Mayor's 2,000-Mile European Tour in Reliant Robin

Erewash Borough Mayor Harry Atkinson recently concluded a remarkable 2,000-mile tour of Europe, undertaking the adventure in a 34-year-old Reliant Robin. The 10-day journey, which began on April 10th, saw Atkinson and three companions visit three of the borough's twinned towns. These included Romorantin-Lanthenay and Châlons-en-Champagne in France, and Langen in Germany. The mayor expressed that the trip was a brilliant way to boost relations with these European counterparts. The expedition also served a charitable purpose, successfully raising £1,700 towards a new scout hut in Sawley and supporting a community radio station. Despite minor hiccups, such as the car nearing overheating near Paris and a brief encounter with French police, the Reliant Robin proved reliable throughout the tour. Atkinson hoped the journey would stimulate greater interest and strengthen ties with the towns twinned with Ilkeston and Long Eaton. A planned lap at Germany's Nurburgring was thwarted as the three-wheeled vehicle was not permitted on the track. The tour concluded with a meeting with the mayor of Langen, Germany, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and shared history.