War and Peace Show - Thank-You Night

If you think of the War & Peace Show, you may think large numbers of tanks, large crowds and impressive displays from very passionate, vehicle owners and re-enactors across, from the far reaching corners of the hobby, what you perhaps don't think, is that this show, being the worlds largest takes some pretty hefty organisation, and the preparation and planning is a 12 month job. Attending the thank-you bash last night, was certainly an eye opener as I didn't quite realise just all the elements involved, sure, you know that an event needs security, parking, booking in and some toilets. But the individuals that ensure this show runs like clockwork are very large in number.

The show is prepared three weeks before a single paying visitor enters and most teams are on site, working hard to ensure that everything is in place for the opening day. This year, this job was made even harder as over 2000 school children were bussed in, to experience a number of talks and demonstrations put on by the show, the educational element here cannot be underestimated and just ferrying these children was indeed a task in itself.

Rex Cadman's speech was evocative and detailed in its delivery, congratulating everyone on the success of the 2010 show,  informing all, of the intricacies of the final event management, which was met with much aplomb. Special mentions were aplenty, and from where I was sitting it was very apparent that everyone involved had done their job, to the best of their ability. Mentions included, Malcolm and his team for ensuring that no children are lost throughout the show, through to Charles ensuring quite camping runs smoothly, it was very evident that this show, runs like a military operation.

The speech was followed by a raft or presentations, where everyone involved that contributed to the show, received a special commemorative War and Peace plaque.

Next years event, is already being planned and very much underway and with 2011 set to be an even bigger and better year than 2010, watch this space.

Full photos will appear shortly on the War and Peace website, links below.


www.thewarandpeaceshow.com
www.thehopfarm.co.uk
www.kentphotoarchive.org.uk
www.excaliburunit.zoomshare.com




Words & Images : Stuart Humphrey - WWII Re-enactors Magazine