Dads Army star

Alongside veterans soldiers and veteran vehicles a veteran TV star will be appearing at the KM War and Peace Show between 16th - 20th July at the Hop Farm Country Park.

Colin Bean, who played Private Sponge in the hit comedy "Dads Army" will be joining the display of a local film club "the Barmy Army" for the duration of the show.

The Barmy Army Film club are based in Maidstone and started meeting through a common interest in Dads Army, film and military vehicles. The club make short films, the first one being put together in 4 days in 1988. After the first film, floods of offers from other enthusiasts came in and the second project began. "The Recruitment Drive", an hour long film which took a year to complete between 1990-1991. The group is now producing their 5th film , "The Wooden Wonder", based on the home guard in Kent in 1940. The clubs' aim is raise money for the RAF benevolent fund.

Colin Taylor, chairman of the club met Colin Bean 10 years ago at the unveiling of a blue plaque for other cast members of "Dads Army".  Colin Bean then became patron of the club, lending his support and encouragement to the group's efforts.

"Since writing a few notes on the back of an envelope in 1987, we have managed to bring together WW2 enthusiasts, vehicle owners, veterans and even an ex dads army star", said Colin Taylor, group chairman, "the Barmy Army film club will go on defending the South Coast  - and the memory of those who have defended it before".

Colin Bean will be camping with the group throughout the show and  visitors are welcome to visit the group's encampment and say hello!

The War and Peace Show is open from 9am - 6pm, 16th-20th July.  Further information can be obtained on the Hop Farm event line on 01622 872068.