I must start this quarter's news with an apology, as it's been quite a while since I last updated the newsletter on the website - in my defence, I'm hoping that those of you who are members will have been getting the monthly updates via email every month.

As we leave an unseasonably warm Spring behind, we head towards the rally season and requests for attendance at events grow. I would like to thank those of you who attend events as the Essex HMVA, this ensures that the charity remains in the spotlight and the public are made aware of exactly what it is we do. It's been a busy start to the year with our members already attending several events before the peak show season has even started.

We kicked the year off in style with the Winter Gathering, which, on a bracing January day was well attended. Just in the last couple of weeks, we also had the pleasure of attending the Southend festival of wheels with a small number of vehicles, I'm pleased to say that the organisers placed our display in a prominent position within the town, overlooking the seafront. With the warm reception that we received both from the organisers and the public, we are looking forwards to returning in 2018. In addition, we had a successful day at the Brentwood Show once more, with a lot of interest in the vehicles and equipment, we also spoke to a lot of visitors about MfM2017 who are now fans of the event and are looking forwards to coming. It would be great to see more of us out and about, so please keep an eye on the web site and regardless of whatever club you support, we would be more than happy to see you. When you attend events let us know and most importantly, send some pictures in so that we can then put in the newsletter and web site.

A slightly negative note has seen us have to address a complaint about unsolicited fliers for another organisations event, that some members thought had come from us. After investigation and contacting the parties involved, they have confirmed the Essex HMVA did NOT supply this data. We, in any case have robust measures in place, are members of the Information Commissioners office and NEVER disclose personal information to any other party without your consent.

You may be aware that the law has changed with regards to deactivated weapons, but these changes are still in a considerable degree of flux. We have appointed a Home Office liaison officer (who has been officially recognised as an interested party), he has been in a two-way dialogue with all the agencies involved and has written a comprehensive article for our members who are unclear on how they may be affected which is featured in this quarters Olive Drab Magazine.

Olive Drab Magazine

I would encourage all members to look at our Quarterly E-Magazine if you haven't already done so, this quarter features some great articles including a review of the recently reopened National Army Museum, we were kindly invited to the press launch for this, and would encourage members to visit, as well as some key reports regarding the status of Deactivated firearms, that could affect your collection.


Military and Flying Machines 2017

Progress for the 2017 Military and Flying machines is going very well, and I'm pleased to say that we've had a fantastic level of interest shown from exhibitors and stall holders. We already have over 50 living history groups booked in and we are receiving vehicle entries arriving daily.

I appreciate your patience in dealing with booking in and exhibitor confirmations, everyone is certainly keeping all the volunteers who organise these busy! As ever, I ask you as members to support this event as much as you can, to get the word out and invite your fellow military vehicle owners to come along.
For more Military and Flying Machines info go to our web sites, join us on Twitter or go to our Facebook page.


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 would like to welcome to the many new members we have gained so far this year and also offer a thank you to all the members who have chosen to renew for a further year.

Colin Tebb

Essex HMVA Chairman