Wiltshire Man Visits Imber Village Easter 2024

[@AtomP-l6s]

Sandy I have followed your chanel loyalty ..You Trashed our British Army. I did 22 yrs infantry we needed Imba for FIBUA training. Blame the Politians not military.

[@WiltshireMan]

Ultimately I don't blame the Army but the likes of despots like Hitler, I understand the need for FIBUA training but I am saddened at the loss of what was such a beautiful village and also some quite ancient archaeology. Also I believe the British army could have handled things better with regards to the former residents. They were told they could come back but sadly this was not the case

[@AtomP-l6s]

@@WiltshireMan i agree but we Army never be had say in this

[@roofsshower9541]

Thank you for this wonderful video about Imber Village. Tyneham Village in Dorset suffered the same way - all residents were ordered to leave, also in 1943, so that the military could train in the area during World War 2. They were also told that once the war was over they could return but they were never allowed to return and the military still use the land now. As they left Tyneham in 1943 the residents left a note on the church door which said "Please treat the church and houses with care. We have given up our homes, where many of us have lived for generations, to help win the war to keep men free. We will return one day and thank you for treating the village kindly,"

[@grahambarber2766]

And now the Gunnery School at Lulworth is a source income and employment for most of the local community and wider economy. Sadly war always comes at a high price for everyone at both ends of the barrel. Maybe just be grateful for the sacrifices people made and move on.

[@Andyb2379]

The sacrifice of war. Poor Albert & the rest of villagers. I hope they are at peace now. Very interesting Sandy thank you for bring us along.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hitler had to be defeated but a heavy price was paid Andy

[@LindaCharles-sg6mz]

Gosh that brought a tear to my eye to see Albert Nash's grave and his photo. Thank you Sandy for sharing this, how tragic!

[@010Tracer]

The training in Imber has saved many lives speaking as an ex service man

[@RMSadventures-ie4fr]

22:00 he said it best, "like all wars it destroys everything, and doesn't always achieve much"

[@soldier-Dave]

I would just like to acknowledge the fact that you have been producing fantastic videos now for 14 YEARS!! Well done Sir ! Dave🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Dave

[@DanOpdal]

Another wonderful video, Sandy! Interesting, but sad place. Very well documented. A very nice road trip. Cheers!

[@johnimmins7302]

I do enjoy these ride outs with the boys, if I lived closer, I would loved to have joined you all. 😊👍🏍

[@MadDogSurvival]

Excellent! I believe that it’s the only place where you can find the tank crossing sign! The military practice house to house combat clearance as well as armoured vehicles training. Still a shame we had to lose a beautiful English village. Nice tribute to Mr Nash Sandy. Safe travels and very best wishes 👍🏻👍🏻😎

[@andypotts8062]

An excellent yet sad video. What a beautiful place Imber looked in the old photos. The church is lovely but looks out of place amongst all those military buildings. Sad story about the blacksmith. It was great you met some relatives of villagers in the old Chapel graveyard. Many thanks Sandy and best wishes.

[@billywhittaker5222]

Hi Sandy, I just wanted to say how much my wife and I love watching your videos! The motorcycling, camping, cycling and travel, very interesting and informative! I have just modified my Himalayan (2019 same colour as chug) airbox the same as in this video, thank you so much for the information, it really does feel better! I'm going to fit a decat downpipe next, but keep the standard silencer, as I don't want to make it louder. Also, following one of your old videos when you had the kinked brake pipe, I have modified mine by having a new hose made by HEL performance, it is the same as Royal Enfield fitted from 2021 onwards and is much better routed, along with RE guides. (Unfortunately I couldn't just fit a later standard Enfield hose as the union to the ABS unit is different on the earlier models) Shaun at HEL has kept my dimensions if anyone else wants one making. Keep up the great work! We look forward to seeing many more videos! Take care and ride safe, Bill and Debbie (also run a 2021 V85TT) 👍😎

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Bill, Sofar the replacement brake hose on my bike has been OK, maybe they had a bad batch!

[@nephewbob7264]

Indeed, the sacrifices made by the villagers were devastating to them, but if not for these sacrifices, you might well be speaking German today. The villagers are every bit as much heroes as those who fought. And today we celebrate One who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good of man. Happy Easter, Sandy.

