Sunday afternoon saw Rob trying to lead our convoy into the display arena - we really did need his blues and twos! As usual David Bowyer and the arena programme was running late. When we eventually made it we formed an impressive line up of 16 Land Rovers of various Marks some with trailers and Dave Fish with his artillery piece. Anthony received an arena award for his hard work in fettling his Arctic 90 and EMLRA were awarded the Visitors Award for the best Club display. It was good to have so many vehicles on the display, at its peak we had 18 vehicles on the plot plus trailers, plus gun, plus tents. As far as I recall the largest number of vehicles we've ever had at Billing. We had a good range of vehicles present and a number of new members at an EMLRA display for the first time - I hope we didn't put them off attending future EMLRA events!

Most members present at Billing will know that Dave Simpkins, our illustrious Chairman, was not enjoying the best of health at the show and his condition was not helped by those of us who kept trying to make him laugh. Dave couldn't make the show on Sunday and on Monday found himself in hospital - a bit extreme to avoid doing the arena commentary and writing this report!

Arrived Thursday AM to be greeted by rain that ranged from drizzle to heavy - not a good omen as the ground was already very soft from a downpour the previous evening. Thank goodness the weather improved as the weekend progressed. We were in our traditional position backing onto the stream which provided "walk the plank" amusement and bombing runs by enormous dragonflies! By late Friday morning the dining shelter and the large cam nets were erected, the number of vehicles on display began to grow and continued to grow throughout the weekend. The pressure on stand space was a major problem and we gradually encroached on the adjacent Craddock's stand, the cul-de-sac and the nearby RRR stand and still space was tight! As the weekend progressed unauthorised parking became a problem in the access roads around the display, several members having problems getting their vehicles out to go the arena. We were pleased to welcome James Taylor and the Editorial team from LRE onto the stand. They were very impressed with Eddie's Mine Protected 109 and dragged him (and vehicle) off for a photo shoot. Watch out for the article in a future LRE. We also took the opportunity to introduce ourselves to Pat Ware, the new military correspondent for LRE. Eddie got a further taste of fame as an American magazine reporter took a great interest in his 109 (Dave Fish was acting as Eddie's agent at this point - so if we have problems with the state side media we know who to blame!). Mark Finch and Dave Simpkins excelled themselves with the traditional Billing BBQ, the well-fed multitude enjoying Mark's culinary expertise.

Report: Peter Barratt. Photos: Peter Barratt and Young O’Neills