Mad dog starts a 1,711-mile run
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SIR NOEL COWARD, who was moved to hilarity by mad dogs and Englishmen going out in the midday sun, would have been equally entertained by the prospect of his eccentric countrymen driving two historic vehicles from John 0' Groats to Brighton with a flashing model lighthouse and not a sight of the sea until they reached the South Coast.
The idea came from David Reynolds, of "The Mad Dog," Odell, Beds, a committee member of the Lighthouse Club, which helps people in distress in the building and civil engineering industries. He owns a restored 1948 MorrisCommercial 1-ton truck and mounted the model lighthouse on it.
A fellow enthusiast, Douglas Smith, of Sherington, Bucks, offered to join the run with his 1932 Albion 14-seat bus. Their aim was to raise £10,000 for the club by sponsorship.
The 872-mile journey, completed in 381/2 hours' running time at an average of 22.65mph, was spread over 10 days, with six overnight stops at club branches to raise funds. The round-trip mileage of 1,711 was rewarded by the collection of £3,500 — and no mechanical trouble.