| Section: |
General |
| What is your role and title at War & Peace?: |
Over past years my group have run the Glen Miller Tent but this has now gone to a security firm! I have now been asked to run the Veterans Tent. |
| Are you happy in your role or is there something else you would prefer to do?: |
I did enjoy running the Glen Miller Tent but due to reasons beyond my control this arrangement ceased. |
| How many years have you been involved in War & Peace and why did you become involved?: |
12 years and it was a friend who introduced me to the show. |
| What do your friends and family think of your involvement, do they support you and in what way?: |
Yes my family support me by waving goodbye for the week and smiling sweetly. Although my wife & daughters and their children do come and visit during the show. |
| Do you travel far to War & Peace, how do you get there and in what?: |
7 miles in my military Land Rover. |
| Why do you keep coming back for more?: |
Because I am a glutton for punishment. |
| What do you enjoy most about War & Peace and what could you add to it?: |
The meeting of like minded people and the making of new friendsand catching up with old ones. |
| What do you enjoy least about War and Peace and what could you do to improve it?: |
To many foreign contingents now attending the show. |
| If there were anything you could change about War & Peace what would it be and how would you assist in making these changes?: |
24/7 toilet cleaning staff and more showers. An area for reenactors/staff to be able to eat and drink at a reasonable rate and not ripped off by the catering mafia. Just to prove my point why is Brookers Oast always packed out? Decent food and good beer at affordable prices. |
| What is your job in the real world, have you always done this and do you have any military background?: |
Retired |
| What is your favourite story about your involvement or a friends involvement in War & Peace?: |
I could write a book Rex's duck pond for instance nearly put pay to the show, falling in the Medway with 24 cans of Stella on my back - not recommended. Not to mention the one Jeffrey Summers - who is otherwise known as Major Martin the man who probably won the war in Europe. He really was a welshman! not many people know that! |
| 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?: |
I think that the regular armed forces should be involved more as this is an excellent show for recruitment. They are a bit stand offish but they are slowly coming around, so with a bit of push and shove who knows Apache Gunships buzzing above us. |
| What military vehicle clubs do you belong to and when did you join?: |
IMPS |
| Do you assist in any other military shows and in what role?: |
When and needed in the South East. |
| Would you support a war and peace show club?: |
Yes I would but this has been suggested before - lets try and get it off the ground rather than just talking about it. |
| Do you own a military vehicle, did you restore this yourself, and are you involved in re-enactment? Have you ever been a trader?: |
Yes, my old series 3 Landy 109 Gulf War Stock
I am involved in reenactment and no I have never been a trader.
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| Do you have photographs of your vehicle(s)?: |
Yes, I will add them to my gallery |
| Do you have photographs of your re-enactments?: |
Yes, I will add them to my gallery |
| What is the attraction for you about the whole military scene?: |
I was a serving soldier in the dim and distant past and it never leaves you. Once a Guardsman always a Guardsman and I wear the claret & blue tie with pride. |
| When and where did you first become involved in the military hobby?: |
12 - 14 years ago. |
| If you had a never ending budget which would be the 5 vehicles you would buy?: |
VAB, VBL, Jackal 2, Husky and a Alvis Stormer |
| Which is your favourite bar at War & Peace and why? And where do you most like to eat?: |
Major Kevs Bar. It is cheap, good company and good crack.
I frequent the Bookers Oast as it has decent food and it not as expensive as buying from a catering wagon. I know for a fact that the oganisers of the show charge so much to the catering wagons that the catering wagons pass the cost on to us - the very substance of the show - the reenactors. This I think should be looked into. After all would it not pay to actually look after the exhibitors and re-enactors and not expect them to pay through the nose for food and drink! |
| Other than War & Peace what is your idea of a perfect weekend?: |
Good food, good wine, good friends and the crack
For you heathens reading this, crack means conversation, not a line of vim. dat,s the white stuff that idiots use!! sure it is !!
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Mike F GEAR