at Sophia Gardens,
before driving to the start of the parade at the Hayes in the city centre.
The parade went through the centre of Cardiff, past the front of Cardiff
castle and into Coopers field where our vehicles were on display for the
rest of the day. An excellent show was put on for the veterans with many
famous singers performing. Lunch was provided by Cardiff City Council for
the veterans, and they also provided us with food. Hopefully we have as many
vehicles turn up again at the next show organised by Cardiff City at the bay
in August.
Fairford Air Tattoo - A few of our members went to this huge aircraft
show at Fairford. It was apparently very noisy with all those aircraft.
Welland Steam Rally - Mud, mud, mud and more mud.
Cardiff's Centenary Celebrations - Was held in the bay area of
Cardiff. Unfortunately heavy rain for most of the day spoiled it on
Saturday, but Sunday was much better, with plenty of sunshine. The army and
air force had a large number of displays around the site. There was an
excellent air display, by a Jaguar aircraft and by four Gazelle and one Lynx
helicopters, they were very impressive. These were followed by a flypast by
the Battle of Britain Flight - a Spitfire, a Hurricane and a Lancaster. They
also flew past again later in the day on the way back from another display.
In the bay there were various displays from boats and jet skis, and also
powerboat and water-ski racing. It was a very good day out, a pity only
three of our military vehicles turned up for the show, although I know one
jeep broke down on the morning of the show, so couldn't make it. Two Jeeps
and a Bedford MW did manage to get there.
June
Barry Festival - A small show held alongside the preserved
railway at Barry. A lot of buses were at the show, with some cars and two
jeeps. All exhibitors were given tickets for free rides on the railway. Pity
about the cool wind blowing all day, but apart from that it was an enjoyable
day out.
Swansea Festival of Transport - A large show, with a lot of buses and
lorries as well as cars and some stalls. It was a very warm day - first show
this year I could drive to in a jeep without wearing a jacket!!! There were
five military vehicles at the show, a Dodge Weapons Carrier, two Landrovers
and two Jeeps (both Ford).
Best military vehicle was won by Peter Young with his Jeep, he received a
very impressive plaque. Also many thanks to Mr. Barrow for being our
official military vehicle photographer at this event - see pictures page.
Dunvant School - We were invited to display our vehicles at the
school, as the children had been doing projects on world war two. Four
veterans were also there and had the difficult job of reading through the
excellent projects to find a winner. The children also brought some of their
grandparents to the event as well.
During the afternoon the children were brought in groups to see our vehicles
and to ask questions, which were ably answered by Terry our chairman and
Peter Young, who were both dressed in wartime uniforms. The children really
enjoyed seeing us there, and we later received letters from some of them
thanking us for coming to their school.
May
Singleton Park Show - A good turnout of
vehicles. The area we were given was too small and on a slope, so we
requisitioned a much bigger site on the flat. It was lucky we moved as a
heavy shower in the morning made the place very muddy, and a lot of cars had
trouble getting out at the end of the show.
Congratulations to Phil Barrow on winning best military vehicle with his
Dodge weapons carrier in the first show he entered it at.
Road Run - We had a road run to Carew Cheriton Control Tower, near
Tenby on Saturday 7th, leaving from M4 Swansea west services, a round trip
of over 100 miles. It was nice to get the vehicles out early in the show
season to find any problems, and of the five vehicles that turned up three
found they had problems. The starter stopped working on one and another had
a problem with the charging system. We had plenty of practice pushing jeeps
to start them, but at least they ran well when we got going. We arrived at
Carew Cheriton Control Tower about 12pm where we parked in front of the
tower. The control tower has had a lot of hard work put in to restore it to
its current excellent condition, with the inside turned into a museum and
display. We wish them all the best in their continuing development of the
site.
Pencoed Show - A nice show with a good turnout of vehicles. It was a
sunny day but with a cool breeze, although where we were we had more shelter
than most. There were six jeeps and two dodges, and the prize for best
military vehicle was won by Peter Young with his jeep. (He could also have
won a prize for best hat).
