BOOZE CRUISE 2004
WRITTEN BY BEN JONES
bpjones@deloitte.co.uk

Thursday 19th August 2004 - Sponsored by Michael Page

I used to think that it was the law for this event to be held in glorious uninterrupted sun shine, loosely based on experiences over the past few years. How wrong I was. Just after arrival at our first pub, The Ostrich, rain came down like I've never seen rain before. Sixty brave battlers, with only beer vests for protection, huddled under the canopy praying for clearer skies.

Unperturbed, we pressed on. We took two boats, one offering significantly more cover than the other. Heroically, this was shunned as most people piled in to the open top craft. A defiant act. Rewards were forthcoming, as the weather picked up and even got mildly sunny at some points. A leisurely trip down the river, beer held in handy Michael Page can holder, ended up at our second stop, the Nova Scotia. Despite requests from the boss, members of the Michael Page team introduced our lucky battlers to the joys of the Strawpedo. Some nights were sunk then and there. Others pressed ahead with some west country champagne - safe in the knowledge that if you can't see through a pint of cider it can't do you any harm.

It was getting dark, dry and quite frankly a little hazy by this point, so back on to the boat and one of the highlights of the night, in the shape of synchronised boat turning. Suitably sick, we clambered off it again and fell in to the Cottage, on paper the last stop of the night. Here was the night's pinnacle, the boat race. The rules were simple - down a pint, turn the glass on to your head, and move on to the next team member. Teams of 5, only one person per firm on each side. We had four teams, I was on one of them, and as a result I can't remember who won. I don't think there's an award at the annual dinner for that one.

Another few minutes on the water followed. How many exactly, I don't know. Off we got and the night, inevitably, went down hill for most with a trip to some of Clifton's less renowned "nite spots".
A great evening out all round, many thanks as always to Andy and everyone at Michael Page for their generous sponsorship. We look forward to doing it all over again next year.

click on photos to enlarge