Yes, it's been a while, but it's confirmed that we're off on another rally.
Bangers4BEN is an industry event, where those in the motor trade gather together in some old, knackered car and thrash it to within an inch of its life. Or beyond.
With a spending limit of £250 (€290/$415), to include the car, repairs, MOT, etc., the journey could be tough. Ah yes, the journey - it's that famous run from, er, Ascot to John O'Groats. We'll then turn round and head to Brands Hatch, where we'll put in a few celebratory laps.
All of this will be done in November, where the rain/snow will undoubtedly play its part.
Finally, once we've finished, all the cars will be sent to BCA Auctions to be sold off.
It's all a great deal of fun, but there's a very serious point. All proceeds, including form the auction sales, will go to BEN, the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund, and we'll be stopping off at one of their residential homes to brighten up a few peoples day. BEN offers financial, emotional and practical help and support to more than 15,000 men, women and children who have a connection with the automotive sector. It costs BEN £11 million to maintain its standard of care but it will need even more financial help in the future as demand grows from within the industry. During 2006/07 84.5p out of every £1 went directly towards the needs of their beneficiaries and residential centres, and there's constant efforts to reduce their administration and overheads to ensure your donation makes a real difference. To see the work BEN does, take a look at BEN.org.uk.
We're now well in to planning our attack, andare enjoying support from the likes of SportNetwork, Invent Partners, and Mitchell Signs (who supported us in our previous Staples2Naples rally effort for SPARKS).
We're obviously taking donations for BEN, but we'll also gladly take offers of support for the rally. Especially if you have in depth knowledge of the Audi 90 ;-)
