ORGANISERS of Lacock At War were hit by a double whammy of wet weather and memories of bad publicity from last year but organiser John Wardle remained upbeat.

Re-enactment groups and other military enthusiasts were out in force at Lacock but visitors were not seen in the big numbers experienced in previous years.

Mr Wardle from the West Wiltshire Area of the Military Vehicle Trust said: “People who are here are really enjoying themselves but the forecast was terrible so you can’t blame families for not turning out.

“But it is still going very well. We have 15 re-enactment groups here and lots of other clubs and displays.”

Last year the event was hit by bad publicity when a visitor claimed that some people taking part were dressed in Nazi uniforms.

At the time Mr Wardle, who is area secretary of the West Wiltshire Military Vehicle History Trust said it had been sensationalised by one person.

This year the organisers put up disclaimer notices saying that everything on display the responsibility of private individuals.

He said: “The show is about education not about glorifying war.”

In the mood to celebrate were Derek Bowyer from Melksham and his bride to be Gill Goodman who got engaged at the event after cementing their common interest in military history.

Darren and Mandy Thomas and their 15-year-old son Louis, who were dressed as soldiers from 11 Bravo, Vietnam were enjoying family time.

Mr Thomas said: “We got to a lot of shows and it is something we enjoy doing as a family.”

Dressed to impress was Kevin Porter from Melksham who is part of the Kennesau Confederates. He said: “I am very interested in the history of the American Civil War.”