Drivers compete in car treasure hunt
A SUNNY Sunday car treasure hunt drew 15 eager drivers and their teams to raise 1,580TL for the Help Those With Cancer Association (Tulips) in the run-up to the annual Esentepe Fun, Run and Ramble — Efrar 2018 — which is slated for May.
The treasure hunters left Stevie’s Restaurant in Küçük Erenköy in a staggered start on the 38-kilometre, two-hour ring route which took in Tatlısu, Çınarlı and Mallıdağ.
Organiser Brian Hills said: “It isn’t a race and there were no prizes for the first one back.
“It was even more challenging than last year as participants had to solve anagrams to identify things to collect on the way. There was also an observation test at Stevie’s bar and a motoring quiz.
“We did have a few ‘domestics’ and one lady handed in her answer sheet with the comment ‘I am not going home with HIM!’
“It was, though, a very good day with no mishaps except for the overnight disappearance of all the election posters whose numbers were the key to one of the clues.
“I didn’t know that election propaganda must be removed 24 hours before the Sunday general election. They were still there when I checked the route the day before. I just gave everyone one point instead!”
Aided by Phil Conkie, the Bahçeli-
based Musketeers team of Sheila Lane, Alison Hatcher, Eddie Çelebi and Janice Harper won the day, scoring 140 out of 154 points to pip runners-up, the Esentepe All Stars, by a single point.
“Musketeer” Eddie Çelebi sealed their victory after teams were posed an answer clue to which they had to ask the correct question of the right person.
Only he and Sue Steel succeeded in posing their question, “Are you Rose?” to Tatlısu’s Mon-O-Lah bar owner Rose Özkeser, for which they gained a lollipop and a valuable bonus of five points each.
Restaurant owner Steve Stockwell hosted the start and finish of the event, gave a contribution to Tulips from his roast Sunday lunches for 38 people and generous prizes for the raffle and music which followed.
Other attractions included Geoff Carter-Brown’s vintage MG convertible and “Abnormal” Annette McCloskey’s Shaneeka costume.
Efrar 2018 chairman Mary Watson said: “Once again, this was a great event and the weather was perfect for a run out in the countryside. The clues were diverse and a knowledge of
SteptoeandSon and the 1980s quiz show, Blockbusters, certainly helped!
“Our thanks go to Brian Hills, Steve and Linda Stockwell and their staff at Stevie’s Restaurant for their donations and use of their premises, as well as all participants and supporters.
“These events are not only fun but help to raise vital funds for Tulips.”