[@WiltshireMan]

Might be speaking German or possibly more probable) I wouldn't have been born!

[@jayxrt385]

God bless albert😢. Great video as always Sandy 🙏🙏

[@rosa2266]

Thankyou a Very interesting ride out to a historic village which was very pretty.but was needed for the War effort

[@tojj29]

A very wise man once said..."like all wars it destroys everything, and doesn't always achieve much". That sums up world history in one sentence. Imber's story mirrors that of Tyneham in Dorset just down the road from me. A very sad situation that in times of war became a necessity for more than one area. Nice video Sandy, enjoyed that, thank you.

[@billminshall7775]

thank you sandy i have watched alot of your very interesting video s i am a fellow wiltshire man i live on the edge of salisbury plain you have opened my eyes to how i love wiltshire

[@WiltshireMan]

Nice place to live Bill, Wiltshire has a lot to offer

[@jameswalksinhistory3848]

Totally enjoyed your trip Sandy-Thank you (Imber being so local- I find that I rarely visit these days as soulless and crowded )

[@foxglove8836]

That is sad, But there are many more like that 😞. That takes me back to my training days. Very interesting thank you. Take care be happy.

[@Dave64track]

What a beautiful location good to see you guys out on the bikes. It's such a shame about the village it's got so much history thanks for sharing and taking us along on your trip.

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks, Sandy. I always enjoy your history lessons. Happy Easter. 🙂👍🐰🐤

[@WiltshireMan]

Happy Easter Brian:)

[@colinmyler4092]

Well done Sandy another great record of our day out to Imber. Thanks for all the research you do to make sure you're video's have so much information and history attached. The before and after pictures really added quality to the story of Imber.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Colin, I do enjoy making these little videos and they will also be great reminders for us all to look back on in the future:)

[@neildeshane6544]

Sandy, thank you so much for another wonderful video. Neil in Pontypool , Ontario, Canada.

[@davidginn8448]

Another very interesting video Sandy, thanks as always for taking us along with you.

[@simonwiltshire]

Ive never been able to see that place myself so cheers for showing it to us!

[@roviwoteap2375]

Thanks for taking us there Sandy. Hopefully, I’ll get to visit the place in the near future. Nice seeing the before and after shots.

[@tonypatey5669]

Absolutely fantastic video. This is my kind of video. The history so close at your hands is immense. You are so fortunate. Through your lens I get to see it. Smashing. This Friday, after Two months, I am finally going home. Very excited. Thanks for sharing. Tony.

[@WiltshireMan]

Great news Tony, sounds like your on the mend

[@tonypatey5669]

@@WiltshireMan Thank you Sandy, your videos have helped me, inspiring. Tony.

[@chrissteer9215]

Gosh that was interesting Sandy there’s another village in the Purbeck hills on military land Tyneham village which is open most weekends and the old cottages are still there well worth a visit.

[@ostekuste3646]

Governments “We need to borrow your property, we will give it back in six months.” Six months later, “We lied we decided to keep it.” Sad, and not the only time something like this has happened and will continue to happen for the “common” good. Good to see everyone able to at least go and pay their respects.

[@BeercanBushcraft]

Great ride out Sandy. Passed your house on Saturday - yesterday - good job I didn’t bump into you 😂 Happy Easter 🐰 🐇 🐰 🍻 🍻 CHEERS 🍻 🍻

[@geoffaxford5326]

Thank you for another interesting video, my Grandmother lived in no 12 Church Lane Imber and my Grandfather in Tilshead, they were married in St Giles Church Imber in 1919, excellent video`s from you Sandy, keep them coming.73 de G4AQZ.

[@WiltshireMan]

Nice to have that link with Imber Geoff, thanks for the comment, de G0VQW (cw only)

[@peteblackwell3]

Thanks for taking us there, Sandy. Love the beautiful old pictures of the village. It's always a pleasure to watch. Take care Best wishes P & M

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Pete

[@triciabuckling3385]

Very sad and moving,I visited Tyneham village Dorset some years ago,same thing happened it was evacuated in1943 for the army to prepare for D.Day the Church,School House and some cottages remain it was very strange,the residents had put a note on Church door asking the soldiers to look after the Village until they returned,they never did,it's M.O.D land now,we walked on a path through the fields to Worbarrow Bay,I think Tyneham is open at certain times of the year,love Salisbury Plain has a good feeling about it !

