This is a short report based on my experience of the event, just to inform those who weren't there.
We had decided that thought the event was only a 1 day, that we would try and get away with going on the Friday and leaving on the Sunday.
We arrived at 1800 Friday, the journey was cool for June, but dry and the forecast for the coming days was good (not mentioning the nights). There was plenty of grass to camp on and it was well cut.
Clearly a lot of work had gone into the site preparation and Ian Dunn had helped most of the day. There has obviously been a lot of help and most names won't be written here, because I haven't researched this, only putting down what I know. Bill, Brin and Gwen were already on site, as was Paula. Vanessa, Brian, Mark and Jane arrived about the time we did, I think. They took all evening to set up a massive tent within which they pitched more tents. A wander around the site revealed 2 big green marquees, one was Steve and Sheila's and the other Graham Braund's on temporary loan. These were a VIP NAFFI and scruffs NAFFI. Food preparation was taking place as we watched and it was clear that few would starve. The new museum logo was up at the entrance and we caught sight of the opening cake which was dressed in the old logo. Photos of this can be seen on the web site. The parade square was looking clean and ready for action.
Overnight there was a considerable amount of rain and around 0715 we were awoken to the sound of a high-speed brush, driven by Bill, sweeping water off the parade square. The sun had been out from about 0600 and surprisingly things were looking reasonably dry when we arose. By 1000 everything had dried out and in came the punters. Most of the day our gallant RMP manned the gate (name escapes me). Bill was pulling together the VIP Guard who were drilling all around the camp. I managed to escape that because I was on VIP escort duty. More military vehicles turned up during the morning, Martin, George B, Daniel. At 1230 there was a parade briefing. The original Base Warrant Officer was called away at short notice, but his very able deputy stepped in. There were an impressive number on parade and I hope to see some photographs taken by George the official photographer at some point, perhaps these could be put up on the web site. At 1315 motorcycle escorts zoomed off to meet a lost Station Commander of St Mawgan. The Staff car and jeep drivers dispatched themselves later, driven by Vanessa and Sharon (as pictured the previous Thursday in the West Briton). The VIP arrival time was to be 1410. There was a salute by the VIP Guard at the entrance and the parade was formed up and ready. Good speeches by Steve and Wing Commander Lawson. The parade dismissed and the day continued. The station CO (old Naval habits die hard, for any crabs out there, that's the OC St. Mawgan) stayed until well after 1700 and enjoyed the event. His official driver from St Mawgan got into the swing of it all before the event and brought the CO and escort in the MOD fast-black dressed in an "Anarchy" tee shirt. What can you expect from civvies nowadays...!
Around 1800 we headed off for a picnic at Crowdy reservoir only to be stopped by a veteran punter who only arrived 45 minutes before the end of the event, saying how he'd cut his lawn and fell asleep. He told us how wonderful the event was and how he wished he hadn't fallen asleep and waxed lyrical about life in general. Eventually we set off for the picnic.
There were a lot of people at the opening, many guests and many punters. The web site had had 1400 hits by Friday and by Monday over 2000, so a lot of interest had been generated. I trust that this translates to paying customers who will financially support the
museum.
On Sunday it was dry overnight and then at 0745 it rained for 1 hour. Fortunately by about 1300 the tents were dry and it was possible to get Graham Braund's marquee down dry too.
We set off around 1400ish and had to try 3 garages to get petrol on the way home, because they had run dry. The journey home was warm and dry, like June really ought to be.
We did enjoy the event and think that as vintage vehicle owners we can be an asset to the museum whilst the museum can provide a great period related venue. The 2 are greater than the individual units and can be a great attraction for punters. At the end of the day if
we don't get punters to come and see us then we lose purpose. We look forward to the "War Machines" weekend on 26th, 27th July.
Chris Dunn
