Papav66

But isn't it the case that if your vehicle is MOT exempt you can only legally tow an un-laden trailer?

Fascinating, whats happened to it now?

Well done & I enjoyed reading the article in October's issue of Military Machines

Posted elsewhere by LEI-12-HG This is not 'just another pillbox'. It is important because it forms a surviving example of one of the defences of a nodal point defensive system, which in the case of Shere, comprised of 18 WW2 anti-invasion defensive features, including an anti-tank ditch, a rare concrete roadblock and a perimeter of pillboxes. To find an intact, surviving example of a defended nodal point is rare indeed. Nodal points were points of defence, often called anti-tank islands. They were a conglomeration of defences to hold up an invading army. Few complete nodal points survive today. The reason why this site is particularly important, is because this nodal point was on the GHQ Line – Britain’s very last line of defence to stop the invaders breaking inland. The Shere nodal point was particularly vital to the GHQ Line because of its location and is mentioned on page 73 of ‘Ironside’s Line: The General Headquarters Line 1940-1942’ by Colin Alexander, Historic Military Press (1998): ‘Particular attention was given to the defences closing Combe Lane, Colekitchen Lane and White Downs Lane. …the defenders were rewarded with excellent views across the A25…’ The latest thinking in academic archaeological circles is that although individual surviving examples of sites are important, groupings of defences within their historic environment, showing the context of how a system worked are even more important. See the latest book by the Council for British Archaeology ‘Beaches, Fields, Streets, and Hills: The Anti-Invasion Landscapes of England, 1940’ by Dr William Foot (2006) This particular pillbox, a Type FW3/24, is listed on the Council for British Archaeology’s Defence of Britain online database at: http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/specColl/dob/ai_full_r.cfm?refno=10049&CFID=676627&CFTOKEN=78552193 It reveals that this pillbox was designed to give covering fire to a nearby anti-tank ditch. It is clear that the applicants are only trying to have the pillbox demolished for personal aesthetic reasons, rather than it being an obstruction or detrimentally affecting the structure of their house. So if you haven't objected yet, please consider doing so before its too late, cheers Paul

Another good little event that has just been cancelled due to camping field flooded. Was due 13 & 14 September just in case anyone was going. http://www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org/events.php#top

If you were thinking of objecting but not sure what to write then how about something along the lines of: I wish to object to the proposal, on the grounds that this Pillbox is an important piece of history and serves as a reminder of British Land Defences constructed during the 1940's for WW2 and must be preserved for future generations. It was sited there as its location was considered a strategic position to defend Colekitchen lane, which is now a public right of way. Many pillboxes have already been demolished before their historical importance had been recognised so we must save the remaining few. Many were and are inaccessible on private farmland, but as this particular one is on a public right of way its one of the few that gives the general public the opportunity to walk past and view without intrusion. This 2nd planning application proposes to demolish and merely mark its location. Removing the heritage of Colekitchen Lane is unacceptable. Although marking the site, would show the original location, it would completely destroy the strategic setting. Future generations walking in the area, will not be able to see the strategic location from a outline plan in a garden, even if it that was visible at all from the lane. If anyone else has other valid points then please post to help others. I will also try and find out what type of design the pillbox is to see how rare that type is. In the mean time here's a pic & its certainly not an eyesore.

Notice from their website: As of this morning 5th September the event location has suffered extensive flooding. With continued heavy rain forecasted for the rest of the weekend, we have been forced to cancel this year’s event. This extremely difficult decision was taken following discussions between the organisers, exhibitors, police and other safety services. It was based on concerns for the visitors and the disappointing conclusion was that we could not fully safeguard them or provide an event in these conditions deemed worthwile for them to visit. Despite a huge effort by everyone involved to improve the conditions of the waterlogged public car parks and ground display sites, it became clear that significant areas of the fields and of the battleground were unusable. Our sincere apologies goes out to everyone concerned and to you the general public that was looking forward to a special weekend. We would like to thank everyone concerned that has helped organise and has supported us this year. HOWEVER Saturday night’s Dinner Dance is STILL going ahead! For those people who have purchased tickets! People who turn up for the Saturday Dinner Dance without a pre-paid ticket will unfortunately be turned away.

Just got message that this show now been CANCELLED, comes as no surprise with this weather. So if you know anyone going or on there way please call them.

pm sent

Thanks Cat, if its good enough for marine then thats good enough for me.

Think a chap called Mick mentioned he was taking his, as photo on Evehsam thread, or give me a call tomorrow night & I can let you know if one is there.

On my K9 its not just the tyres that were switched but the rear wheels fitted other way round so as to widen the rear track slightly & increase stability + extra traction as the rear set are not exactly following same path if in a muddy rut.

