Mini Fair 2025 at Bingley Hall near Stafford saw the final of the British Mini Clubs Premier Concours sponsored by Autoglym. All class winners from our Himley Hall and Stanford Hall shows in 2024 go forward to the famous red carpet. Mini’s of all ages compete against other to find the ultimate champion.
Two of our top judges, Dave Webb and Daz Hopkins had the unenviable job of judging the 10 Mini’s in the final which including the likes of 2 custom Mini’s, 1275GT, MK3 Cooper S, GP3. A very tough competition.
Four hours of judging and deliberation and the Premier Concours Champion for 2025 is….
Dave Rippard and his family with the absolutely stunning 1959 Morris Mini, he was in the same position on the red carpet back in 2019, must be an omen. Big congratulations to David on receiving the brand new Premier Trophy and a cheque for £700. Plus an Autoglym bundle worth £100. A new trophy was also provided this year because James Hunt was able to keep the previous trophy after 3 wins. We recall when David found his Mini, it was in terrible condition and required full nut and bold restoration. This resulted in the incredible Mini we all know today.
Also a very special prize was very special award was very kindly donated to the winner by Samie Howson. An A3 print of his excellent CGI Mini artwork. To see more of Samie’s work please search on your social media for @sh3dart
Second and Third places went to Sammie Watts with her superb MINI R53 and Sal Dyer and a perfect example of a MINI GP3. They were both awarded trophies and cheques for £200 and £100 respectively. They also received an Autoglym bundle. Both had quite stressful drives to Mini Fair through a severe storm that hit the south of the country, this meant many more hours of detailing before arrival on the red carpet.
A massive thank you to everyone who took part in the Premier Final with their incredible Mini’s. Every single one was top quality and certainly deserved their place on the red carpet. Every entrant received a Medal to commemorate the day.
We love the Pride Of Ownership because its not all about the Mini but also the love the owner has for there pride and joy. We heard stories of a journey from Ireland brought forward 24 hours to miss the worst storm in many years. Alan Chambers and his friends arrived from Ireland with a MK1 Mini sporting a Honda V-Tech engine and some 200bhp. He also owns a further 12 Mini’s including the very first Mini he owned as a young man. Stephen Robinson in the 90’s class with his Mini Cooper 35th Anniversary records every single journey and petrol he does with his Mini.
Into the Modified Mini class it’s great to see the young Mini fans coming through with Hannah Finlay and her much modified R53. Including a quite rare front bumper imported from Portugal and a wide body kit. Most of the work she has completed herself, her next task is tackling the interior which she has many plans for and to do the work herself.
The Mini Clubs from around the UK always put on a superb display on the balcony of Bingley Hall. From the 02 MINI Register to the Tynemouth Mini Club. It’s always a great place to showcase a club to the Mini Family. The theme this year was the 1960’s with some fantastic variations on the idea. The South East Mini Club taking the 1st place trophy with a lovely themed display representing the much loved Thunderbirds
Thank you to all the Mini Clubs for supporting Mini Fair and helping to make it an enjoyable day. See you at Himley Hall on the 11th May
A full album of images from Mini Fair can be viewed on our Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1021012420057281&type=3
Mini Fair 2025 Results
Premier Concours Final
1st Place Dave Rippard 518 LBH
2nd Place Sammie Watts
3rd Place Sally Dyer 613 DYR
Classic Mini 1960’s
1st Place Alan Chambers MRW 75F
2nd Place Andy Tuck CBL 852B
Classic Mini 1970’s
1st Place Gareth Williams ACA 617L
2nd Place Craig Rohan XHC 577
Classic Mini 1980’s
1st Place Kathryn Williams YAD 165X
2nd Place Gareth Brown C187 JFM
Classic Mini 1990’s
1st Place Stephen Robinson P635 CRB
2nd Place Ollie Westbrook H64 LOK
New MINI
1st Place Fred Dyer FRD 828
2nd Place Sid Mason SYD 488M
Modded Mini’s
1st Place Mark Williams S28 YNB
2nd Place Hannah Finlay D16 RNB
Best Club Stand
1st Place South East Mini Club
2nd Place Mini Girls
3rd Place Tynemouth Mini Club