War and Peace Show Warms Up

A cold dismal day in January is a far cry from the dusty climate the War and Peace Show, held at the Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood, usually enjoys. But that is exactly what greeted 300 re-enactors who journeyed down to the farm on the weekend of 17th & 18th January.

22 second world war re-enactment groups from all over the UK and Europe travelled down to the home of the biggest military vehicle show in the world, to take part in a "Battle of the Bulge" scenario recreation. Both Allies and Axis groups battled through Saturday, stopping for a friendly evening's entertainment, and carrying on on Sunday morning.

Peter Mooney, organiser of the weekend said, "The Hop Farm is a perfect venue for recreations due to the variety of ground available, open fields, rivers and tree lines. Everyone had a fantastic time and it was good to use the Hop Farm in a different context, whilst being very familiar with the site from War and Peace. Although it wasn't a public event, I think we may have surprised some walkers who met a group of WW2 soldiers in the woods!"

Groups who took part included the Second Battle Group, Hampshires, US 29th, US Rangers and Basingstoke Para's. All of whom take part in the War and Peace Show held in July. Careful planning is already taking place to ensure that the re-enactments at this years show are as spectacular as ever and the D-Day landings of 60 years ago will provide the theme.

The War and Peace Show takes place on the 21st - 25th July 2004. For further details visit http://www.thewarandpeaceshow.com/

-ENDS-