I sit here writing this quarters newsletter having taken a few moments to pause as we've just finished the final day of Military and Flying Machines 2016 - this was the 10th anniversary of Military and Flying Machines, and our third year running the event as an Essex HMVA event.

The charity continues apace, with a regular influx of membership enquiries and new members, it's also gratifying to see existing members renewing their memberships. We're also pleased that we are getting many requests to support events not just in the Essex area, but also further afield. We hope to be once again supporting the Chelmsford Industrial Museum at their Open Day in September with a Military vintage wireless display and vehicles. We are continuing our efforts looking into working with the Essex Regiment Museum to support and work with them on their future events - we have also been supporting the Army Reserves with their recruitment activities and also the Armed Forces Day where members attended various events in the County and also went further afield attending the event at the Royal Artillery Woolwich by putting displays on of vintage kit and equipment.

If you are a current member, and haven't already renewed your membership, please take a moment to do so by visiting our renewal page

This year has to have been one of the most memorable show seasons so far and members have already attended a number of events, from small, local village fetes to some of the largest military shows in the UK

On a similar vein, it's worth checking that your public liability insurance covers displays or accidents arising from them (as many do not), so, whilst your vehicle may be covered, an incident arising, (for example), from someone tripping over part of your display and injuring themselves may not be. The Essex HMVA has secured cover for this type of incident, and more details can be provided to members on request. Not all vehicle groups do this.

Our members often receive requests for risk assessments when booking into events, and to assist them we have created a generic risk assessment and Health and Safety Statement for our members, which is available, free of charge, for their use.

On a similar vein, it's worth checking that your public liability insurance covers displays or accidents arising from them (as many do not), so, whilst your vehicle may be covered, an incident arising, (for example), from someone tripping over part of your display and injuring themselves may not be. The Essex HMVA has secured cover for this type of incident, and more details can be provided to members on request. Not all vehicle groups do this. We can, if needed send you a card to prove that you have insurance cover, if you need this, please get in contact .

We are registered with the United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA) which means that the Essex HMVA can now approve members who wish to obtain realistic looking Airsoft guns for re-enactment and living history display purposes.


Military and Flying Machines Show 2016

2016 was an especially memorable show for us as it was our 10th anniversary. We had great weather and support from everyone who was involved or came along to exhibit or attend - I wish the same could have been said for the CAA.With about 3 months to go to the opening day of the show, we were forced to cancel the air display element due to the new requirements that the Civil Aviation Authority have put in place as a consequence of the tragic events at the Shoreham Air Show last year.

We considered the new requirements in detail and whilst it would have been possible to comply with the new Air Display safety regulations, the responsibilities and liability risks placed on the Flight Display Directors and Event organisers personally, combined with the time that would have been required to arrange the necessary road closures and approvals would have resulted in substantial cost increases. We tried extremely hard to make it work but found the CAA unresponsive to our requests for advice and more information, a great disappointment as we love the air show as much as the visitors.

Whilst I understand the necessity of ensuring that another tragic accident like Shoreham does not happen, it does cause me a degree of uncertainty as to whether these new restrictions will remain in place, and if so, I fear the CAA may cause the closure of many small air displays, which can only be a detriment to many peoples' enjoyment - I hope that the CAA will take a moment to reconsider their decision because of this.

The lack of air display, however, did not dent anyone's enthusiasm at attending and once again our amazing exhibitors stepped in to fill the void that the lack of air display had left, and didn't disappoint. This year we were honoured to have no less than sixteen Chelsea Pensioners and about the same numbers of Normandy Veterans attend. In addition, the Living History displays were among the best we have ever seen and the originality, quality and level of work put in by the various re-enactment groups was exceptional. Vehicle wise was pretty exceptional as well with no less than six Bedford QL's and five Austin Tillies in attendance, we had over ten WW2 vintage British three tonners in attendance, I can't remember a recent show where there has been those sort of numbers. I would also like to thank those who bought the "big stuff" we know it's not always easy to move them around so your attendance was greatly appreciated.

We would like to thank you for all the great comments and compliments we have received about the show so far, I'd also like to take a moment to personally say thank you to everyone who worked so tirelessly on the show, both at the event and also behind the scenes - everyone who does so are unpaid volunteers and without their efforts the show would not exist.

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 really 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 take into account 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 in the near future, so if you have an interest in storing your vehicle there, please let us know.

EVENTS

We have had several new events 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.

ONLINE SHOP

I'm really pleased to announce that we finally have an online shop, and thanks to the efforts of Peter Smith and Russell Pacy we have our first Calendar - I'd encourage all members to get a copy, as there are some great pictures of our hobby in there and I'm hoping this will become an annual item.
You can access the online shop by clicking here.

Colin Tebb

Essex HMVA Chairman