I know the cost of diesel is high---but there's got to be an easier way to save the stuff! And having recently finished a cracking book about the race to the South Pole ('Death on the Ice by Robert Ryan '-- 'I couldn't put it down', Biglorryblog) I was naturally struck by this example of modern day 'man-handling'...and err...'woman-handling' too! (Hold on, that doesn't sound right). Anyroadup, word reaches BLB of any excellent stunt for charity held by distribution specialist Parcels to Ireland, who knew exactly where to turn for some heavyweight support at its 20th anniversary party. The Rugby-based firm called on Coventry Mercedes-Benz dealer Gerard Mann Commercial Vehicles, which pitched in by providing an Axor X tractor unit for the truck-pulling event - and a team to pull it too! Now click through here to read all about it and how much P to I raised...I'm impressed.
Staged at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Parcels to Ireland's celebrations were attended by 60 guests, many of them customers and suppliers, who helped to raise more than £2,000 for the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
However, the highlight of the day was clearly the aforementioned 100-metre truck pull. And in case you think it's easy-peasy both units tipped the scales at 7.5-tonnes apiece, giving each team of six a hefty challenge! Lining up on one side of the track, the Parcels to Ireland contenders were roped to the latest addition to their fleet, an Axor 2543. Its recent arrival from Gerard Mann set the seal on the company's re-branding of its Mercedes-dominated truck line-up from the previous blue to a smart new silver livery. At the wheel was John Miller, who has worked for Parcels to Ireland for the last two decades, while Managing Director Nick Putt joined Mandy Dunnett, Andy Harris, Norman Head, John Rushe and Steve Scotter at 'the business end'.
Alongside, Gerard Mann Commercial Vehicles' Dealer Principal David O'Grady had nabbed the Axor X driving seat, leaving colleagues Aaron Howarth, Andy Jarvis and Jaz Sidhu to strain every sinew in defence of the dealership's honour, with the help of Mercedes-Benz UK's Truck Sales & Marketing Director Sam Whittaker and two senior members of his team, Vincente Connolly and Steve Clement.
Mayor of Rugby, Councillor Mrs Kam Kaur (the lady with the chain of office in the middle), started the race, which saw Gerard Mann rocket away from the line and into an early lead, only to be overhauled in the last few metres by Parcels to Ireland. RESULT! The winning time of 44 seconds was good news for one lucky guest, who predicted it in advance and took home a prize of a Fortnum & Mason hamper.
Parcels to Ireland was founded in 1989 by Fraser Putt and Ray Botwright. Mr Putt passed away four years ago and today his sons Nick and Operations Director Chris are at the helm, supported on a part-time basis by Finance Director Mr Botwright. The firm makes daily collections from customers across a large swathe of the country. With partners in Northern Ireland and the Republic, it handles a huge range of products and offers a next-day and economy service to the whole of Ireland, as well as returns and storage facilities.
Nick Putt tells BLB: "Our 20th birthday party was a fantastic success and every guest went home with a bottle of champagne, as a token of our appreciation. I would particularly like to thank the Mayor for her kind words, and the Mercedes-Benz contingent for pitching in so enthusiastically and helping to make it a day to remember."
David O'Grady, whose company also has dealerships in Birmingham and Wolverhampton, added: "Nick and Chris run a smashing company and they are highly valued customers of Gerard Mann Commercial Vehicles. So we were delighted to help them celebrate their 20th anniversary, especially since it also presented an opportunity to raise much-needed funds for two very worthy causes."
And what more can BLB says except "winners all!... " and well done to everyone concerned and what a great way to raise case for a deserving charity.....
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