April
Just had our April meeting, not many turned up but we did get one new
member. It was decided that our next meeting in May will be an Extraordinary
General Meeting, so we can elect officers for our area as not enough people
turned up at our A.G.M. Hopefully we should get a few more people turning up
now that the shows have started. Please try to get to the next meeting, its
on May 10th.
I have also been contacted by
1940's Swansea bay to say they are now
open. Haven't been there yet but it looks very interesting, and is run by
MVT members.
2004
December
Xmas Dinner - Our Christmas Dinner was held on
Tuesday the 14th December, at the "Four Winds", Port
Talbot. Most of our regular members turned up had a great time. Our
treasurer couldn't make it, hope he's better soon. The food was very good,
and everyone enjoyed the quiz that was brought by the Sec.- Gareth Hoare
even accidentally got one of the answers right!
November
REMEMBER - No area meeting in November.
Our Christmas dinner is on December 14th, contact area secretary for
details.
October
Classic & 4x4
Show, Margam Park - A two day show. Unfortunately I don't know what it
was like as on the day I was going to go we had heavy rain most of the day.
Waiting for reports from anyone who did attend.
September
Autojumble &
Show, Carmarthen Show Ground - Rain rain and more rain.
Bristol Industrial Museum 40's Weekend - A hear this is a very good
event, well worth going to.
Dean Forest Railway - As usual an excellent show.
August
Carmarthen Show - A large agricultural show, a few military
vehicles were asked to attend to celebrate the 60th anniversary of D-Day.
There was an excellent display of rain, varying from light showers to
torrential rain. Unfortunately Mr Barrow couldn't make it to the show as his
scout car self destructed - hope its better soon.
Gnoll Park, Neath - A nice show held in warm sunshine, lots of
vehicles although not as many military vehicles as usually turn up.
Best military vehicle was won by Dave Floyd with his Bedford MW. Good to see
Mr. Israel at the show, who now has a nice old Rover car instead of a Jeep,
but at least it's green.
Margam Park - A nice show, quite a few cars but not as many military
vehicles as usual. Would have been even better if we didn't have a cold wind
all day.
July
I've missed July, what happened?
June
Normandy Tour - All the South Wales members who went on the tour
had a great time. Most attended the show at Horndean, near Portsmouth on the
last weekend of May before catching the ferry to France on 1st June. The
ferry was packed with military vehicles, and on disembarking at Ouistreham
we formed a huge convoy to our campsites, with a police escort. Most of the
South Wales area members were camped at Etreham, with some at Port-en-Bessin
and a few at Arromanches.
During the next few days we formed convoys to visit the British and
American areas of invasion, visiting Pegasus Bridge and all the landing
beaches. When driving onto Gold Beach at Asnelles one of the trucks got
stuck in soft sand much to the amusement of those watching, and we were
treated to an interesting recovery display.
As well as joining the MVT road runs we also expored the area
ourselves visiting the German batteries at Azeville,
Crisbecq-St Marcouf and Longues-s-mer. We also
went for a drive to Ste-Mčre-Eglise, and visited Carentan, where we found
the site where we camped on our tour on the 50th anniversary - 10 years ago.
June 6th - Security was very tight with roads closed
everywhere, even the major roads, and police stopping traffic at every road
junction. Fortunately we had special passes that allowed us though because
we had a WW2 veteran with us. It was great to have a motorway just for
ourselves! We travelled to Pointe du Hoc where our two Jeeps were the only
wartime vehicles that were allowed into the area. The ceremony at Pointe du
Hoc was attended by six of the veterans who attacked on D-Day, one of which
was born in Wales and is still proud of his Welsh roots. After the ceremony
ended we travelled a few miles to the very impressive American cemetery
above Omaha Beach. As we were leaving the cemetery we were approached by a
man who was providing catering in one of the large tents set up in the
car park who very kindly gave us all his surplus hot dogs, rolls and cookies
which we distributed around the campsite when we returned.
Other places we visited included "Hill 112" near Caen, a British
cemetery at Tilly-s-Suelles and the town of Villers-Bocage. We also went one
night to see a spectacular firework display at Port-en-Bessin. We also
joined a convoy which travelled slowly around Bayeaux. A very good
road run was organised by Peter Gray which went to the railway near
Conde-s-Noireau, where we went on a train as far as the tunnels where the
train used by Rommel used to stop safe from air attack. we then had an
excellent lunch before the convoy left for Tinchebray where there was a tour
of the town followed by a civic reception.
