In my case the weekend started on Saturday, a tad later in fact that some had supposed, whilst I was sitting at Schipol, I was called by Bisach asking if I wanted a lift into town. Had I taken him up on his offer it may have spoilt his Saturday afternoon shopping trip.

First port of call for a few of us on Saturday afternoon was the Allied Arms. This was my first visit here, and indeed the first time I had met Steve Rolls (a.k.a. Reading_Glasses). It was also my first use of the shuttle bus to the Madstad which I have to say is an excellent service, not least because it stops right over the road from Steve’s pub.

On Saturday evening a dozen or so of the usual suspects headed to the Swan. This was one of those LI gatherings I particularly enjoy, a group of friends enjoying each others company, something to eat and a few drinks, great Craic all round. . Given than many of the party were getting up at an ungodly hour for the following morning we’d all promised ourselves that we would be good boys and girls. So it turned out to be and we were back in the hotel by 10.30.

Harlequins Ladies?

If someone can explain to me why I agreed to get up at 6.30 on the morning of our St. Patrick’s game please feel free to do so. The abseil was taking place at Twickenham and the ‘Harlequins Ladies’ slot was at the ungodly hour of 8.30. I stayed firmly on the ground, having witnessed the event I am happy with my decision. Even experienced abseilers such as Mr M@d reported that starting off in particular was somewhat unnerving.

 

 

The ‘Harlequins Ladies’ handling of the task varied widely as one would expect. Dublinannette was down so fast I only managed to get a picture of her at the bottom. Bisach, true to form, made the descent bewigged. Reading Fatboy led us in a chorus of I’d rather be a Paddy during the descent. The absolute star of the even was however Viks, the Harlequin Lady who organised the event in the first place. Viks is terrified of heights yet put herself through this ordeal for the second year running. To say she was somewhat stressed during the descent is an understatement. Fair play to her she made it down and getting by far the biggest round of applause of the day.

 

 

 

 

Our visit to HQ complete, we headed back to the Madstad where, at 10.30 in the morning a number of the usual suspects were starting to make things happen. Balloons in their hundreds were inflated, banners put up, spiderman tied to a lamppost. Most of us refrained from booze at this stage but not for long, I think it must have been 11.30 when Mary thrust a glass of champagne into my hand, it was all go from then on.

 

 

 

 

The car park gathering was, as usual, very pleasant. Sunshine, nibbles, drinks, a chance to meet old friends and put faces to names I have only known electronically. In the case of those of us in the Eastiebeastie section the gathering was cut somewhat short when we learnt that no area had been reserved for the drum corps so we had to hightail it into the stadium to mark our seats. A bag was filled with provisions and we headed for the stand. It was only as we attempted to get through the turnstiles that we learnt that the big balloons simply would not fit, lesson learnt for next year.

 

 

 

 

Inside the stadium the atmosphere was simply fantastic, everywhere I looked I saw smiling happy faces. In many ways it reminded me of last years PG cup final, win or lose everyone was going to have a party. Digger was well on form, his antics with Georgia Blakeney whilst she sang the fields before the game were particularly funny.

 

 

 

 

Over on the Eastiebeastie gallery MWM spotted a couple of Quins who were well and truly dressed for the occasion and invited them into the throng. What a lovely couple they turned out to be. The balloons flew the food was passed around and a smidgen of alcohol consumed.

 

 

 

 

After the game, for me, it was a mixture of the car park, the Craic outside and the hotel bar. It was at this stage that Marie introduced me to St Patricks milk, a somewhat powerful concoction, best sampled in small quantities. A particular highlight was Eek resplendent in tutu, dancing round the stage to the bands version of Alice. The Quins supporters seemed to enter well and truly into the spirit of the occasion. Undoubtedly this was helped by the result of the game but without exception amongst those I met, they knew they were coming to a party and they joined in.

My understanding is that the party in the hotel went on long into the night with Le Cheile putting on an extra performance in the bar. I can only assume that it was a tad more subdued than last year as when I came down at 7am there only one man left drinking Guinness.

London Irish put on a great party as usual. That said there is no doubt that the numbers put a strain on the Madstads facilities. During the game one of my party went to get some drinks, it took him almost half an hour. I do not want to criticise those who put together this years event, they did a truly splendid job. There are some lessons we can learn for next year.

The concept of the outdoor event worked well, much better than the marquee, albeit we were lucky with the weather. There were too few food and drink outlets. Assuming a similar crowd next year the number of these need to be at least doubled. By 7.30 two of the three food outlets had closed, I assume because they had sold out, and the burger stall was out of chips, it was only selling burgers. The Guinness bars were placed together quite close to the stage, one assumes that this was to facilitate whoever had to change the barrels. It caused long queues and a bit of a crush near the stage at times. Ideally they should be separated and they should also be kept further from the stage. Whilst I appreciate that Guinness are our sponsors more provision for the sale of other drinks, wine in particular, should be made.

Altogether a great weekend, well done to all concerned for making it so.

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