I'm thinking of trying Owatrol, has anyone else used it? Owatrol Paint Conditioner is a unique paint additive that improves finish and eases application for the professional painter and decorator, especially in difficult conditions. Owatrol added to any oil-based paint, varnishes or stains will beat paint drag – reducing brush marks and improving coverage. Unlike thinners, which weaken the paint, Owatrol fortifies it – increasing penetration and adhesion to provide a longer-lasting finish that resists flaking and peeling. Owatrol can be used to combat rust wherever it occurs, penetrating deeply to stabilise the rust and prevent it reforming. Because of Owatrol’s ‘wetting’ properties, it penetrates through the rust to the sound metal, driving out any moisture and air; filling the rust pores with oil. Owatrol bonds with the rust to form a flexible protective coating which may be painted over without further preparation Do not overcoat or use Owatrol Oil with paints containing ‘hot’ solvents such as Xylene or two-part coatings. http://www.owatrol.uk.com

Just a few more details to help you with deciding. On the planning application there is a pdf file with a detailed drawing of the pillbox. Then if you click on the multimap link below, the pillbox is in the bottom ride hand corner of the property next to the drive, literally above the word 'kitchen' of Colekitchen, with its roof covered in vegetation. http://www.multimap.com/maps/?qs=GU5+9QB&countryCode=GB#map=51.22779,-0.44425|20|32&loc=GB:51.22441:-0.44431:16|GU5%209QB|GU5%209QB

Thanks, it just doesn't seem right to demolish it. So hopefully if many people send a short email they might just listen.

I just received this email from the Pillbox Study Group "Another planning application for the demolition of the Grade II Pillbox at Colekitchen Farm, Guildford has been received by Guildford Borough Council. The Pillbox Study Group was paramount in getting it stopped last year and we all need to act again NOW if we are to stop this farmer succeeding this year. You can view the planning application at: http://www.guildford.gov.uk/acolnet Put in the number: 08/P/01634 You must write another letter objecting to this NOW or it will be too late." So if you also feel strongly in objecting then please send an email to planningenquiries@guildford.gov.uk quoting the above number along with your objection.

Yes, that is Major Darek Celinski, who was only recognised recently and awarded the Officers Cross, Order of Resurrected Poland. At the age of 19 he ended up fighting for the Polish underground for 5 years. As Catweazle said, Darek lost his 14 year old brother & another later was gased. He also had to leave his Polish wife & daughter behind. In his slide presentation he showed some paperwork to include a list of 200 Polish names that was published monthly & if any German was killed then the next 200 would be killed, thousands were killed for no reason. To try and stave off a second Soviet invasion they fought for 63 days in cellars, and sewers, often with just knives. Forced to surrender to the Germans on the other front, Darek and his compatriots expected to be killed. He was held in a Nazi prison camp in Bavaria for eight months, when he lived on soup made from rotten vegetables. He still remembers clearly when General Patton's Third Army arrived to liberate them. The camp's commandant had marched forward to greet the Americans under a white flag, before being gunned down by the SS for admitting defeat. Freed, he joined the Polish Corps of the British Army in Italy, where he helped to rebuild the country's infrastructure. After finally going into exile in England, the pain continued. In 1966 his Mother was dying in Poland, he wanted to visit but as they were now under Communist rule he was told that if he did he would be arrested & unable to return to England. Now married to his second wife & has only recently been able to return to Poland to see his daughter. His presentation certainly brought tears to my eyes!

a chap who once banged the drums for the best rock 'n roll group in the country... Well spotted, that is John Coughlan driving around in his Simca Sumb

A calculated risk perhaps? I'm certainly not in favour of them restricting pw but the organisers seem to be a well organised team with a unique site & have managed it well so far. Their homepage says 'This year’s show commemorates the end of hostilities during WW2. The two day event is held over a 60 acre site, providing historical societies & re-enactments through various forces from several era's and theatres during the period of 1939-45. From Airmen to Infantry, the Victory Show 2008 opens a window in time to the fabulous 1940's. They are focused on this theme and whilst 60 acres sounds alot, 60 acres can soon be filled. oh well, think I've said enough, I'm looking forward to it & will see what happens.

website for more info + video http://www.victoryshow.co.uk/

Trick quest? none as Hotchkisses were made after the war. You might be surprised to hear that there were not many Jeeps in previous Victory shows

I agree it does cause a divide restricting pw & not healthy, but like it or not the majority of re-enactors there are ww2 purists & when they take pics of displays they don't want pw stuff in background. So the majority rules & doubt there is much we can do about it. Though looking on the re-enacting forum the show organisers will have to be careful that it doesn't just become a field full of tents. Not been to M.O. but have heard some of the comments. So even if I can't take my K9 there next year I would probably still visit as MOP as I rate this show.

I think they are looking at restricting it because they want to make this show different from the rest. Its organised by ww2 re-enactors so their preference is for a ww2 theme. As mentioned before its been a successful event so they can afford to be selective and ensure they are not swamped with Land Rovers etc. taking up lots of room. ww2 stuff already over-spilled into the second field/car park last year. Looking at their promo stuff, their objectives are to make this the 'Largest WWII Experience & Extravaganza in the UK'. So the organisers have clearly made this commitment & intend to stick to it, so why dilute it? Decision probably also down to available space, they already have about 300 mv's booked. So I can see there point, but would be disappointed if I couldn't get in next year, or perhaps post war stuff will just be moved further away. Or I'll just tow a ww2 bike next year. But then they did just go and shell out a large amount of money for the Vulcan so that kinda weakens their argument, but then that particular bird does help put bums on seats.

I did attend the dinner on the 2nd year but did prefer the atmosphere outside with lots of people around camp fires as the organisers provided piles of free logs for everyone

I intend to make the most of it, as this show has grown so much in the three years its been running that they intend to restrict or ban post war vehicles from future shows as they want it ww2 only. Perhaps you could bring a flag along for me please.