Correspondence / Event feedback

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Hello chaps,                   Thanks for playing host to us at what was another spectacular event. Pleased it went well for you & was relieved that the Panorama programme didn’t mention M.O. as many feared it would. Can you pass on our thanks to all of your stewards for being as professional, organised, courteous and indeed visible as ever. Kindest regards Dan Shadrake (Britannia).

Dear Gary and Debby, Just a short note to thank you for yet another splendid time at this years Mil. Ody. I e-mailed you last year to say thank you and to ask if I could be parked up near to the toilets 'cause of my age, it was with some trepidation that I drew up to the check-in point on thursday with Bertha my Morris 15 cwt and the very helpful young lady processed my paperwork. Ok she said, we will find you a spot. I replied that I had e-mailed previosly asking for a specific consideration. Yes she replied, I know about this. She then called another marshal over and instructed him to guide me to mv row c where I could not have asked for more. In my opinon it is attention to small detail like that which makes your show so special. Many thanks again, should I be selected for next year's show I would be grateful if you could allow me the same courtesy with my parking place. Best wishes to you both, John Wheatley (v106)

hello, i am just writing this to let you know how much i absolutley love Military odyssey... this year was my 4th year and it keeps getting better and better!!! i an part of Regia Anglorum re-enactment group and we love coming to detling!! my whole family loves it and it is always sad to leave on monday night.. i always start doing a countdown to the next one when i get home.. congratulations on yet another great military odyssey!!!! thanks a lot  karl (emailed)

Just to let you all know that Sunday was probably one of the best days I have ever had out with my lad.  Everyone was really friendly and their was lots to try your hand at, this was more than just the show where you go and look, you could take part. FANTASTIC!  One thing to consider, and maybe this is for the people who run the ground, is for a cash machine to be installed in the undercover market.  I did not take much cash and most of the stalls were not taking cards.  There was a machine detailed in the programme but I couldn't find it.  I could have easily blown around £100 at the trade stalls.  On the plus side it did save me from a verbal with the Mrs when I got home! Looking forward to coming again next year to see all the things I did not have time for, Mike and Alex Ivatt (emailed)

We all had a wonderful time -even the dog-and my son had to go back for a second day as he was so thrilled by it all-he also filled the boot With his purchases-he has supplied half his ACF detachment with 'bargains'!  Thank you for a well run event-if you have an e-mail update system for info on next year put us on it. Barbara Tilbury (emailed)

Dear Deborah and Gary Just a note to say what a brilliant time Mike and I had at your show yesterday.  The organisation for people with disabilities was the best we have seen at any event.  The marshal's couldn't have been more helpful.  The disability vehicle also made a great deal of the difference to Mike. Sorry that we didn't manage to link up on the day, but we hope you had areally successful day (without too much stress). Bye for now and thanks for a great day out. Kindest regards Carol x (emailed)

Dear Gary, Thanks for putting on another superb show!  It just keeps getting better every year! All the best Pete Knight (emailed)

Dear Gary, On behalf of our group, I would like to say thank you for the slick presentation of your show last weekend. The marshalls were most helpful and courteous.  The food for the re-enactors was very good and great value for money. All the events went off on time, that we were in as well. Plus we met some very nice people which includes yourself of course.  It was a real pleasure to die behind your meat chopper, and watch the action, during the battle. Many thanks for the award that we won, it was nice to be appreciated, for all the work that we had put in. Hopefully we fulfilled our contract and we did all you wanted of us. Also that you were pleased with what we built and showed off, to your paying public.  Also we hope that we did all the clearing up that was required.  Certianly if you would like us back next year, you can count on us.                    Our very best Airborne regards,                     Colin and Ian Dewey (emailed)

FAO: Deborah Howard  We would love to congratulate you on a superb show.  My little boy, who's ticket you sent separately enjoyed it immensely and cannot wait until next years.  Many thanks for sending his ticket so promptly, if you recall it was missing from the first bunch.  Jane Slender Maidstone  (emailed)

Deborah, Just a quick line to say thanks for having us this year at the show and we look forward to coming to next years show! Stuart Humphrey UK Tank Club Membership Secretary (emailed)  PS Loved the Huey!!

