On Sunday 18 September, the Jurassic Coast Mini Club were greeted by volunteers of Exmouth RNLI at the boathouse. 70 minis took part in the 2011 “Classic Jurassic” Mouth2Mouth rally between Weymouth and Exmouth to raise money for the RNLI.

The sight of the colourful cars brightened up a somewhat drizzly and overcast day, as they arrived at the station at 3.30pm. The lack of beach goers and parked vehicles on the seafront presented an ideal opportunity for an impromptu photo shoot in front of the lifeboat station.

The club raised over their target of £1,000 by charging each of the minis £8 to enter the rally. Other fundraising activities included a raffle at the end of the run and a number of bucket collections along their route, towns including Portland, Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton. Minis attended from as far afield as Winchester, Bath, North Devon and Torbay – some even camping out the night before!

Volunteers from Exmouth RNLI made suggestions and offers of hospitality for next year’s Mouth2Mouth rally to raise even more money.

Richard Darville the organiser of the event, commented: ‘In the afternoon, a “cruise” of 70+ Minis drove along the entire Exmouth seafront in convoy. We had a unique opportunity to stop and display as many Minis as possible at the Exmouth lifeboat station to promote the RNLI and was the highlight of the day. We were made extremely welcome by the Coxswain and all volunteers, members and crew.’

Richard had booked a visit to the boathouse for the drivers, to conclude the rally. The sight of 39 minis and the open doors revealing the all-weather lifeboat Margaret Jean attracted more members of the public to the boathouse to look around.

Exmouth RNLI volunteer lifeboat visits officer, Caz Ashman organises and conducts group visits to the boathouse on Queens Drive. For a one-off voluntary contribution or suggested fundraising project, it’s an ideal visit for local schools and clubs to see what’s behind those large wooden doors. To book your visit, please contact Exmouth lifeboat station at exmouth@rnli.org.uk.