STARTING TOMORROW

The 2007 Hackett Beaujolais Run

Thanks for this information from Richard and Heather Atkinson (below, with the car, parents of G Atkinson, 3B). I'm sure we all wish them success, and the very best of luck. It's for three tremendous causes.

In 1972, journalist Alan Hall challenged Fleet Street and his readers to be first to deliver a bottle of the new season's Beaujolais Nouveau to his desk. From the ensuing scramble the Beaujolais Run was born. And, ever since, competing teams have made the journey south to collect the new vintage from Beaujeu in France on the third Thursday in November.

The early runs were true races with teams driving high-powered cars and fast motorbikes. The RAF still holds the record, using motorbikes and a Harrier jump jet, which seems a bit unsporting, and aircraft were later banned.

In these more enlightened times, the race no longer goes to the swiftest. The 59 entrants in this year's Hackett Beaujolais Run will follow the route shown (bottom). The section from Reims to Macon requires navigation via five checkpoints whose location must be deciphered from cryptic clues. The "winning" team will be the one completing this leg in the smallest number of miles.

Participants expect a huge amount of fun, and the memories of taking part in a unique experience. But hopefully the real winners will be the sponsored charities. Each team has pledged to raise at least £2,250 for charity, and to pay all other costs (hotels, meals etc) themselves.

This year's event supports three causes - the Down's Syndrome Association ; the Richard Burns Foundation, which helps people with severe illnesses or disability; and Winston's Wish , which helps families and children coping with the loss of a close family member.

See their Sponsorship so far here - and please add your support if you would like to.

The Hackett Beaujolais Run attracts lots of press coverage, and some big-name teams and sponsors - Hackett, Ferrari, Jaguar, and lots of privately entered Porsches, BMWs, Aston Martins etc. Plus "Moggin's Turn.”

WHO?
Moggin's Turn comprises Richard Atkinson as driver with wife Heather (both 1950's vintage) as navigator, driving one small, blue Morris Minor 1000 - WKK 723J - 1970 vintage. Our vehicle is probably the slowest in the race, and we have been offered a head start, which would make us the first car away. Caldicott has agreed to sponsor us, and we will be setting off from Caldicott at 0830 tomorrow (Monday, 12 November).

Thank you very much from "Moggins Turn" - determined to make more than just a "Minor" contribution. There is a map below showing our route.