Franz keen to ‘tuk’ into new mode of transport
Indian vehicle will be available to transport brides and grooms to weddings
A NEW mode of transport to weddings and other events is now being offered by a Leek man.
Franz Opitz has purchased a classic Indian-designed tuk tuk vehicle.
He is now looking at offering to hire out the vehicle out – which has shelter from the rain – for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, charity events, graduations or for local businesses to advertise.
Money raised from any leases will go to support charitable causes across the world.
The 200cc engine tricycle configuration has a maximum speed of 40mph.
Franz, 75, who is a retired managing director and medical volunteer, has lived in Leek since 1985.
He said: “I have recently acquired a tuk tuk. My plan is to offer this locally for special transport, such as weddings, anniversaries and similar celebrations, as well as advertising for local businesses.
“The unusual nature of this vehicle and the almost total opposite of what one would normally use for weddings, for example, is bound to turn heads and make any event very memorable. It should also add an element of fun and understatement.
“The tuk tuk can be decorated for any special occasion to the hirer’s wishes – with the driver wearing a tuxedo or a costume.
“It is suitable as a real headturning fun transport for any special events.
“The understatement is that it is a change from the stretch limousine or tired Rolls Royces.
“There is no fixed fee. The hirer makes an appropriate donation and gets a free ride for an agreed schedule.
“Typically for a three-hour wedding, bride to church, church to reception, £250 would be appropriate. Other drives could be approximately £100 a hour.
“I have been supporting for many years a hospital in Uganda where I worked between 2008 and 2010 as well as a family in Romania and educational activities in Uganda and Cuba by selling calendars, greetings cards and items given to me.
“I would like to use the tuk tuk, suitably decorated and myself in corresponding attire, to add to my charitable funds. Donations will be used to support the Holy Cross Orthodox Mission Hospital in Namungoona, Kampala, Uganda, where I worked, as well as supporting the three children of the Subtirelu family (ethnic Roma), in Bucharest, Romania and currently a medical student in Uganda and Cuba.”
Franz is currently active in the University of the Third Age (U3A), teaching German and learning African drumming.
He has also brought two Ugandans to the UK for higher education, one now with a family, working in IT, while the other is completing a PHD at Keele University.
For further information about hiring the tuk tuk, email Franz at franz-opitz@tiscali.co.uk.