The
sunburn may be fading but the memories of a successful Wicksteed at War 2017
are still fresh. Although strong winds meant we didn’t get the promised
Spitfires and Hurricane, the expected rain stayed away and sunshine brought
record crowds to the show.
The
weekend started with a schools’ education day, something which, the MVT being
an educational charity, we were happy to support. John and Judith Underwood
were kept busy explaining the Home Front and elsewhere in the park different
groups shared their expertise. A very popular item was the Vietnam Vets Against
the War stand.
A
Russian T-72 and British Chieftain were the biggest and heaviest vehicles on site
and the 200-plus other MVs ranged from CVR(T)s to parabikes.
The
Friday night Purple Heart disco was packed, as was the Saturday night Victory
Party. South East Midlands Area stalwart John Denney chose the Saturday of the
show to marry his Linda and they joined us afterwards at the Victory Party. His
serenade of Linda in the middle of the dance floor was hilarious. He sang All
For The Love Of Sunshine, from the film Kelly’s Heroes, backed by the Wicksteed
at War Male Voice Choir, aka, the Amourgeddon gang plus some hangers-on.
During
the party, the Best in Show Rosebowl was awarded to Hinckley Home Guard,
whose stunning display featured a 1942 Diamond T, 1943 GMC CCKW 353 and 1935
Dennis bus replica. The theme was an American convoy meeting the Home Guard in
the Midlands. The attention to detail in the "Home Guard HQ" was
stunning, with period furniture, a stove and even a mangle.
Show director
Tim Hawkes said: "This is year was bigger than ever,
with two lovely days of sun we turned out a record crowd of around 15,000
people. Visitors to the show enjoyed some of our new displays, including
the Wicksteed Mess, a helicopter and two battle re-enactments per day. “The
feedback from the event via our Facebook pages has been great, with our new
review facility receiving 60 people giving it five stars.
“There are things we need to change; car parking and congestion
being at the top of the list. The volunteers all did a great job, making
the show run more smoothly and many forgoing lunch to keep the show
together. “Thanks to everyone involved, the re-enactors, stallholders and
vehicle owners who made it something really special this year. I would
particularly like to thank Wicksteed Park and the Military Vehicle Trust who
are the major supporters of the show.
“Join
us next year on June 9-11 for more green fun.” Report and pictures by Peter Clarke
ABOVE: two of a kind... Land Rover Light- weights of Roy Woods and Peter Clarke LEFT: Judith and John Under- wood with their Home Front display on schools' education day
Vietnam War protesters
Diamond T and GMC of the Hinckley Home Guard
Hinckley Home Guard
MVT vice- chairman Peter Hamblin (fourth left) presents the Best In Show Rosebowl to Hinckley Home Guard
Walker Bulldog tank takes a trip around the park
All set for the Friday night Purple Heart disco
These Cornwall Area members made the long trip to Kettering
John Denney (centre) enjoys a last night of freedom before his wedding
Mr and Mrs Denney are showered with rice after their wedding on the Saturday
The first dance
John sings, backed (or was it hamp- ered) by the Wicksteed Male Voice Choir
LEFT AND BELOW: Some of the team which brought you Wicksteed at War 2017