A group of friends living in Reigate, Surrey who also happen be M.G. Car Club members, were on holiday last winter in Switzerland (supposedly walking but as the tale unfolds probably more likely supporting Swiss Bars). One of the friends, nicknamed 'Wandergruppe Heyer' for the escapade, 'accepted' a bet. The said gentleman had for his seventieth birthday been given an additional member to his family, a young lady made from vinyl.

The plot for the bet gradually unfolded over the evening with 'Wandergruppe Heyer' becoming somewhat reticent. He was given no quarter, however, and it was finally agreed that all three friends would don mini skirts and suitable attire to drive around Reigate town centre with 'Vinyl Vera' for charity.

Upon return home, the friends made plans for the escapade to enable Aubrey Heyer to fulfil his bet. Aided and abetted by Paul Collins and Dougald Ballardie, the by now somewhat reluctant 'Wandergruppe Heyer' finally accepted a non-negotiable arrangement for the event after a fair amount of haggling. The date was set for 14 February 1999, an apt date for 'Vinyl Vera's' outing.

Much to Aubrey's dismay, it was a bright sunny day. During a phone call to the Heyer household in the morning to check details, Aubrey could be heard in the background having problems with his 'bloody tights'. Aubrey and Dougald were fitted out with mini skirts, tights and leather jackets and Paul turned up dressed as a nun (his nickname in the pub is now Sister Paul). Vera assumed her position in Aubrey's black MGB passenger seat complete with flying helmet and floating scarf to complement her bra and knickers. She had to be well strapped in to prevent over excitement with the thrill.

The entourage of 'Vinyl Vera's' MGB with Dougald's MGA and Paul's holy MGB with followers-on set off for the tour around Reigate town centre much to the amusement of the local shoppers and bawdy comments from workmen. On arrival at the Mint Pub in Kingswood, a photo shoot was called for before the serious business of recuperating over a beer commenced. Vinyl Vera stood by the bar complete with collecting tin. She was all right until her ankles buckled and needed an emergency blow-up to avoid collapsing in the fire.

Money is still being collected, but currently totals £145 which is being given to VIA, Values in Action, a charity promoting the rights of people with learning difficulties.

John Morgan