Mini Owners From All Over The UK Needed

For The 'Mile Of Minis On The Lake' And The Italian Job Mini Car Rally

Mini owners from all over the UK are being sought to join the 'Mile of Minis on the Lake' event on Sunday 11 September at Dorney Lake, Berkshire to raise money for the Variety Club Children's Charity.

Organised for the second year running by businessman Freddie St George who is based in Steyning, West Sussex, but whose companies operate throughout the UK, founder of the Italian Job Mini Car Rally, together with Maidenhead Rotary Club, the aim is to have fun and give owners an opportunity to show off their classic or modern Minis while raising money, this year for the Variety Club Children's Charity and those chosen by the Rotary Club.

There's still room for more Mini Milers and last year, the event attracted people from all over the country. Starting at the Mini Plant in Oxford, participants will be given route books containing simple clues to solve on their journey to Dorney Lake, the 2012 Olympic rowing competition venue.

After lunch, the 'moving mile' of Minis will make the journey across the lake - a spectacular sight to behold.

The cost for a Mini and driver is only £20 including breakfast and coffee, route book, Mile of Minis sticker and lunch, plus £15 for an additional person. Entrants are encouraged to do their best to raise £30 sponsorship per car.

THE ITALIAN JOB
28th October to 5th November - from Imola, Italy, to London

The Mile of Minis is a precursor for the annual Italian Job Mini Car Rally, now in its 21st year having raised c£2.5m for children's charity.

There are still a few places left for the rally. Anyone with a passion for the 1960s British classic cars, the original movie starring Michael Caine or just wanting to go on a fun, action-packed adventure through stunning 'off the beaten track' scenery, this is for you!

The Italian Job starts on Friday 28th October in Imola, Italy, and finishes on Saturday 5th November at a star-studded celebration dinner in London.

Classic or modern Minis are all welcome on the rally, as are any of the cars featured in the original movie (for example Fiat 500, Alfa Giulia, Jaguar E-Type, Aston Martin DB4 or even a black London cab).

The excitement of being escorted through cities like Turin or Rome by police outriders and exclusive opportunities to drive around the Lingotto Rooftop (the site of the former Fiat factory test track featured in the film), the Ferrari circuit and the famous race track at Monza, has to be experienced to be believed.

The cost per mini is £1500 which includes hotels and most meals, and entrants must organise their own fundraising. The aim each year is to raise £100,000 for children's charities. Jobbers (the name for those in the rally) also donate money raised at events held during the event for local charities in Italy.

Variety Club ambassador and well-known actor Robert Powell (Holby, The Detectives, Jesus of Nazareth) is supporting this year's event. Robert starred as 'Yellow' in the original 1969 film.

He comments, "As a long standing supporter of the Variety Club, I am delighted that the Italian Job, one of the country's most colourful and fun charity events, will celebrate 21 years of raising money for disabled and disadvantaged children in the UK and has nominated the Variety Club to be their chosen charity. I wish everyone good luck and as Michael said 'Don't forget to blow the bloody doors off!'".

Anyone wanting to take part in either or both events should contact Giulia or Freddie St George on 01273 418100 or info@italianjob.com

For more information, see www.italianjob.com

For more on the Variety Club and its work see www.varietyclub.org.uk