SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

The "New army truck" thread in the transport section reminded me of something I was going to ask you all a while ago but it slipped my memory until now.A while ago I was chatting with a friend who is a big military fan and I told him of a massive exibition I remembered visiting in roundhay park many years ago. It was a show of just about everything to do with the army of the day and I'm not sure if there wasn't air force and navy representation there as well but I remember having a flight in a helicopter over the park and surrounding area, I was only young at the time, still at school in Huddersfield and one of my abiding memories of the whole day was a massive thunderstorm while we were waiting in line at the top of the park to board one of a fleet of shuttle buses and travelling home soaked to the skin.My query is thus - Does anyone else remember this show, was it a one off or an anual event that changed locations year by year and what year was it actually staged ( Armex75 sticks in my mind but I'm not certain ) ??

I can remember handling a Sten Gun at at an event in Roundhay Park, might have just been an army tent at another show though, that would have been about 78.

Cardiarms wrote: I can remember handling a Sten Gun at at an event in Roundhay Park, might have just been an army tent at another show though, that would have been about 78. I think it may have been one of the Leeds Gala's that was held in the 70's or a Printer's Sports day that were also held there. The Army always had a strong presence at this sort of thing in those days. There was one year where torrential rain started in the middle of the afternoon and everyone ran for their cars creating a huge traffic jam on soldiers field and the road past the park.People were absolutelysoaked through getting on buses.

I can remember going to Leeds Gala when there was a large army presence. I don't know if they were there every year, but this was mid - late 60s. I got to sit in the gunner's seat of a Chieftain tank. I vividly recall that I looked through the sights and they were aimed at an ice-cream van.

Big NI fondly remember these. They were good fun and I'm still able to fast-change barrels on a Bren. I don't know why they stopped? Used to pull the crowds in.    

Si wrote: I can remember going to Leeds Gala when there was a large army presence. I don't know if they were there every year, but this was mid - late 60s. I got to sit in the gunner's seat of a Chieftain tank. I vividly recall that I looked through the sights and they were aimed at an ice-cream van. This is just as I remember it(not the rainy one)...was a much better day and you could climb onto/inside all sorts of military vehicles.Very enjoyable it was too !

somme1916 wrote: Si wrote: I can remember going to Leeds Gala when there was a large army presence. I don't know if they were there every year, but this was mid - late 60s. I got to sit in the gunner's seat of a Chieftain tank. I vividly recall that I looked through the sights and they were aimed at an ice-cream van. This is just as I remember it(not the rainy one)...was a much better day and you could climb onto/inside all sorts of military vehicles.Very enjoyable it was too ! Yes, I remember the day as being hot and sunny, so not the same event as BigN's. There were other vehicles like a Saracen (or Saladin?) and Bedford truck, I think.    

The Alvis 6x6 Amphibious Stalwart looked good, then + now, handy for the riverside city living.http://youtu.be/3mr_pCrhTkk    

Si wrote: somme1916 wrote: Si wrote: I can remember going to Leeds Gala when there was a large army presence. I don't know if they were there every year, but this was mid - late 60s. I got to sit in the gunner's seat of a Chieftain tank. I vividly recall that I looked through the sights and they were aimed at an ice-cream van. This is just as I remember it(not the rainy one)...was a much better day and you could climb onto/inside all sorts of military vehicles.Very enjoyable it was too ! Yes, I remember the day as being hot and sunny, so not the same event as BigN's. There were other vehicles like a Saracen (or Saladin?) and Bedford truck, I think.     Eeee lad,happy memories from being a young lad in Leeds....it impressed my brother that much he joined the TA ! Was a thing you "did",the Gala-a rights of passage like attending the Harewood Hill Climb ! That'll probably set somebody off now !

All you men get together and have a break at the Tankfest Bovington cos you'd love it.If you've got your health and can afford to go then get gone!It's a great place for all the family.