Hello Gary, It's Melanie here who runs the 42nd Field Hospital! Just wanted to say how pleased the girls and I were to hear that we had won at the weekend alongside the other S.A.R.A. groups.  Needless to say we are all absolutely thrilled, still can't quite believe it!  This was the sixth year that we have displayed at Detling and the event itself gets better and better every year.  It is extremely well organised and a pleasure to attend. Thanks again, Melanie. (emailed)

Dear Gary & Deborah, Just another email from me from another year thanking you for another stonking show which cannot be equalled. I should just send you the same email each year as you always pull out the stops and deliver way beyond the rest. I am disappointed (and somewhat astounded) to see that even your great organisational skills could not control the weather, but I guess after 5 years you had to luck out once! Seriously, we enjoyed it hugely, had some really genuinely interested public round for some excellent conversations and we bought even more old Eastern European junk for our display for next year. One last "fantastic job!" for you and we look forward to 2007! Have a good long relax now its over! Andy (emailed) Paddock Wood Controlling Rezident Kent Military District

Hello, my husband and i have just retuned from your fantastic show, missed loads but saw plenty, next year were going early, lovely atmosphere, great for the kids, very educational, we had a really great afternoon, thank you Jean Bentley (emailed)

My family came to this years military odyssey on Monday and despite the rain had a really good day...... we've booked our holiday for the same time next year so hopefully will be coming to next years event.  Val Whiston (emailed)

One of the best days this year 2005, I want to thank all of the Military Odyssey group and to Rod and the SOSKAN group for supplying me with my uniform, (all the other re-enactors to well done) No disappointment at all.  The world war two battle on Sunday was magnificent. I couldn't believe the scale of it.  A great day out and I recommend it to anyone. EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT TOO INTERESTED IN HISTORY.   Fab day thanks WE WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR. Nick Seymour,Walton-On-Thames,Surrey (email)

My wife and I would like to say A BIG THANK YOU, to you and all the workers who come together to make a great show, we spent the whole weekend with you on site and thoroughly enjoyed every minute, as my wife is badly disabled it made a change to go to a show where everything is accessible, once again a big thanks to you all. see you next year.... George & Leasa Aldous (email)

Hi Gary & Deborah, I felt it important to say thank you for a great show.  It is nice to have a chance to go to a show knowing how well it is run, both the dances were fantastic, I have the paperwork for next year and will return to you soon, I would be grateful if we could have the same site.  I hope you both have a chance for a break soon, take care. Kindest Regards Clive Richards Trader

Hello  We attended the show at Detling Monday 29th August this year 2005.   What a show, very impressed didn't get to see it all, didn't buy a programme, which proved to be a mistake and only attended one day and that also proved to be a mistake but you learn by your mistakes.  Very professional the parts we did see and what a turn out of people.  A great way of learning history and as we used to belong to a re-enactment American Civil War groups Col John Mosby Rangers, 35 years ago, who were raiders for the grey ghost, Gen Robert E Lee, in those days it was the max carle company.  We did meet a few old forgotten friends, mind you all those years ago nothing was available so we had to make all our own uniforms, we were amazed at the amount of stuff that now is available. Anyway waffled on enough just to say great show, and we will be coming for the three days next year . regards Ian and Jan Underwood (email)

Hi Guys Just wanted to drop you a line and say we had a great show and had a lot of fun.Congratulations on the event and all the hard work you and your team put in to it. All the best Bob Neville King & Country Trader

Thank you both (and indeed all your team) for a truly great weekend once again.All my lads/lasses thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Your team was very visible, courteous and helpful. All the best Dan of Brittania

Hi Gary & Deborah, Yet another great show - very successful for us. Will send new booking form shortly for 2006 Regards, Tony. Trader

Hi Deborah & Crew Well done with another fantastic event. The organising of such a huge event can only be applauded as you all brought it off so well, even the weather on your side! Put us down for the same pitch next year, loved every minute of it!!!!! Excellent, can't wait 'till next year............. Kind regards Denis Exall & Godfrey Wallam Traders

