Most of the material I use in the ‘Flashback’ section of Q&A comes from my own archives of magazines, books, brochures and general Mini memorabilia. This month is no exception, although it published by Haynes. The launch was organised by Tony Cooper, a friend of mine who was also a Mini owner, in conjunction with Haynes Publishing. Tony was a senior manager at Blackwell’s, whom I knew from when I also worked there in various roles during the 1970s and ’80s. In my time at Blackwell’s, I both organised and attended a great many book launches and signing sessions, but this one was a new experience for me as the tables were turned; this launch was for a book that I had written. The event turned out to be a great success with a good attendance, including Karen and Jim from and a number of readers of the magazine, Blackwell’s staff and customers, and a large representation from the Abingdon Mini Owners’ Club. There was even a phone call from the USA during the proceedings, from friend and Mini enthusiast Tom Davies – this being organised by Brian Slark, who had come along with son Neil. Parked outside Blackwell’s shop was an impressive line of Minis, including my yellow one – a line-up that would be hard to replicate today. Not because of a lack of Minis, but because Broad Street in Oxford is now littered with randomly scattered planters to ensure the exclusion of cars. Times change, sadly not always for the better, and the has now been out of print for a while. That launch event is still a great memory, though.
