Tel : Sue Gould of Vranch House School & Centre - Exeter 01392 873543
Thank you for inquiring about the Jailbreak. This fact sheet answers the most commonly posed questions, but do ring me if you have other queries or want to discuss any ideas and plans. The escape starts from the old Prison Officers' Club car park. Check in at the nearby Prince of Wales pub from 9.15am. Bacon butties & tea & coffee for sale. Bar opens at 10am.
Where is the furthest destination and how did they get there?
Auckland 11,916 miles. Flights were paid for by a group of businessmen & relatives.
How can we get free tickets or transport?
By raising lots of money for us first! If you prove you are genuinely helping us, then people will help you. Successful teams have obtained discount fares and then persuaded others to chip in for the cost. Talk to your local travel agent about it.
Do you have any tips?
Persistency pays! Don't baulk at the first hurdle, just keep raising the money and use your imagination, ingenuity and contacts. Choose your team carefully, decide who co-ordinates the logistics of travel and who manages fundraising. Ensure all the team are actively involved by having regular Escape Committee meetings where you brainstorm ideas and discuss plans and strategies.
If all else fails can we just take pot luck and see where we can get to on the day?
Yes - but we do advise caution when hitching - don't take chances and stick together! You don't have to go abroad to win a Trophy, and you can often raise more on the day by staying local!
Do we have to make our own way back? Of course!
Can we pay for food and accommodation?
Yes, or you can get this sponsored. The only rule is that you must not pay for transport. Do take emergency funds with you.
Will we be on TV and can we guarantee sponsors free advertising?
The Jailbreak has been on TV most years for the past 24 years - so there is every reason to expect coverage again this year. Whilst you can display your sponsors' logos, we cannot guarantee the TV will film you but the more outrageous you look the better your chances! Also don't forget to contact your local press.
Are there other challenges besides distance?
Yes - hundreds! Just look through the Book of Records. Teams have even invented their own challenges - they've climbed mountains, descended coal mines, cycled marathons, completed triathlons, built a nine-man amphibious bike and dived in a mobile see through tank!
Is anyone chasing us?
Officially no, unofficially Police worldwide from America to Hong Kong & Australia have co-operated in apprehending and putting the cuffs on "escapees"! One team recorded 102 Police arrests!
What do we wear?
You provide your own prison garb - a boiler suit with arrows and plastic ball & chain, or any other cunning "disguise".
Who releases us?
Usually the Deputy Governor and/or a celebrity So far Noel Edmonds, Rula Lenska, Barbara Windsor and Cathy Shipton (Duffy), Richard Bath, Kevin Kane & Colin Slade have performed the honours.
What happens when we reach our destination and how do we prove we got there?
You 'phone me, giving your location and any hot news for the press. You have a "Passport to Freedom" which you must get stamped or signed by a responsible third party such as a Policeman, bus driver or other official.
Do we get together again after Jailbreak day?
Yes, we have a big party, hog roast & awards at the Presentation Dance at Clyst St Mary Hall, Exeter on the 17th of May.
What sort of people take part?
Anyone over 16 years old from all sectors of society - directors, doctors, nurses, ambulance personnel, dentists, Mayors, Police, Army, Navy, Marines and Fire Service, teachers, fishermen, Disc Jockies, journalists, hairdressers, cyclists & grandmothers.
What can we win?
A place in the Book of Records, a unique granite memento & certificate and a T shirt for every £50 an individual brings on the day EG if you bring £200 you will receive 4 T shirts. There are Trophies for Raising Most Money, Furthest Destination, Most Human Effort, Most Publicity, Best Disguise, Most Unusual Means of Escape and Most Celebrity Involvement.
What do we do if we want to enter?
Just send us the completed Entry Form and enclose £5 entry fee for the team. We will then forward precise details, IDs and sponsor forms.Go on, enter, have fun and help fund vital equipment!
Sue Gould, Marketing Manager
For details please contact: Mrs Sue Gould;
Marketing Manager
Tel/Fax: 01392 873543
Email: gould@vranchhouse.org
The 2008 Great Dartmoor Jailbreak! 