The time we spent in Normandy flew by and we had hot sunny weather
most of the time. The ferry crossing back to Portsmouth was as smooth as on
the way out, after all the travelling to different places every
day, driving a jeep all the way home was very tiring, now I could do with a
holiday to recover.
May
Singleton Park Show - A good turnout of vehicles on a nice sunny
day. We could have done with a bit more room for our vehicles, although Mike
Jones did a good job of arranging the vehicles as they arrived! Many thanks
to Mr. Barrow for e-mailing me a photo for our website as I had
forgotten to take a camera.
Pencoed Show - A nice show, with an assortment of military vehicles.
Paul Price won the best military vehicle prize, and we won "Best Club Stand"
for the 3rd time in 10 years!!! Unfortunately someone's Jeep broke down on
the way home when the fan came off and damaged the radiator. Who was it????
Click here to see.
April
1940's Weekend, Dean Forest Railway - Our first "road run" of the
season, was to "The Dean Forrest Railway, Wartime in the Forrest", at
Lydney, nine miles east of Chepstow. Our large convoy left Port Talbot at
8-20a.m. but just a few miles up the road one of the jeeps broke down. After
towing him back home, we eventually set out once again and arrived at Lydney
at 11-10a.m. The show was very good, with hot sunshine all day. We had free
trips on the railway, and in the afternoon there was an excellent battle
re-enactment. This show will be held again in September and I can highly
recommend it.
The next show that many of us will be attending is next week at Singleton
Park, Swansea on May 3rd.
Our next area meeting will be on Tuesday 11th May.
March
Another quiet month, there was no meeting this month so I hope no-one
turned up for it, as someone once did last year! The only event that has
taken place this month was the military autojumble at Malvern which I
missed, so I can't report on it, although it is usually very good. Our next
area meeting will be on Tuesday April 13th.
February
A.G.M. - The South Wales Area AGM was held on Tuesday 10 February
2004.There was the usual high turnout for the meeting, and as in previous
years all officers were again re-elected (despite the intense competition
for the posts).
There will be no area meeting in March, next meeting is on Tuesday 13th
April.
January
Did anything happen this month? If it did please let me know as I missed
it!
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SOUTH WALES AREA REPORT
AUTUMN 2003
Now that the show season has just about come to an end I thought
that I had better put pen to paper and prepare an area report, as I have had
some flack in the past regarding the lack of input from our area. Believe it
or not, I have sent in reports on two occasions this year, neither of which
were printed, I may have missed the deadline or they may have gone missing.
What I decided to do is to start at the beginning of the year and
recap on our "goings-on".
Our faithful regular members have been keeping our area meetings
going and I am very greatfull for their attendance, but due to the "slow
period" of the winter we hold our meetings every other month as from
October, as you should be well aware by now, there being no meetings in
November, January and March. I must mention that the proposer to the changes
did turn-up on one of these months (sorry Terry).
Our Xmas Dinner, which has become an expected event, was once again
a great success with numbers being improved as spouses/partners were
cordially invited to join in our festivities and everyone enjoyed
themselves. Regarding the Xmas dinner, by the time you read this article we
will be less than four weeks from the next one, which will be held on
Tuesday 9th December. Those members who wish to take part in our
festive activities and have not told me please let me know the number of
places you require so that I may book accordingly, pick up the phone now!!.
The first meeting of 2003 was our area A.G.M in February, the
numbers present were a little disappointing, which our chairman Terry Peters
commented on in his annual report, our treasurer Dave Kingdom once again did
a good job of his report which showed our accounts in a healthy position.
Regarding "Election of Officers", I did not receive any formal nominations,
although every area member had received a nomination form through the post.
