John Keedwell obituary.

John Keedwell

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John Keedwell died peacefully at home on Friday 27th September 2019, after a relatively short battle against cancer.

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Our thoughts are with Mandy and the family.

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John was widely known for his ownership and involvement with historic vehicles and machinery, and joined the Military Vehicle Conservation Groups, as the MVT was known then, back in April 1980. For many years, John was the lead member of the annual military vehicle shows at Berkley Castle, followed by years running national shows at Kemble.

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In April 2001 John joined the MVT’s Council of Management, providing guidance on all aspects of running shows and events. Consequently organisers would contact John to ask his advice on various aspects of running a public event, be they large or small.

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As legislation moved on, John helped event organisers with risk assessments and then later arranged the first safety trainings via his connections in the traction engine world.

These proved successful and safety training has continued since. Whilst John was often a voice of reason and experience at Council meetings with his dry humour and quiet delivery, his focus in recent times has been to look after and arrange the bookings of the Trust’s publicity trailer and its transport to shows and events up and down the country.

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John was one of those early enthusiasts who laid the foundations of the hobby we all know and love today. He will be sadly missed by so many of us involved in the restoration and use of our historic vehicles.

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Thank you John.