April 2004 saw the visit of the Mini Magazine journalist and photographer to come and do an article on Minimaster. Having persuaded them to come so far North, we made them very welcome, and showed them around our business, and took them out in the van.

The first part of the day was taken up with interviews with Phil (the journalist), who was shown around the body shop and service areas and shown examples of some of the work we did. He interviewed John and some of the staff (Chippy is shown here), and looked around the workshops. Then he and Mike (the photographer) discussed the shape of the article, and Mike set to work to take some supporting photos.

First up was the body shop, where Chippy and Ricky do their magic. On the spit was a van that we were preparing for one of our car sales, already sold to client in Dumfrieshire. Next was outside where the minis for sale are lined up. Dan (one of our apprentices) was the target of the lens as he cleaned the cars.

Next up was the workshop where we build or reassemble the cars, as well as service and MOT them. This is very much a clean area to ensure the cars are put together neatly and meticulously. Here, another van being fully restored for a customer from Preston became the prime target.

The shop then became the centre of attention, and Anne's domain was invaded by the media. Many close up shots were done on products laid out in our shop including the Sabelt racing accessories, and the Maniflow exhaust systems. Anne was a little wary of the attention, and Phil had to take care not to make a mess!

Finally, the mini van became the target, and there was a flurry of activity to prepare it, as it took us a bit by surprise: it was supposed to be covered in a follow up visit. John had recently been playing with the engine, and as such, it was only half complete. But this was the reality, and being an everyday vehicle, it was captured in its natural state (as was the rest of the garage, as we had consciously decided not to dress it up specially for the visit, but to show it how it is).

Considerable photographic preparation was taken for what would be the opening photo in the magazine article. This comprised fixing the camera to the side of the mini-van and then pushing it around the car park to get the required blur and reflections. However, the end result was spectacular as can be seen in the September 2004 edition.

The day was finished with the customary trip to Doug's Diner, a greasy-Joe restaurant famed for its quality and quantity! Never failing to fill anyone who crosses its threshold, it became an event in itself. Both Phil and Mike were caught out by "eyes bigger than the belly"!

Thanks to the Mini Magazine for featuring us, and for Mike and Phil preparing such a good article (despite it being quite heavily edited from the original). You certainly made someone very happy!