salisbury plain expo

[HarryMann]

Oh! Thanks to Julia for the lovely slice of carrot cake proferred, accepted and consumed within a minute of arrival at the campsite

And a very big thanks to Doug for bringing shedloads of waffle baords nicely cut up and parcelled for everyone

[syncroandy]

I had a great time with you all, so a big thanks to Neil for setting it up. Did Roger get a mention for bringing that barbie again ? Really nice fire on that first starry night.

[HarryMann]

And a very big thanks to Roger for bringing the half-drum barbie again - perfect!

[JennyTyger]

A few piccies from the weekend:

















This plaque was erected by Wiltshire County Council to commemorate VE and VJ days in tribute to the considerable sacrifice to the war effort made by the people of Imber, who gave up their homes in December 1943 in order that the military training ground could be extended. Imber has remained under military control and the Parish was abolished in 1991 (despite being promised their homes would be returned after the war)

Little Imber on the Downe,

Seven miles from any Towne,

Sheep bleats the unly sound,

Life twer sweet with ne'er a vrown,

Oh let us bide on Imber Downe.

—Anon

The church was open - a rare occasion - and was offering tea and biscuits whilst visitors browsed the many pictures of the pretty pre-war village and many sad histories and documents of moving the occupants out in 1943. All now demolished - replaced by a formulaic military training village very similar to the 'German village' up on the downs.

[freej]

hey! would love to see the pics Doug took of us driving over the Badger sets if poss!! (sounds harsh but there was no way we could reverse up the deep rutted track!) many thanks, Ben

[HarryMann]

Hehe! When we came along I thought someone had tried to block the track to stop its use

[syncrodoug]

Just for Ben and chloe....

[freej]

Cool!! Cheers Doug, a great perspective in this photo... also a great memory.

many thanks

Ben and Chloe