Mini wanted for Perth record-breaking attempt

Jul 6 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

GO-GETTER Fiona Munro has her sights set on driving Perth into the Guinness Book of Records – for the most people fitting into a Mini Cooper.

Her big Mini squash is on Saturday, July 24, as the main event of an afternoon of challenges aimed at motivating and inspiring local young people.

Fiona hopes people of all ages in her home town will rally round to make her city centre Inspire event a success – and she hopes an owner of an old-style Mini Cooper will offer the use of their vehicle for the big squash challenge.

“I’ve been trying to obtain an original Mini to attempt to break the world record, as this seems the more challenging way,” said Fiona.

“Unfortunately so far I’ve been unable to secure an original Mini Cooper, even though I’ve been extensively searching.

“The Mini doesn’t need to be working, but it must have all its seating, steering wheel and other internal fittings.

“If someone could let us use their Mini for the challenge I can get it picked up and taken to the event.”

The record she hopes to break on July 24 currently stands at 21 people in an original Mini and 24 in a new style of Mini Cooper.

The 42-year-old mum-of-two and grandmother of one decided to hold her Inspire event after she recently successfully completed an access to humanity course at Perth College, which she hopes to lead her on to youth work.

Inspire was, she stressed, a non-profit-making event and all who are taking part are doing so voluntarily.

“The event is my attempt to bring together a whole host of exciting and inspiring groups, companies and organisations to motivate and inspire young people to use their brains and their time in challenging ways.

“On the day there will be a lot of fun things going on with street drama, rappers and stalls as well as the challenges.

“Hopefully it’s going to be a huge thing for local young people.”

Fiona’s Inspire event will on the plaza beside Perth Concert Hall between 1pm and 5pm, with the Mini Cooper challenge at about 3.50pm.

Fiona is also looking for volunteers to attempt a record-breaking Mini squash – under Guinness Book of Record criteria the packed ‘passengers’ must be healthy, over 18 years old and 5ft tall or over.

Fiona also outlined the challenges set for her Inspire day, covering three age levels – five-11 years, 12-16 and 17-21.

They include: come up with an inspirational rap, song lyrics, poem or short story; design an article of clothing, jewellery or accessory; take a picture to inspire, or draw or paint one; display skills or talents which others may not be able to do.

Anyone who can help with the use of a Mini, or who would like to get involved, can contact Fiona by e-mailing munro_f@yahoo.co.uk, calling 0778 677 0119, or writing to Fiona Munro at 48 Grampian Court, Crieff Road, Perth.