John Blackman

A contributor has sent in to me at CMV the text of a feature profiling the Bedford MK/MJ - but no pix. I've only couple of pics in my files to illustrate it and I'm looking for one or both (not sure I can tell the difference!) to shoot. Anyone out there got an example in good nick they'd like to see spread all over a CMV feature?? I'm Essex based by the way. Thanks guys John Blackman

As a matter of interest I'm meeting the guy with the task of assembling said vehicles next Friday - Major Mike Whatley, he's an mv collector/enthusiast in his own right - very enthusiastic and knowledgable. Should be an absolutely superb event. Hope to get something more about it for the next CMV.

Those of you unfortunate enough not to subscribe will have to wait till it hits the shelves of W H Smith Friday 16th. Not sure why subscribers get their's first - probably because they come direct from Kelsey rather than via a distributor. Its odd really - as this one comes out, I'm pretty much finishing the next one. I think we've manged to keep Lee whatsisiname and Big John out of it for once. And its going up to 96 pages!! ...and Ian... great pics!!

You cancelled your sub! Thank god I didn't put you on the cover. ...... Whoops, I just deleted the Essex Armour & Softskin Show from the events listing.. the Secret Bunker show has just got that bit more secret. Only kidding. By the way, i fyou think geting your name wrong is bad, wait to you see what pic I used of you!

Sorry Lee - got yr surname wrong again (!) .. you should have corrected me the first timeI did it. Anyway, what's wrong with Mansworthy? Quite an upper class sounding name. Colonel Mansworthy...Brigadier Mansworthy .. sounds good. :-) I also said the Fox and Scimitar shared the same turret - they don't - its the Sabre. See what happens when Alvis make all the CVR(T) names so similar - bound to cause confusion when the fingers have trouble typing what the brain's thinking.

This is one subject where you should get the answer direct from the horses mouth- ie Customs & Excise. Check their website or give them a call. Many (if not most) imports from outside the EU are subject to a) a customs duty, plus b) VAT at 17.5% (our rate not the vendor's) on the value of the item PLUS its shipping cost. Yes, really! Some imports 'slip' through the net, but something the sizeof an mv might not. You never know, there may be some exception relating to articles of historical interest or whatever ( I doubt it) but check with C&E or you could have a nasty surprise. Good luck.