There were no volunteers from the meeting for any of the offices, so Gareth
Hoare proposed re-election of the current officers, the motion was eagerly
carried. The officers re-elected for 2003 being:-
Chairperson Terry peters
Secretary - Ernie Williams
Treasurer - Dave Kingdom
Assistant Secretary/
Fund Raiser - Gareth Williams
We have caught-up with "Information Technology", as our Assistant
Secretary – Gareth, has created a website for our area which he is running
very efficiently (we knew we would find work for him) we have had many
compliments on its content, some as far afield as the U.S.A. Gareth has
included a "calendar of events" for the show season, which is of particular
interest to our area members, and updates it on a regular basis. We also
have a "sales and wants" section by popular request. Keep up the good work
Gareth. Our website address is:-
www.southwalesmvt.co.uk
Our next monthly meeting was in April, there was not a lot to
report on as we were just coming out of the quiet winter period. The good
news was that two new potential M.V.T. members had entered the world – Phil
Barrow had another son in February, No 3, and I had my second grandson the
same month.
By the time of our May meeting things had started to liven-up with
members having attended several shows. The big event at the start of the
show season in our area was at Swansea Singleton Park where many of
our members attended and put on a good display of military vehicles. A
couple of us, Terry and myself attended the Cobaton show,
arranged by Preston Isaac and the Devon Area, we were made very welcome and
was able to sample Garry Anstee’s cooking from his famous WW1 portable
military stove. Gary persuaded us to attend the Buckfastliegh show later on
in the year.
When at the Cobaton Combat Museum we were able to witness the
ceremony of unveiling of a plaque by Hon. Mrs Rowcliffe, daughter of Field
Marshall the Viscount Slim, Commanding Officer during the Burma Campaign.
The plaque was dedicated to the men and women of that campaign, also in
attendance were members of the Burma Star Association.
At our June meeting our chairman Terry gave a very interesting
report on his visit to a fellow enthusiast in Oklahoma, U.S.A. Whilst there
he met several other enthusiasts and ended-up putting their jeep to rights,
he had an enjoyable time and was well received.
I dont know if any one from our area attended Overlord 2003 at
Horndean, Terry and I were there last year but as stated above Terry was in
the U.S.A. and we normally travel to shows together. As I did not attend
"Overlord" I went local to the Abergavenny Steam and Vintage Rally
which turned out to be a very good event.
June, of course, is a very good month for shows, the Lister
Tyndale Rally at North Nibley is always one of the favourites for South
Wales members, there is always a good selection of military vehicles, a good
auto-jumble, stalls to suit the womenfolk, and good camping facilities,
except when you tow a caravan under the branches of low trees (oops, our
chairman can fill you in with the details).
Several of us went on a road run from Swansea to Laugharne (of
Dylan Thomas fame) as part of the Swansea Festival of Transport,
there were many shining vintage cars and us with our "green machines", a
very enjoyable time was had by all. The Festival of Transport show on the
Sunday was not very good and it did not help when our military vehicles were
given an out of the way location.
The South Wales area had quite a good turnout at Kemble Airfield
M.V. Show, which was a first class event at a first class venue. We must
thank the committee for all the hard work put in organising this event.
Having being invited by the Devon members to attend the
Buckfastleigh show, three of us, Terry, Barry Smith and myself with our
spouses took-up the invitation and we were very glad that we did, we were
very well received and had a marvellous time. We once again were able to
sample Gary Anstee’s cooking and we thank him and his team for their
efforts. We enjoyed a visit to Totnes on the steam train, and the road run
on to Dartmoor was outstanding, how some of the vehicles managed to clime up
the hills is a miracle, (I did not realise that there were hills in England
as well as Wales).
After Buckfastleigh my attendance to the weekend shows was very
limited due to illness in the family, but the reports kept rolling in at our
monthly meetings.
The reports I had on the Nostalgia Show at South Cerney Airfield
were mixed, apparently the event was not as good as when held at Wroughton.
Then there was the second show at Kemble run by the Stroud Vintage
Club, the members that attended enjoyed the show. Unfortunately I missed the
Yeovil Festival of Transport but Terry, my fellow nomad,
attended and gave it a very good report, it was very well organised and
Terry stated it was one of the best at Yeovil.
A local show at Gnoll Park, Neath, was very small with not
much to see, but at least it got some of our members together that are
unable to travel to the distant shows. Another local show at Margam
Country Park is always another favourite where we had a reasonable
turnout of military vehicles in the magnificent setting of the park and
castle grounds.
