What is the 2008 Self Preservation Society?

OK, you know The Italian Job? The film? The 1969 original by the way, not the Hollywood 're-make'. Less said about that the better!

Well, in the spirit of the film, several years ago a charity race started. Essentially, drive a Mini to Italy and back and raise money for charity. Stealing gold is not permitted but raising lots of money for charity is encouraged!

This blog will follow the story of two participants in the 2008 Italian Job.

Stephen Chandler and Michael Hobden will be driving an 18 year old red Mini Cooper from England to Italy and back in October this year. Through this year they will be raising money for this years chosen charity - KidsOut. The blog will describe their fundraising efforts and follow the team on the rally itself.

So want to know some more already? Well, there is a link on this page which will take you to the website for the event. Most important of all is the link to the Just Giving page for The 2008 Self Preservation Society! Please do give generously. Thank you!

Travelers London Conference

As part of the sponsorship deal with Travelers, the Mini would attend various company events during the year. Consequently Stephen had to emerge from slumber at 5.30am today in order to drive through the rush hour traffic to central London - Haberdashers' Hall near Smithfield.

The professional indemnity for lawyers conference was hosted by BBC newsreader Huw Edwards, who informed the 100+ delegates of the Mini adventure and even took a few team business cards with him back to the BBC. We await a phone call from Jeremy Clarkson!!

Hertford Family Fun Day

On Sunday 1st June, the Mini attended the festival held in the historic Hertford Castle Grounds. The main activity was to fill the Mini with party balloons and hold a "Guess the number of balloons in the Mini" game, as well as selling official Italian Job prize draw tickets.

The weather was kind and lots of people stopped to look at the car - it's a real head-turner. The day helped to raise more funds towards our target.

In case you were wondering, the actual number of balloons (all inflated) that we managed to fit inside the cabin was 369!!

London to Brighton 2008

In preparation for our European adventure, our first joint journey saw us travelling from Crystal Palace in London to the seafront at Brighton.

The weather was great and the car took the journey in it's stride.

The car is now carrying the Travelers red umbrella logo on the roof and logos on the side and bonnet.