The post you are reporting:
It has been said, justifiably, that we did not have as many military vehicles and re-enactors as usual though we did retain our usually good selection of civilian vehicles over the two days (some only on Sunday).
The explanation relates to two causes both related to the 65th Anniversary of D day.
One jeep arrived at Pencester at 8am Saturday having just got off the ferry after 10 days in Normandy. This dedicated chap told me that a lot of his mates were not coming back until Sunday late so would miss our event, he drove on home that evening after a full day in Pencester. He came on ahead just to support our event. So that is clearly one reason for a lack of vehicles.
The other, of course, relates to competing events. Some were moved to our weekend because they clashed with the 65th so those vehicles and re-enactors available were spread too thinly. There was, incidentally two other dances in Dover sat night and other 40's dances elsewhere in Kent that detracted from ours re-arranged to 'our' date for afforsaid reason.
The centre of our weekend, however, has always been the entertainment and that was better and more varied than ever thanks to some very talented new performers and acts that we introduced. Incidentally the variety does not come accross in the programme, Dickie Lines had two different routines he used and the USO show included acts that were not on the schedule.
All exhibitors said how much they enjoyed our weekend, thats entertainers, vehicle owners and traders and they all want to return. One chap, a trader, who drove all the way from Dorset, said that the amount of money he makes is secondary to his enjoyment of the weekend. he does not make a great amount at our small event but he made me promise to invite him back...That says it all really.
So sorry if some vehicle enthusiasts were disappointed, I hope you enjoyed the entertainers instead. Next year we should be able to avoid a major clash, certainly locally, but of course we cannot speak for elsewhere in the country!!