We started off the year with a great event in January - the Essex HMVA Winter gathering at Promenade Park, in Maldon. We had over 70 vehicles there, and as a result of a large number of new members joining, it took us well over the 200 members mark.
Our plans for this year had been well mapped out, with planning for VE day 75 events and of course Echoes of History 2020 well under way. We also have many other events on the calendar, those we attend and others we run such as the Drive It Day and Armed Forces Day. It was therefore a concern for all the Trustees (as it has been for everyone), with the events around the spread of the Corona virus. We are guided by Government advice, but we also recognise the need to take sensible precautions as anyone would in day to day life. We are going to review each event as it comes against this advice, but we currently intend to continue running our events as scheduled, unless we are forced, or it is logical for us to postpone or cancel, rather than blanket cancel our event year. We will ensure that suitable precautions such as ready access to hand sanitising facilities will be available for each event. We are also offering advice to our members, such as temporarily restricting public access to handling equipment or vehicle interiors as a further precaution.
At the moment, the advice from government health authorities for outside events, is that the risk is likely to be slightly lower than that for events that are undercover or held inside. Our thoughts remain with your friends and family and those who are at risk of being affected. I do want to thank those who are still applying to attend events, and we will continue to update you all as and when we know more details.
Our popular Olive Drab members magazine has been given a makeover, with a new updated layout. For those Essex HMVA members who are stuck in doors, you can access all the editions of the Olive Drab (including the special editions) on-line in our members area. That is enough to keep you all occupied if you get bored of watching tv!
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
If you would like your collection to appear on the Essex HMVA, please contact Russell or David 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. As well as the website, we also 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
At the start of the year, the Olive Drab magazine has had a brush and polish up, and I have to say that I really like the new look pages - if you have anything you'd like contribute to the Olive Drab, 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.