[@neilwilkinson5415]

That once looked like a lovely village. Glad the weather held out nicely for your trip.

[@brianmiles2229]

sandy thank you for a wonderful video you are the best ,visit a big must, 👍

[@colinmcnally5931]

Imber was a tragic event for those who lived there. Never to return having been promised it was just temporary due to the war. Thanks Sandy

[@chrisholt2474]

A great film thank you, as said by a 1st world war veteran. Human beings don’t start wars, politicians start wars. I think that is so true and no one wins everyone looses. Thank you for the education.

[@borderlands6606]

Something similar happened at Slapton in Devon, but the village was returned to the locals at the end of the hostilities. One local farmer was so distraught at the compulsory move, he decided he was better off out of it, poor chap. Difficult to understand in 2024 how isolated some communities were, and how connected to the land families had been for centuries.

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes I heard about that story. its a shame we lost some lovely places, all down to war and hitler

[@smcgregor100]

Excellent sandy thanks

[@colinstares6207]

As always a great video outing Sandy, at least the village has kept some spiritual soul with the church still standing and being used, The Imber church bares a strong similarity to the church at Seend both outside and inside with it’s columns and wooden valted roof, 👍😎

[@silktvPDR1]

Excellent video as usual mate 👍 but I'm probably going to get grief for my comment 😮 Imber was a sad loss to the community but we must remember it was sacrificed to train troops for D-Day which if had failed could have meant we lost our country and France to Hitler. I also trained there prior to active service so potentially saved mine and my friends lives. Sad yes but sacrified in this case to save our country and much more.

[@marksimpson5218]

I get your point, but they could have handed the village back afterwards.

[@silktvPDR1]

@WiltshireMan absolutely agree Sandy just sometimes things happen as we are seeing now that worries me more as we loose more and more of our countryside!

[@trevorloveridge4387]

I echo you thoughts and have to also say that I have also spent time there being trained there during my service So it not just the past but also the present that it serves as well, training that allows us to do our jobs as best we can

[@glynntipper9354]

Another brilliant video, so sad to see what the military have done to it over the years and the sad story of the village black smith.

[@user-qb7nm1ur7s]

thanks again Sandy. Going to ring the bells there in August.Mark

[@WiltshireMan]

The bells there have a different pitch to any others I have heard Mark

[@astrostufftomtrubridge7915]

Hi Sandy, I Really enjoyed your visit to Imber village, I used to go there with my brother Chris who has lived much of his life in and around the area, Sadly at 75 his arthritis has now got the better of him, we used to have a lot of fun hill walking, Cradle Hill etc then having a nice pint of Wadworths ale in the Nags Head his local in Portway Warminster.. Atb regards from Tom...

[@WiltshireMan]

Atleast you have some nice memories to look back on Tom. Ailments come to most of us in time. That old saying "Old age doesn't come alone" springs to mind

[@paulbutland9746]

Was nice to meet you and have a chat. So much history of a little village that gave all.

[@WiltshireMan]

Nice to meet you too Paul, it was a huge price the villagers paid, I feel sorry for them and thankful too because the outcome was good in thatHitler and his regime were defeated

[@robtherover]

Enjoyed that ride out Sandy. Imber now looks like the kind of place the military practise their FISH manoeuvres.

[@mischef18]

Really enjoyed this video, sad to see the village go but I guess in those days that's how things were for the war effort. Safe travels. Ken.

[@marleneruddell9395]

Thank you so much for sharing, you did those evacuated proud by telling their story. So sad and nothing really to show for their removal from what was once beautiful.

[@alanvaughan4143]

Worked there for a couple of weeks with a local Devizes character ( Mac) who undertook small works for the military at the time ..that was almost 50 years ago .. the difference in the landscape then an now is mind boggling

[@davebarney3369]

Happy Easter! I’m procrastinating about going out on bike then camping tonight… you’ve given me a needed kick up the backside! I’m off after watching this 😀

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

Hi Sandy, nice ride out, wow I’ve not seen that many cars and people at Imber, ever, getting popular nowadays. Had many stealth camp outs in and around Imber over the years, not been there for quite some time now. The weather held off for you and many nice days yet to come. All the very best to you and Mandy mate.

