| Section: |
Organisers |
| What is your role and title at War & Peace?: |
Show Administrator / Booking In Manager |
| Are you happy in your role or is there something else you would prefer to do?: |
I enjoy my role because I get to deal with people from all over the world who want to come to our show. I wouldn’t mind getting out and about around the showground a bit more, as I am stuck in my mobile office most of the day. |
| How many years have you been involved in War & Peace and why did you become involved?: |
I have been involved for 18 years. It was part of Rex’s hobby and as his secretary I helped with the paperwork. But then the show just grew and grew. |
| What do your friends and family think of your involvement, do they support you and in what way?: |
My friends think its unusual for a woman to be involved in organising a vehicle show. My family are proud of me for helping to create the worlds largest military vehicle show. |
| Do you travel far to War & Peace, how do you get there and in what?: |
I move into the showground about 2 weeks before it starts. Paul, my Partner tows the caravan and I follow in my Jeep. It’s about 60 miles. |
| Why do you keep coming back for more?: |
It's a continous job, because before one show has started the following show is already being planned. I’m kept busy throughout the year planning, inputting data, liaiseing with traders as well as quite often taking calls from TV and film companies who want specific vehicles or reenactment groups for filming. |
| What do you enjoy most about War & Peace and what could you add to it?: |
I enjoy rekindling special friendships that have flourished over the years at War and Peace. |
| What do you enjoy least about War and Peace and what could you do to improve it?: |
Not being able to spend time with my elderly mother on my birthday over the last 18 years as it always falls during show time. |
| If there were anything you could change about War & Peace what would it be and how would you assist in making these changes?: |
I would move the show to another month, so I could have my Birthday at home with all my family. |
| What is your job in the real world, have you always done this and do you have any military background?: |
I work full time in the War and Peace office processing all the bookings that are received. I have done it for the last 18 years. I have no military background. |
| What is your favourite story about your involvement or a friends involvement in War & Peace?: |
Once quite a few years ago when The Hop Farm was owned by Whitbread, I'd arrived a week before the show to set up and the staff on the main gate wouldn't let me in as they didn't know me. I had to empty the whole contents of the boot of my car onto the road to try and find something that would assosciate me with the show before they'd let me in. |
| How do you see the show developing in the future? Will you still be involved and what can you do to promote the future of War & Peace?: |
For every year I have worked on War and Peace I have seen exhibit numbers rise and exhibit quality improve, along with vehicles being displayed with more care and effort, living history have started erecting buildings on their displays and traders adding finishing touches to their stalls. With this enthusiasm and dedication the show can only go from strength to strength.  |
| What military vehicle clubs do you belong to and when did you join?: |
None |
| Do you assist in any other military shows and in what role?: |
I attend the Malvern Military Convention and Stoneleigh Militaria to promote War and Peace. Traders expect us to be there so they can book in early and ask me questions about moving to different pitches or expanding. |
| Would you support a war and peace show club?: |
Yes |
| Do you own a military vehicle, did you restore this yourself, and are you involved in re-enactment? Have you ever been a trader?: |
I own a 1942 Ford GPW Jeep, it is not restored but it is in good original condition. I only dress up to drive it for special occasions, like when I have been invited to Dunquerke, France for their liberation celebrations, The London Lord Mayors Parade 2004 and the London 2005 New Years Day Parade. The last high profile parade I took part in was 100 years of motoring, which passed through central London in 2006. I have never traded. |
| Do you have photographs of your vehicle(s)?: |
Yes, I will add them to my gallery |
| What is the attraction for you about the whole military scene?: |
I am involved because of my work, but I have found that the people in the scene are dedicated to their cause no matter what their speciality. Everyone is so friendly and accommodating, I feel all at War and Peace are like friends. |
| When and where did you first become involved in the military hobby?: |
Having worked for Rex for so many years, I used to at first walk around the site, then cycle. For a few years I had an official quad bike then succumbed and bought my Jeep in February 2002. |
| If you had a never ending budget which would be the 5 vehicles you would buy?: |
I would keep my Jeep, being my 1st military vehicle, and would add an M35 Reo as I love the sound of the whistle the turbo makes. Lastly just for fun I’d like a wartime motorcycle combination. |
| Which is your favourite bar at War & Peace and why? And where do you most like to eat?: |
I don’t tend to have a favourite bar, but spend a little time in each one throughout the show. Apart from the staff mess tent, you will often find me visiting the donut stall. |
| Other than War & Peace what is your idea of a perfect weekend?: |
A visit from my grandchildren and pottering around in my garden, which gets neglected in the summer as I am so busy with War and Peace |
Barbara Dixon