For those of you who have read our earlier posts, you will know that Museum staff had a visit to the Tank Museum in Bovington at the end of April.

It was at this time that several members of staff managed to get a hold of tickets for the annual Tank Fest which took place on the 27th and 28th June.

We had a fantastic time watching tanks doing tours around the arena to a huge crowd and we even got a chance to see the tank tug of war!

Staff couldn’t help but think about how we could offer members of the public a similar experience – maybe a ride on our Scammell ‘Swampy’? Or maybe even our Western Star?

In other news, our World War Two 25 Pounder Field Guns were loaned out to 7 Air Assault Battalion, REME, who are based in Ipswich. Staff watched on as soldiers from REME and the RLC collected the Field Guns with a Man SVR vehicle – who needs Tank Fest!

The items were loaned out for use at the Summer Ball which had a VE day and 1940s theme. They fit in perfectly with other items of the era which we had loaned out.

All have now been returned to the Museum, and the next time they leave will be for their permanent home in Lyneham.

Another event which took place on the 1st July was the Arborfield Garrison Staff Garden Party. The event was held as a final thank you to all staff who have worked at Arborfield over the years. It was a great afternoon, helped by being one of the warmest days of the year. Though those who were playing cricket might not agree with that!

There was also a great display by the REME Parachute Team.

The designs for the Museum are progressing with rooms now having definite themes to them. As well as a World War Two gallery, we have rooms dedicated to the trades of the Corps (past and present), the lives of REME men and women when off duty, a room to celebrate the achievements of the Corps and a dedicated armoury to display the hundreds of weapons held in the collection.

Staff are currently busy doing Focus Groups with each of the trades to make sure that the information provided is accurate and comes direct from the men and women doing that job.

With only 3 months to go, the packing pace is picking up and we are starting to dismantle the displays around the vehicles in the Prince Philip Vehicle Hall. Now, how did they get that Scout up there?!