[@WiltshireMan]

Some good stealth camping to be had no doubt but if they caught you they wouldn't be happy:)

[@neanderthaloutdoors9202]

@@WiltshireMan The military themselves are ok, I've been bumped once and because I was far away from them the Lieutenant told me it was alright and even said he'd get the lads to drop off any uneaten rations in the morning, the range warden's take a completely different attitude though.

[@billhambelton7698]

That's great viewing Sandy. We have our own ghost village here in Dorset on the Purbeck ranges called Tynham. It's open to the public more often than Imber.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hoping to visit Tyneham later this year Bill

[@J5388T]

An interesting video thanks. I've visited Imber twice and visitor numbers when access is permitted appear to grow every year.

[@timrumble6945]

Great to meet you Dickie and the team and to discuss the Himalayan, great video as always ( Tim and Kirstin Elefantentreffen)

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Tim, Great to meet you too. Dickie is keen to try the Elephant rally maybe next year, he says it is very hard core:)

[@TheRamblingsofBry]

Whenever I see/hear/read about Imber and those poor people being LIED to, I feel upset and disgust. We know we are lied to all over these days, but back then in those innocent times, those people believed they would be back home soon.....

[@dewipeach]

Well Sandy, from my early College AutoTech, your cost-efficient air intake mod has increased the Volumetric Efficiency, you've more Air and then Fuel filling the cylinder to some degree., which is Power. Then just how much air can enter via the inside smaller tight area of the filter...! and then be displaced in the Airbox, I wonder. Imber had too been an idyllic Community, if not remote location, bit like the Moors, but all roads lead somewhere and People pass through these places at some point. Seeing the practice Houses, ideal and secure area to house the boaters, that might make them think twice about coming, then being given 5* digs. I'd waited for the Tanks...! next Bank holiday. Good informative one as always. Best to the Crew. Stay safe. Cheers Davey

[@WiltshireMan]

Davey very interesting. Yes more air but not sure about fuel as the bike is fuel injected like most these days. I saw the tanks as we left Imber but was having issue's with the Gopro battery's

[@dewipeach]

@@WiltshireMan I'd need to recap on old records.. but it's likely Engine management would enrich the fuel as not to be running lean.. all depends if Sea Level or top of hill' relates to Stoichiometric. Lease there's more energy as you've found. Issues of batteries.. worst of times..! Stay safe and dry.. Davey

[@jeetts59]

Happy Easter to you and your family

[@philjones3335]

Criminal what war does, totally destroyed a thriving community and for what🤷‍♂️. Very sad but as ever Sandy, thanks for a very interesting video

[@graemeshaw9716]

A very good video Sandy👍

[@johnbiddal5951]

I did the air filter/box modification to my Himalayan. I fitted a K&N filter in place of the original air filter. Made quite a difference to throttle response, pulling away etc: Top speed never bothered me, although it did increase it bit. Look on the bright side, if it wasn't for the Military on Salisbury Plain there would be housing and industrial developments as far as the eye could see and Imber would be full of rich people, while the real locals lived in the "New Town" in ticky tacky quick builds..🙂

[@WiltshireMan]

Haa yes John your probably right

[@tombrough1863]

I have a book called the gorse and the briar . Written 1940 the story is set in 1934 mainly set in and around imber it's a really good read

[@lizziel4876]

As ever, a very informative and interesting video. How awful for the inhabitants when they were told they'd have to leave. (Just one thing - the date at the end of the video is wrong - you're a month ahead of yourself, Sandy!)

[@garphykeks]

Very moving Sandy.... Beautifully filmed and narrated, thank you. No good comes of war eh? (unless you are an investor in armaments) KTF🙏

[@WiltshireMan]

It seems that way Marty, but Hitler was a maniac

[@norfolknomad]

Happy Easter Sandy.

[@Grumpysprout]

That Himalayan is still sounding sweet! It'll run for ever!

