Just got back from Beltring - had a great time - weather was (too) hot and
sunny -
rather unlike England really.
The show was excellent - loads to see - vehicles, displays, fairground,
militaria... and underneath all that (somewhere) a hop farm - even being
there for 4 days I never
got to everything... I believe it will be a 5 day show next year - not sure
I could cope financially with that though....
Got loads of parts for my Bedford MW .... including NOS Windscreens and NOS
Floor panels, Tow Assembly, spare Bedford 28 Hp engine with ancilliaries....
only need some decent canvas now... and a repaint)
I know several of you wanted FT250 radio mounts - I saw a couple for sale -
attached to radios - I couldnt find anyone to sell me any seperately..
perhaps someone else was more fortunate..... sorry.
Regarding the state and condition of the Toilets and the Showers....
I've never been to a Gulag before, so I cant make the comparison,
however, there seemed to be way too few to cope with the numbers of
people, the result was a very grim scene in the toilets on Sunday Morning -
and lots of sweaty smelly bodies in the dusty heat. Even at 07:00 when the
shower block were unlocked, there was a One Hour queue for the shower
(Yep... there was only one... and the water tepid).
Dennis questioned if Showers were advertised - that I dont know. However
when I queried the charge for attendance for non-imps members - I recall
being told this was to cover the growing costs of Toilets and Showers....
perhaps I was misinformed.... and NO - I dont recall his name. (I am an IMPS
Member, so didnt pay).
I had expected there to be showers on site - and not to have them for a 5
day show next year would be really grim - next year I will take a chemical
toilet and a camping shower.... perhaps we could set-up a Military Bathing
Unit - could make a profitable display?
Despite the inconvenience of having to wash out of my mess tins, I think the
organisers had/have sufficient problems without getting visits from the
Health Officer - no doubt there are lessons to be learned, however a direct
complaint to Rex Cadman should be your first port of call...... just let the
dust settle first (no pun intended).
The lesson learned - take your own. Water was a precious commodity.... the
demand outweighed the supply at times and the taps dried up - this
was compounded by the number of individuals who saw fit to have their own
large private inflatable swimming/paddling pools!!!!! Nice Idea, but under
the circumstances a tad Selfish ???
I too would like to offer my sincere condolances to the Elliot family for
the loss of their son Jake in most tragic circumstances on Friday night, the
news gave us all an empty feeling when we heard, and will be the only
negative aspect I will remember about Beltring 99.
Tim Bell
Bedford MWV 1944
Bletchley Park Museum
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