ASCUK CHRISTMAS PARTY 2009
Well, this could quite easily have been a disaster.. The week before the party, we found out that the hotel we had booked had gone into administration !! Panic stations ensued and Andy & Sue Gibbons and Julie Blackburn were up until all hours trying to find another hotel. Success followed when Sue found a wonderful hotel in Coventry who were more than happy to accommodate us. We arrived to a warm welcome and had decided that we would go 'all out' and dress up for the occasion. Dinner suits and cocktail dresses were brought out and we looked a lively bunch when we met in the hotel reception.
Dinner was served and was lovely and enjoyed by all. Consisting of three courses, the main meal being a carvery, Wally Holligan and Matt Green made full use of the 'all you can eat' sign !! Crackers were pulled, silly hats were in situ and off we went back into the bar area. Andy Gibbons disappeared and later fell through the door back into the lounge causing the table sat behind us all to choke with laughter when the door handle flew out of his hand !! It soon became apparent that he had found the hotel disco and he was swiftly followed by Kev and Lydia Brown, Louise and Stan Edwards and the rest of the party followed suit.
Pat Gatenby on a rare night away boogied the night away, and was joined at times by our Chairman Geoff who looked very smart in his dinner suit and bow tie. Sarah Green always one to be in the 'thick of things' danced all night just stopping for the odd well earned drink. The ever supportive Linda and Joyce MacFarlane enjoyed quiet drinks in the bar. Julie Blackburn lasted about an hour in her shoes before they went 'west' and she enjoyed the rest of the night barefoot.
By midnight, some of the party were beginning to tire, but the stalwarts Andy, Sarah, Julie, Sue, Wally, Pat, Louise, Lydia and Kev were still in full flow on the dance floor. Stan was enjoying a quiet drink and the rest of the ASCUK party were by now drinking double measures... !! At nearly 2am, the only people still left standing were Sarah and Andy..
The following morning, breakfast was a quiet affair with some very green looking people trying to eat a full selection of cereal, fruit and cooked breakfast. It was then time to shower, pack up and head off to LKA where those with hangovers were quickly identifiable.. Would we do it again ? Most definitely... It may have been a small group, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will be booking the same hotel again for 2010 !!