Welcome to what I hope will be a fantastic 2019, Looking back on 2018, it has been full of highs and lows.

We managed to start the year with a really positive attendance at the Bum Freezer, which gave everyone a great opportunity both to socialise and get the vehicles out, blowing the dust off both vehicles and attendees alike, following the sale of the location - I'm pleased to say that for 2019, Maldon council have very kindly let us use Promenade Park in Maldon on the 13th of January from 10am, so I do hope that you will all make an effort to join us there. It's a great location picturesque and refreshment facilities are available as well. The Council are keen and supportive for this to be our regular location for future Winter Gatherings.

We also held our first Drive-It day, which was well received by everyone who took part and beyond our expectations - so much so, that we're going to run the event again in 2019! Many thanks must go to David Smith who arranged it for us all.

We organised a behind the scenes visit to the National Army museum's reserve collection, which was a fascinating glimpse into the extent of the collection that the museum did not have room to display, and Ian Paine, our host did a wonderful job of escorting us around. The visit came about as a result of a meeting between David Smith and Russell Pacy, who then organised the event so many thanks to them for their efforts on what was a highly successful and enjoyable day. It is possible we might be working with the museum on some other projects, more info later on with that!

Turning to sadder subjects, we had to take the difficult decision to rest Military and Flying Machines for 2018 - this was a decision we really did not want to take, but we were unable to come to an agreeable set of terms with the landowner, and due to these subsequent delays, it became too late in the day to actually run the show.

I am pleased however to say that due to everyone's hard work we WILL be back in 2019 with a renamed and revamped show, entitled Echoes of History that builds on the success of the Military and Flying Machines show and also gives us an opportunity to better reflect the multi-period nature of the event that it has now become. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who came up with suggestions for new locations, we did check them all out, and in fact the new site selected was as a result of members suggestions. We are very excited about the new location we think it's the best yet and has a lot going for it. If you wish to be involved or want to contribute in some way to helping and supporting our show please contact us.

Over the year we have tried to generate some events at the monthly meetings to provide a talking point and stimulate interest with film shows and general discussions, I would like to thank Pete Smith and Barry Smith for organising these, Barry presented a talk on the early days of Duxford which was really interesting and for me bought back a lot of memories. We hope to continue these type of events so if you are or know someone willing to give a talk or presentation let us know.

Ending the year, we had a great Christmas gathering, which gave the members an opportunity to socialise and brought much hilarity from the raffle draw - I'd like to thank Marion for her efforts in organising this.


Essex HMVA Website

Russell and David have been busy with an excellent 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

I'm exceptionally pleased to be able to report that we have reached our tenth issue of the Olive Drab - With its overall high quality that easily competes and, I think, exceeds several other similar publications it's something that I feel we can be very proud of, it contains a mixture of articles that are written from many perspectives and indeed has recently featured some of our members own 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.

Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and successful New Year and I hope to see you all at the many events to look forwards to in 2019.

Colin Tebb

Essex HMVA Chairman