Gareth Hoare reported on the Severn Valley Railway event,
which was very well organised. He and other S.W. members had a thoroughly
good time (Gareth will go anywhere for a free ride on a train – a Rhondda
Valley boy!!). Dave Barnes said he enjoyed the show at Hay-on-Wye.
I did manage a short weekend at Stoneleigh with several
other area members – the military section was quite good, but stalls seem to
heave been lacking. The whole showground had been turned right around from
the familiar location that we remembered year after year and the show had
become smaller. Peter Slater once again had put in a lot of effort arranging
the military section, which looked quite good in its new location.
Apart from attending events in this country a big-issue in our
monthly meetings was the Normandy Tour 2004, several of us have registered,
just in the nick of time, as the demand was beyond all of our expectations.
Those of us going are looking forward to it very much, but personally I am
not that eager to drive my jeep from Port Talbot to Portsmouth/Southsea – a
journey of some six hours – a hard ride to look forward to.
Back on the local scene the last big event in South Wales was the
Vintage and Classic car rally at Tredegar House, Newport,
where there was a huge display of vehicles of all types. The military
vehicle section was very well attended with several vehicles from "over the
bridge". Unfortunately this was the last show after a run of some twenty
four years, a great pity as all our members were always eager to attend.
The last show prior to writing this report, which was attended by
several of our members, was the Dean Forest Railway, "War
on the Line" at Lydney, Glos. This was very well organised by the
railway enthusiasts, and the mock battle carried out by the Military
Re-enactment Society was very well executed. The weather was again very good
to us, but Phil Barrow, with his two sons, spent a very cold night in his
personal "Fridge" - his White M3A1. Paul Price and Joanne travelled to the
show for the day in their jeep accompanied by Gareth and myself in our jeep.
We enjoyed the event and will definity be back there again next year.
As previously stated, and at the time of reading this report our
ordinary monthly meeting will have ended. Our next get together will be our
Xmas Dinner, see you all then.
Ernie Williams
Area Secretary
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Windscreen Report Summer 2002
South
Wales Area Report,
Our area is
still alive and kicking, unfortunately Charlie Lewis, our scribe for
"Windscreen" entries, has been unable to attend meetings, as he has had to
work away from home, thanks to Charlie for his past efforts.
By the time this article is printed the season will be well under way, our
first major show being at Singleton Park, Swansea on May Day where we always
have a good turnout of M.V’s.
Over the winter period we have
had a fairly quiet time but our "old-faithfulls" turn up regularly for
monthly meetings, and we have had three new members join us in the early
part of 2002.
We had a good "get-together" for our Christmas
dinner in December where everyone enjoyed themselves.
Our
area AGM took place in January where the following were elected:
Chairperson – Terry Peters
Secretary – Ernie Williams
Treasure – David Kingdom
Assistant Secretary – Gareth Williams
After discussion it
was decided that the position of Events Co-ordinator be incorporated with
that of the Secretary’s role, and the position of Fund Raiser incorporated
with Assistant Secretary.
Due to the winter period being
uneventful the following motion was put forward by Terry Peters:
"That the regular club meetings currently held at one month intervals,
be amended to two month intervals between October and February each
year. Meetings in the period between April and September to be held each
month as at present. The dates to remain as at present i.e. the second
Tuesday of the relevant month. The membership would maintain the right to
override the proposed arrangement in the event of there being sufficient
need or special occasion".
After consideration by the
meeting the proposal was seconded with slight amendments to fit into the
year. The final programme agreed by the meeting being: Meetings to be held
in the months of February (AGM), April, May, June, July, August, September,
October, December (Xmas Dinner).
The above changes to take place as from
October 2002.
We have now caught up with Information
Technology, our assistant secretary – Gareth, has created a website for our
area, the address being: -
www.southwalesmvt.co.uk One of the useful
items of information on the website is a calendar of weekend events, which
is updated as show dates become known.
I am pleased that our
area was successful in our bid for funds from "Head-Office". The intended
use being to purchase a new banner and fund the running of our website.
After last year’s disruption to the shows due to the foot and mouth epidemic
we are all looking forward to a good season of events.
Ernie Williams
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