Hi Gary & Deborah. My first word must be a very big "Thank You" for this years Military Odyssey Show and second must be to the re-enactors who put on the best performances I've ever seen and third for the wild party on Saturday night. We all had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend, Thank you both, staff and all.  Also, some friends came to the show this year and never realised what it has to offer in historical diversity and entertainment. I sincerely hope all the preparation and hard work has paid off, the weather is always the key and that clearly was in your favour. Phil Pescod

Dear Gary and Deborah Just a little note to say thank you both, the show was AExcellent@, once again, and everyone said what a great time they were having.  Please provisionally book us two pitches for next year and our booking form will be in the post. With kindest regards Steve and Suzie Massey Pathfinder Services (Shooting Range) Isle of Wight

Dear Gary and Deborah Just a short note to say thank you so much for a great weekend last bank holiday at Military Odyssey.  The weather was great as well.  I look forward to returning next year. Our best wishes Linda and Neil Slade Paddock Wood, Kent

Dear Deborah and Gary I have attended the above event each year in my small VW Jeep and I would like to record how pleased I am that you so kindly send me an invitation. I have several old motor cycles and throughout the Rally Season I attend many vehicle shows on one of these or the VW> I am totally impressed with your organisation of the Odyssey, but one of the outstanding features is the total lack of vehicle movements during the day. I have little doubt that after attending Vehicle Rallies for over twenty years you will receive complaints. I would like you to know that without doubt your Show is the most well prepared and organised I attend, that is not a criticism of other events as they all have their own problems. The work you put in over the course of a year to prepare for the Show must be enormous and I am certain everyone attending congratulates you on this. I hope you will continue with the Odyssey and I look forward to attending future events. I thank you for all you have done. Ron Gamage

Dear Deborah and Gary On behalf of the Royal Tank Regiment Association I would like to say "Thank You" for allowing us to occupy a pitch at this years Military Odyssey. We thoroughly enjoyed the show as well as being able to talk to so many Ex-servicemen. I think we have managed to recommend many people to come along next year. There was so much going on, and so much to see. Everyone we spoke to were very complimentary about your show.  Once again Many Thanks. Trevor Dady President - The Royal Tank Regiment Association, Medway Branch

This was our first visit to Military Odyssey and the only disappointment we had was that we had missed three previous years!  We thought that it could have been "just another military show" - how WRONG were we.  This is the most educational, interesting and thoroughly enjoyable show we have ever been to.  Well done Military Odyssey team and keep up the good work!  We shall definitely be back next year.  John Fischer and family, Chelmsford, Essex.

I have been to Military Odyssey every year since it started in 2001 and it just keeps getting better!  How do you keep thinking of different things to amaze and surprise us visitors!  It is also a pleasure to see small but meaningful improvements every year.  A few seating for next year please!  This would make an excellent show into a VERY excellent show for me!  Donald Wise, Sutton, Surrey.

As a truly superbly run event, one would think God run it - however, I know this not to be true as the weather would be perfect every year!  Apart from that (which I know is out of your control) - bloody well done!  Harry Crowe, East Farleigh, Kent.

I just had to write a quick note to you to express my Families sincere thanks for organising such a great show at the weekend. We were the Family that saw you just after the spectacular WWII battle scenario on Saturday, to express our congratulations for a superb show! Military Odyssey 2003 was a truly fantastic day out for all the family. It was the first time we had attended having had prior commitments in previous years, but we were thrilled not to of missed it this time around and I can assure you that the dates for next years event have already been marked on the calendar. I realise that you couldn't do all the organising yourself and must have a considerable backing from numerous helpers, could we please ask you to pass on our thanks to them for their hard work and commitment. I'm sure there must have been times in the lead up to the show when people were pulling their hair out and saying "why do we bother", well I can assure you and all those associated with the organising that your efforts were certainly worthwhile. We would like to congratulate all the Living History and re-enactment associations for putting on outstanding displays around the show ground and in the numerous arenas. They certainly made the History we all read about come to life, and were so willing to talk about and show things that they had on display far better than looking at them behind glass in a museum, it all made for a wonderful Historical atmosphere. My sister's children were totally absorbed by it all; there was so much to see that we  wished we could have returned on Sunday. It was a great day out for all the Family of all ages. One thing we would have like to ask is could you book the same weather for next year! Peter Keegan, Tondridge Kent