Today
Recovering this morning from last night's Company Christmas bash. The company is also 20 years' old this year so we had a combined celebration.
Marvellous bash; we hired the SS Great Britain and about 125 people turned up, all dressed in their best (or their interpretation of it). Staff are allowed to invite a guest so there was a nice mixture of faces I knew and those I didn't.
The evening was themed around James Bond with car chase video games, a casino, a James Bond lookalike who did table magic and a great band. For those who were not interested in these delights, there was a ship to explore and plenty of quiet places to sit and chat. Food was plentiful and good and the venue spiffing.
I did my MD bit and cruised around, greeting all and making sure that all were happy and in their right places.
Paul took us in the Daimler so it all felt very posh.
In My Day
When I worked for the Inland Revenue, back in the 70s, office parties were a far cry from last night. On a fairly unpredictable day, close to Christmas, desks would be cleared and, if possible, moved to make space. Food of the sausage roll variety and a range of drinks would be wheeled in. I've an idea that we contributed to the cost. If you had a good and understanding boss, some cash would be donated. We stopped work at about 4.00 pm, somebody would heave in a tape player and music would be put on.
Then we'd proceed to drink a lot, eat a little, dance and say foolish things. I never saw anybody nipping off to the stationery cupboard but I'm sure it went on. Quite a lot of the senior managers would just absent themselves altogether and there were always a few lonely souls who stood there, clutching a glass and talking to nobody.
Round about 8.00 pm, I'd make my way to the station to catch a train home, or else call Paul who'd come and collect me. One grim year I got very drunk on Baileys - haven't been able to touch the stuff since. Another year I was certainly kissed very firmly by a chap who must have been 15 years my junior.
And in the morning you went into work, hoping you hadn't disgraced yourself or been horribly outspoken to someone, and helped to clear up the mess.
I think that last night will go down in the annals of great Christmas doos.
