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2010 News Letter
I was very impressed with the latest Windscreen, especially to
see so many pictures of members taking their green machines out
in the snow. I keep intending to take my Jeep out for a drive
in the white stuff, but I keep having this terrible worry that
someone else might lose control of their car in the slippery conditions
and crash in to me. Can anybody offer me some suggestions on how
I can overcome this paranoia and thereby enable me to take dramatic
pictures of my Jeep in the snowy countryside?
We had our Area AGM in February and although Tony and I thought
we had identified a volunteer to take over one of the roles it
was in fact someone raising his hand to just ask a question. I
must therefore report that I am still Area Secretary, Tony is
the Chairman and Nathan remains the treasurer (and who is still
disappointed that he has not been given any treasure).
During the AGM we presented the Noel Bryon memorial trophy for
the greatest contribution to the club to Don Evason who did a
tremendous amount of work in organising the road run at our Swinbrook
event last year and who has managed to bring in a fantastic selection
of guest speakers. His work was very much appreciated by all of
our members.
We had a second trophy to present, but this had to wait until
the March meeting. This went to Brian Tegg for “The most
shows attended” and comprised a WW1 German shell case with
an engraved plaque. Brian attends an incredible number of shows
each year and it will be interesting to see whether anybody else
from the area can do more.
As an Area we have always been very lucky in finding some very
interesting people to come and talk to us. Most of these have
been WW2 veterans, but these chaps although fascinating to listen
to are really getting on in years and as their numbers dwindle
we will soon be listening to just veterans of more recent wars.
Our most recent guest speaker was Martin Reed the second in Command
on the P&O ship Canberra during the Falklands War. He delivered
a most interesting talk on the preparation and role of the ship
during the war and was able to show on our big screen a large
number of colour photographs that he took during the war. Interestingly,
the only damage suffered by the Canberra during the war was caused
by the back blast of an anti aircraft missile fired by a Marine
who was standing too close to the outside of Martin’s cabin.
The back blast broke a window and damaged his drinks cabinet.
War can be hell!
A few of our members were invited up on to the ex USAF cold was
airbase at Upper Heyford for a tour. Taking with them two Jeeps,
a Champ, Bedford MW and a SUMB and meeting up with a DDR Tatra
car they had plenty of opportunity for some great photos. The
airfield was established during WW1 and after WW2 it was leased
to the USAF, until the Americans withdrew in 1993. Unlike many
other airfields of this era it is remarkably untouched and looks
very much like it did the day that the Americans shut the gate
for the last time. Probably the most striking feature of the airfield
is the 56 bomb proof aircraft hangars. These would each have held
an F111 aircraft and is constructed out of two foot thick concrete
and steel. Despite the amazing history of the site the local council
are looking to redevelop the airfield and plan to build several
thousand new houses. However, as they have been quoted a price
of £2 Million to dismantle each hangar it would seem likely
that these will remain untouched. I am sure that there is always
a market for new houses with adjoining garage that will hold about
100 cars. I will suggest it to my wife that we should consider
moving there if one comes up for sale.
Looking at the photos that were taken by Dave Bayliss everyone
had a great time and managed to get access to a fascinating site
that will soon be lost. There is an intention to establish a museum
on the site and although some of the buildings have been given
protected status, it will be a poor comparison to the complete
air base that stands at the moment.
We meet on the last Thursday of the Month at the Hook Norton Brewery
visitor centre from about 19:30. We usually have about 30 members
in attendence and we provide some form of entertainment such as
quiz's, video's or we have guest speakers who talk on their personal
military experiences, or their military vehicles. We also have
very high quality beer at very reasonable prices. Do please come
along or you can contact me on
01608 811698 or at Goshahn@AOL.com
Many thanks. Tim Gosling (Area Secretary
North Oxon and Cotswolds MVT).
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