[@WiltshireMan]

I think it's a great little bike :)

[@terrygreen9107]

Really enjoyed the video its a great shame that this was done to the village and its people, I think it happened to several villages in the country I’ve been to some abandoned villages in Scotland where the clearances happened very sad the way people were treated Cheers Sandy keep up the good work 👍🏍

[@TheMadGesticulator]

Change is not always for the good!

[@lucyb15]

oops...the date is wrong on the sign-off. Today is March 31st, 2024.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Lucy, the date was when I visited Imber (30th)

[@lucyb15]

@@WiltshireMan Yes, but it says April, 2024.

[@WiltshireMan]

@@lucyb15 Ah, thats my mistake. Too bad it will have to stay that way now!

[@Gettinglostwithlea]

Happy Easter 🐣

[@rogerwilliams2902]

Sandy, not only did you put your clocks forward , you put the calendar a month forward too !. It was 30th of March not April 😃. Cracking video though.

[@LindaCharles-sg6mz]

Happy Easter.

[@MadDogsandEnglishman]

Poor old Albert. 😢 A silent victim of the war.

[@Gunslinger-1962-martin]

Another beautiful village and era destroyed Sandy 🥃🙏👌

[@Cheburashka-c1h]

I miss Colin :) xx

[@ysgolgerlan]

Thanks for another nice video, at 1:45 what was did blue plaque behind you on the side of the house commemorate ? 👍

[@bcolinranken]

There’s something very sad about the eradication of history in such a thoughtless way… always enjoy your videos Sandy.. well done

[@WiltshireMan]

The Army needed somewhere to train but there was a heavy price to pay. Atleast we defeated Hitler, so you could lay the blame on him to some extent

[@Celtic-Silver-countryman]

Criminal absolutely criminal they would have had lots of trouble trying to stop me going home !

[@oscartravis5740]

Old places are being destroyed every day, but war makes a very special job of it shattering everything: lives, livelihoods, homes, community buildings. Sad really. One thing early on in the video I was curious of: who the blue plaque is for on the building over your right shoulder at about 1:20?

[@faz5824]

What an absolute Travesty! Such a beautiful village destroyed by war.

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

That was epic.

[@chrisb4504]

Colins Enfield is the best. The military did what was needed to keep us all safe in our land at the time but unfortunately 80 odd years later our government uses the RNLI to help make a safe passage for the invaders in dinghies! RIP ALBERT NASH what a waste of life

[@bolleolympus]

🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@victormonster4658]

👍👌

[@geoff9614]

Another really interesting video didn’t take much for me to imagine what it would have been like what a waste now all that lovely countryside and village closed off just for the military

[@alanarmer8069]

👍👍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍🏍👍👍

[@jeremystill5442]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@johnguest7541]

Britain always knocks good historic areas down, but build nothing in its place any good. History means nothing to the modern person, but it local history is fascinating, but Britain doesnt see it my way. Hope youcare ok now Sandy after your fall a few weeks ago my friend.

[@quwers]

I went yesterday. It was a bit shit. A road and some empty houses and a church. 1/10 wouldn't go again.

[@WiltshireMan]

There's more to it than that but the place is pretty souless now

[@mikehurley5052]

Surprised the place has not been renovated and given to gimmegrants yet.

[@shaungillingham4689]

A rare dry day adventure, yes it leaves you feeling a little melancholy as to what was there, I think I prefer a world that went slower, its probably the second World War that changed that, even in recent years we've seen Sunday as a day of rest destroyed as if we don't t have enough time & shops the other six days of the week, all commercialisation, greed & our country & its people forced to suffer a lower quality of life, given no time to "stop & stare" as the poem goes. Still it was a fascinating look at a bit of history in the heart of Wiltshire.

[@marcuskiritsis2076]

FISH. (Fighting in someone’s house) had a good few firefights round there, some happy days. Fighting necessity that sandy to have the best trained troops possible ready for anything which includes protection of your rights and freedoms. Many have had the courage to sign that blank cheque to lay down their life for the country and for your freedoms. War is an untamed beast and will always be. Lest we forget. 🇬🇧🫡🇬🇧

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes this is true Marcus. It was a heavy price the villagers paid but atleast we defeated Hitler