Can we cope with the larger than life Canadians I wonder. . . . .

Let me just report how it is, and not comment or derive opinions.

As many have reported, the "tasty" stuff at Beltring is largely gone now as these people will not pay the fees now levied, I will not be there, Ballard(s) wont be there and I understand the Oxford LRDG and a seriously tasty suite of CMPs wont be there.

I understand that IMPS have served papers on the high-profile organiser because of the breach of contract and company law illegalities.

Reports received in this forum suggest the substantial fees levied on exhibitors have not produced any facility improvement, in fact reported here is a scenario of grossly unacceptable provision of sanitation and a statement by the organiser that the facilities generally are indeed wholly overstretched.

I understand one of the two well known and substantial exhibitors with a raft of nearly unique and stunningly restored heavy German kit called the other organising party that owns/leases the Hop Farm.

His request was that perhaps an arena slot could be arranged where he and the very few others with this stuff could demonstrate and narrate these rare an wonderful machines without always being obliged to show these things complete with pretend Wehrmacht/SS soldiers firing blanks, clambering all over the vehicles and complaining that he and his drivers refuse to dress-up. The continuance of this situation was unacceptable and he would not probably then bring the collection along if it continued.

The answer was that they couldn't care less, numbers through the gates was all that mattered and the space left could be easily filled with Land Rovers.

He than called the other high-profile organiser hoping to get a more sympathetic hearing, but in fact the same statements were made.

You know my feelings and can deduce what you will from the above. I have obviously not named anyone as it is unnecessary and I can vouch for the source who I know extremely well and respect greatly. I will not enter into any discussion, we've been there, and have just attempted to report blandly what developments have apparently transpired.

R.