Deano
02-03-2006, 11:22 PM
By CIARA LEEMING
A CAR-mad couple is to launch a club for Mini drivers.
Self-confessed Mini addicts John McGowan and Belinda Jones, are setting up a social group for anyone who owns or loves the cult vehicles.
The club, which will serve Chester and Flintshire, will accept drivers who own both classic Minis and the newer BMW version, shunned by many fans of the original.
Members will meet regularly and take part in Mini runs, as well as getting the chance to visit car shows.
John, who became interested in the cars while working as a panel beater and sprayer, believes there are hundreds of enthusiasts in the area.
He said: “I’ve always loved Minis and bought my first classic in 1997. When I met Belinda three years ago she had a BMW Mini and was a fanatic about them, while I didn’t like them at all.
“Now we have come a complete circle. I love the new version and since we bought and restored a classic Mini together, she loves the original.
“We now want to set up a club for other enthusiasts. We used to go to the Wirral Mini club but got a bid fed up of the travelling. I know there are lots of Mini owners around here, so I’m sure there is a need.”
John and Belinda, of Holly Grange, Connah’s Quay, have designed and printed leaflets advertising the Mini Addicts club, which they leave on the windscreen of every Mini they spot.
John, who now works as a chauffeur – without his Mini – said: “It’s an iconic car which inspires real enthusiasm in people. Not long ago we went on a Mini run from Wirral to Llandudno where there were 168 vehicles. It’s amazing really.”
The sessions will take place on the first Wednesday of the month, with members meeting to socialise, talk cars and plan events.
John hopes to eventually get involved in classic car shows, as well as organising race days and trips to the international Mini meeting, held in Poland.
For the first meeting, the couple have secured the presence of a tuned BMW Mini valued at more than £40,000, owned by Checkpoint Auto Stores.
The launch will take place from 8pm on Wednesday March 1, at the Sir Gwain and the Green Knight pub in Connah’s Quay.
To find out more about the Mini club call John on 07917 417666 or email miniaddicts@btinternet.com
news@chestereveningleader.co.uk
frameset.asp?officeid=1[/url]
A CAR-mad couple is to launch a club for Mini drivers.
Self-confessed Mini addicts John McGowan and Belinda Jones, are setting up a social group for anyone who owns or loves the cult vehicles.
The club, which will serve Chester and Flintshire, will accept drivers who own both classic Minis and the newer BMW version, shunned by many fans of the original.
Members will meet regularly and take part in Mini runs, as well as getting the chance to visit car shows.
John, who became interested in the cars while working as a panel beater and sprayer, believes there are hundreds of enthusiasts in the area.
He said: “I’ve always loved Minis and bought my first classic in 1997. When I met Belinda three years ago she had a BMW Mini and was a fanatic about them, while I didn’t like them at all.
“Now we have come a complete circle. I love the new version and since we bought and restored a classic Mini together, she loves the original.
“We now want to set up a club for other enthusiasts. We used to go to the Wirral Mini club but got a bid fed up of the travelling. I know there are lots of Mini owners around here, so I’m sure there is a need.”
John and Belinda, of Holly Grange, Connah’s Quay, have designed and printed leaflets advertising the Mini Addicts club, which they leave on the windscreen of every Mini they spot.
John, who now works as a chauffeur – without his Mini – said: “It’s an iconic car which inspires real enthusiasm in people. Not long ago we went on a Mini run from Wirral to Llandudno where there were 168 vehicles. It’s amazing really.”
The sessions will take place on the first Wednesday of the month, with members meeting to socialise, talk cars and plan events.
John hopes to eventually get involved in classic car shows, as well as organising race days and trips to the international Mini meeting, held in Poland.
For the first meeting, the couple have secured the presence of a tuned BMW Mini valued at more than £40,000, owned by Checkpoint Auto Stores.
The launch will take place from 8pm on Wednesday March 1, at the Sir Gwain and the Green Knight pub in Connah’s Quay.
To find out more about the Mini club call John on 07917 417666 or email miniaddicts@btinternet.com
news@chestereveningleader.co.uk
frameset.asp?officeid=1[/url]