MOT2008 packing day

Posted on by Ian C.

Yesterday was packing day for MINIsOnTop 2008, putting together almost 220 registration packs to be mailed out next week, with grateful help from Theo & Carol (and Cooper), Michael, Brian & Sarah, and Sheena. I ended up being too busy to wield my camera – but thankfully Michael had time for a few shots, and put them together in to a great cartoon:

MOT2008 packing day comic (Michael Smith)

(for more of Michael’s cartoons, visit his webpage here)

Little blue Mini convertible

Posted on by Ian C.

My route to/from work takes me past the Red Barrel on the Gloucester/Essex line (Margaret and I have never eaten there … though this poor soul did!)
Anyway, they’re “British themed” and used to have a Mini out front – but this past week there’s been a Mini convertible out there (for sale)! I finally remembered to stop and check it out today:


It’s right hand drive (if you’re going to own a classic Mini, that’s what you should get) and a quick glance suggests it’s reasonably healthy; one problem is that body kit, it might look good but it hides possible issues with the sills (which are famous for rusting out on Minis, and are structural – holding the front and rear subframes together!). Another problem is the price!