SUMMER CRUISE: 12TH JUNE – RIVER THAMES
Come hell or high water!
On Tuesday 11th June, most of the UK received more than a months rain in one day.
So, it was with some trepidation that Old Friends were closely monitoring the weather. But despite continuing rain, the ‘Dunkirk spirit’ was very much in evidence as Old Friends and their friends, coated and umbrella’d, headed firstly for the Hung Drawn and Quartered Pub in Tower Hill, then on to the Millennium Tower pier for the Society of Old Friends Thames Cruise.
Fittingly, sixty five Old Friends and guests were almost saluted by a raised Tower Bridge as they arrived at the pier. Then, with a welcome drink, they were serenaded by the excellent Markus Michelucci as they boarded the City Cruises Millennium of London in the shadow of the magnificent Tower of London.
The President welcomed everyone on board as the cruise ‘set sail’ past the Walkie Talkie building, HMS Belfast, passing under Tower Bridge as a mouth-watering starter was served. Then a brief stop to pick up the delicious freshly-cooked main course and a (far-too-delicious) dessert, and the Cruise was on its way again.
The constant hubbub of banter and laughter was the best indicator of Old Friends and their guests mingling, catching up and having a great time, many taking the clearing of the rain as an opportunity to go out on deck and enjoy the evening sites of the London skyline from the water.
Then, after a short break, Markus continued the entertainment with an engaging blend of covers and his own music – all accompanied with his very accomplished guitar and harmonica skills.
Three hours passed in the blink of an eye and as the boat finally returned to the pier, the President brought the evening to a close, offering a special thanks to Old Friend Graham Davis who had not only offered the recommendation of Markus, but who had also very kindly sponsored Markus for the evening. The attendees showed their appreciation with enthusiastic applause.
There was then a surprise raffle for a (taste of the sea) bottle of Captain Morgans Spiced Rum, which was won by a stunned and delighted Bob Taylor of Everything Office.
Finally, with a brief word of thanks again to all for supporting the event, the President then offered a thought for those Old Friends who, for whatever reason, were not able to join the cruise, thanked the Committee for their support and help in with organising the event and reminded members to check the Society website for the latest on upcoming events.
After a cracking evening, VOW Regional Director, Mia Trangmar, captured the mood perfectly;
“Just wanted to say thank you for a very enjoyable evening, we along with our customers thoroughly enjoyed the cruise, service and food. It was super fun and lots of time spent networking and laughing with some great people.”
London is a great city and seeing it from the Thames with your Old Friends and their friends is a very, very special experience.
