Welcome to the final Essex HMVA newsletter of 2019.

As 2019 rapidly runs out of days and we await the start of 2020, I can say we will be able to look back on this year with a mixture of both success and challenges. The successes were most undoubtedly the events we put on during the year, and I say 'we', because without all those who volunteered and helped, we just wouldn't have a charity or be able to run events. We ran our first Armed Forces Day, and the support didn't only just come from our volunteers, but from dignitaries who came along to support us. This is also true of the other events we ran, with the people and authorities of Maldon showing their support.

Our challenges have certainly been ones of the weather for our annual show, but those who came along seemed to have a great time, in spite of the winds, and mostly stuck it out. This gives us the drive to make the 2020 event even better!

As an association, we have also faced challenges around an ever-growing risk of being legislated to the point we can no longer continue. This is in the form of controls on our displays and our vehicles. Thankfully, there are individuals and organisations who are out there to represent us. Insurance can also be a concern, but thankfully, our members have had Public Liability Insurance since our early days, which has been a great reassurance to them.

Our recent Olive Drab Special Edition sold out fast ( we have already had a few re-prints produced) and I want to thank everyone for their support in buying them, as well as the team who write and publish the Olive Drab, who put together all the printed material, draw the posters and advertising material, write the newsletters, run the websites, and help with the social media. The regular Olive Drab Magazine is only available to members, and we are now able to offer a printed option, as well as the on-line version. Anyone who has seen the quality of these will know they are well worth it. We are far from being the biggest organisation, but as a charity, we try to keep relevant to all those we represent, from our associate members, to those we support.

Planning is well under way for the 2020 Echoes of History Show, and our bookings are coming in at pace already. Lessons learnt about this year's event have already led to many planned changes. One thing we did do at the beginning of the year was to look at our assets, and what we have tended to hire in. We realised that it was possible to purchase some of them, and save money, even if only over a longer term, especially as we now run more events than ever before. I want to thank the team who were set up to organise all of this, including an update of our asset register. Our store is now tidy and much more secure too, which helps when you need to find something!




2020 Winter Gathering Date


I'm pleased to say that the Winter Gathering for 2020 will be on the 12th of January 2020 in Promenade park in Maldon from 10am until 3pm. Any members who are bringing their vehicles, please enter via the Main gate into the park (Gate D) in Park road (not the smaller car park by the museum).

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

Another quarter brings another Olive Drab, and I still look with pride at everything that's produced each quarter by such a small team of people, I know that everyone involved attempts to provide a mixture of 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.

Don't forget, we have monthly members meetings, and you're welcome to attend or even join while you're there - you are most welcome.


If you are reading this, and are not yet a member, there has never been a better time to join! You can come along to our winter gathering, meet the team in person and join, or do it today via our website. We attend lots of events throughout the year, so keep an eye out for us.

Colin Tebb

Essex HMVA Chairman