by Phillip Barr

For the benefit of the big hitters, including Roy, Carol, My Car, Rob and Richard, who, for various reasons, were otherwise engaged, I’m forwarding a few more video clips together with photos of what was an enjoyable dinner date at Gaskell’s. You might spot how splendid David looks in his tartan waistcoat, as does his better half, Margaret.  Pippa and Linda, (also suitably attired) furtively organised a surprise opening song after the excellent meal was over – what, we pondered, would it be – Mull of Kintyre perhaps or Wild Mountain Thyme – no, it was of course ‘Kissin’ and a Huggin’ with Fred’ with Stan playing a starring role. Also, don’t miss Mike Sidebottom’s solo through to the end – he got his act together after a brief senior moment, wisely ignoring a comment from the floor along the lines of ‘ You can’t blame it on the menopause.’

Mags and Sue made ‘full – on’ contribution to a lively rendition of Everything’s Going to be All Right. As for the Caledonia Suite medley, which no doubt took David  ages to arrange, as the final  line of Auld Lang Syne (that’s with an S by the way), was completed, he scrunched up the copy and tossed it aside. I think I saw it floating in some coq a leekie soup as we left the room . 

Many thanks to Pippa and Linda for organising the venue – a great success – and to David as always for putting in the hours  and keeping the show on the road. Hopefully, Roy wasn’t too disappointed with the meagre contents of his doggy bag/ carton.