Seven local business teams channelled their inner Jeremy Clarkson when they took part in the Banger to Bangor and Back challenge, raising funds for Rennie Grove Hospice Care.
The idea for this unconventional fundraising event came from a meeting of Rennie Grove’s corporate patrons – the charity’s membership scheme for local businesses - with St Michael’s Manor general manager Richard Marrett and Martin Robson of Brian Robson Coachworks helping to make the idea a reality.
Participants set off from St Michael’s Manor in an old banger bought for less than £500 joining fellow competitors on a weekend drive from St Albans to Bangor in North Wales and back again. Teams won points throughout the weekend by completing a series of challenges and competitions en route.
Challenges on the trip included taking pictures of their cars with castles, best planking photo, Carpool Karaoke, most shares/retweets on social media and highest altitude reached by the car.
Other highlights included wacky fancy dress costumes, the Sherrards Are Go team who almost didn’t go anywhere as their car wouldn’t start on the morning of departure, Baldies 2 Bangor fitting 17 people into their Saab convertible and the lunch planned at an idyllic spot being scuppered by the non-arrival of the food supplies!
Returning to St Michael’s Manor and following the final off-road driving challenge, Daniel from victorious Team Ginder said: “We are absolutely delighted to have taken part in the Banger to Bangor
Rally at the weekend. It was so much fun from start to finish and I can honestly say that I don’t think we stopped laughing.
“There was a great camaraderie and friendly rivalry with all the other teams which really made the weekend and although we managed to accumulate the most points, I really think that everyone was a winner. The weekend was really well organised and the whole experience will stay with us all for a long time.
“It’s good to be able to strengthen the existing relationship we have with Rennie Grove; it is also immensely rewarding to know that our
efforts over the weekend raised vital funds to support local patients and families. We would definitely do it again!”
St Albans security experts Jamie Allam and Paul Rosenthal, aka Baldies2Bangor, from Amthal Fire & Security, dressed by popular vote as Batman and Robin on the way and Dick Dastardly and Muttley for the return leg, and took part in an old Saab.
Jamie said: “We were absolutely thrilled to take part and even happier that our old banger survived the journey! We’d like to say a massive thank you to our sponsors and also to the organisers for a great event, which has raised such a significant amount for such an important local cause.”
Paul added: “It was definitely an experience, not only driving dressed as Batman and Robin and later Dastardly and Muttley with the understandable reactions, but also the great camaraderie and friendly rivalry in undertaking the driving challenges. The result, especially when spread on social media, and the overall experience were unforgettable. Can’t wait for what’s coming around next year to raise awareness of Rennie Grove.”
There is an opportunity to see some of the bangers involved in the challenge at the St Albans Motor Show on Sunday September 24. Bangers will be outside Marks & Spencer on St Peter’s Street between 11am and 5pm.
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