“Hang on lads, I’ve got a great idea” As some of you already know, especially the ones that we have badgered to buy lottery tickets, we are taking part in The Italian Job.
We thought it would be a nice idea to open up a thread for all our friends to be able to join in the fun of our MINI adventure. On top of all this we have finally decided to get hitched and we’re making plans to get married whilst in Venice and would love to get you all involved in our celebration. Finally it’s Chris’ 40th birthday on the 6 November when we return, so what better way to celebrate this special occasion. Whilst doing the trip we will be hoping to make daily posting on what we’ve been up to and upload a few pictures of the day’s events. We know a lot of MINI2ers that have expressed an interest in doing next year’s Job, so hopefully we will be able to give you a little taster. So if any of you guys have questions, now or whilst we’re on the run we will endeavor to answer these (and no we can’t bring back 40 crates of Italian wine just coz we’ve got a GP). You watching us, watching you, watching us
THE PLAN
For those that don’t know The Italian Job will start on Friday the 27 October, with registration at the Holiday Inn in Venice East and will close with the “Heroes Celebration Dinner” in Brighton on Saturday 4 November. The Italian Job is a combination of two core elements which attract so much attention form the press and public alike. Firstly, the Mini: the endearing little car, and secondly there is the charity element and fundraising aims of The Italian Job in aid of the National Children’s Homes (NCH).
The NCH runs over 480 projects throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Additionally the NCH invests 90% of their proceeds into actual children’s services.
Also, with the added bonus of matching agreements with other sources they are able to convert every single pound donated into FIVE pounds.
THE JOURNEY DOWN
This is the plan of action to cross Europe to get to the start of the Job in Venice. But we would welcome any suggestions on the route, such as places to stay and places to visit (time permitting).
Route 21 Oct - Calais to Gent
22 Oct - Gent to Colmar
23 Oct - Colmar to Bergamo 24 Oct - Bergamo to Venice THE JOB
This year the Italian Job starts on Friday 27 October with registration in Venice. The Full Rally route will be advised only at the registration point in Italy, however, the main points are Venice – Treviso – Stresa (Lake Maggiore) – Turin. The Rally Hotels are the Holiday Inn in Venice East (3 nights) the Regina Palace in Stresa (1night) and he Meridien Lingotto Hotel in Turin (2 nights).
Highlights on he event are in a spin on the famous Lingotto roof top test track and also a special visit to the brand new Adria racing circuit near the city of Rovigo.
THE HEROES RETURN
The pit-stop hotels on the way home are in Dijon (2 November) and Reims (3 November). Teams will then travel on the same ferry inbound from Calais to Dover and proceed to the muster point to form the Return Convoy into Brighton for a celebration dinner on the 4 November.
FUNDRAISING
We have been busily fundraising for this year’s event and have been trying to meet the suggested target of £1500 through donations, lottery tickets and corporate sponsorship.
A big thank you to those who have already given so generously on a few of this years MINI2 runs. TOTAL RAISED £1048
It’s never too late to give to this worthy cause and any donation would be welcome. Lastly we’d like to thank Banana Pancakes who suggested we set up a justgiving site. Looking into this, we found 6% goes to this site when you make a contribution, so we will be setting up a PAYPAL account which will cost contributors nothing to use. (We will make up the 2% charge from our own pockets, whereby the charity will receive 100% of any money donated). Donations can be made using a debit or credit card.
Luv Chris and Jax
