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A NEW East Sussex branch of the Military Vehicle Trust has been launched and its founder is already appealing for more volunteers to help support community events across the county.
Classic military vehicle enthusiast Rob Bryant has established the new branch after discovering East Sussex was one of the few areas in the country without its own local group.
The branch held its first official meet at The Yew Tree in Chalvington in April, attracting eight vehicles dating from the Second World War through to 1972.
But despite only launching two weeks ago, the new branch has already received requests to attend a number of local events and school fetes, with organisers now urgently seeking more military vehicle owners to get involved.
Rob, who owns a 1955 Austin Champ carrying the insignia of the former Royal Sussex Regiment, said he has so far only managed to gather four regular local attendees.
Speaking to Hailsham News, Rob said: “I do not want to let any of these worthy causes down, but I need more vehicles.
The new branch has already been invited to support events, including ECAT at Cross Levels Way on May 24, Little Common School Fete on June 27, events involving both the Hailsham and Heathfield Army Cadets, and a visit to Mais House Royal British Legion care home in Bexhill.
Rob has previously supported Hailsham’s Remembrance events for the past three years and Armed Forces Day celebrations in Eastbourne for the past two years.
The Military Vehicle Trust (MVT) describes itself as the world’s largest group of ex-military vehicle owners and enthusiasts, as well as the only charity dedicated to keeping our mechanical veterans alive.
Founded in 1968, the organisation supports people preserving historic military vehicles and aims to promote understanding of how such vehicles contributed to Britain’s military heritage.
Rob is now encouraging anyone in East Sussex who owns or has an interest in military vehicles to come forward and help grow the new branch.
Anyone interested in joining or supporting the East Sussex branch of the Military Vehicle Trust is encouraged to get in touch by emailing: sussexeastmvt@gmail.com
