Photo by Bananaflo, GPL via Wikimedia Commons
Another action-packed seasonal outing and dinner for the Z/Yen team that year. Linda seems to have taken charge of proceedings by 2003, no longer describing herself as “assistant social secretary” to me, as she had in 2002.
The following note to the team also provides evidence that Secret Santa was first implemented at Z/Yen that year:
Dear All
This is just a reminder for you all about the Christmas Party.
Firstly, I hope you have all bought or about to buy your secret Santa present, as you should know you have £5 to spend and the gift should be wrapped in Z/Yen paper with a label which will be in the secret Santa box (when I get that organised – tomorrow).
As only a few people want to go to the “The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy” exhibition, please buy a ticket at the gate and claim on your expenses. We would like to be at the Science Museum at 16.30, this will give us approximately 90 minutes to see the other galleries (six in total), closing time is 18:00.
Afterwards, from 18.30 onwards, we will be having drinks at Shanghai Knightsbridge, 138 Brompton Road, London, SW3 1HY, followed by dinner there at around 19.15.
Regards
Linda
I recall that the several of us who wanted to see the Science museum took great pleasure in the exhibits available for us to play with that season.
But all of us, along with Janie and other arty folk who were more enthusiastic about seeing the extraordinary Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s Earth from the Air photographs, went across the way to see those before wandering along to Shanghai Knightsbridge.
Our wonderful friend May had hosted our 1999 event at The Park Inn. In the intervening years, she closed The Park Inn…
…Janie and I actually cried when we found out that the Park Inn had suddenly closed just before Christmas early in the new century…
…then re-emerged like a phoenix from the ashes at Shanghai Knightsbridge. Not so convenient for me and Janie on a regular basis, and more pricey, but still the excellent food and friendly service we had got to know so well.
It would have been churlish not to introduce the Z/Yen team to May’s new place. I think we had a sort-of room at the back of Shanghai Knightbridge if I recall correctly, or perhaps we were downstairs in a similar fashion to the P{ark Inn set up for larger groups.
Here’s my song from 2003:
DOES Z/YEN KNOW IT’S CHRISTMAS?
(Song to the Tune of “Do they Know It’s Christmas”)
VERSES
MICHAEL: It’s Christmastime, there’s no chance of getting paid,
MICHAEL: At Christmastime, we’re off the clock and we cannot trade;
MICHAEL: But in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy;
MICHAEL: Throw your birthday breakfast feast at Christmastime.
JEREMY: (spoken) But say a prayer,
MICHAEL: Pray for the finance one,
MICHAEL: At Christmastime, it’s hard, but when you’re having fun;
MICHAEL: There’s a world that’s west of EC3, and it’s a world of dread not glee,
MICHAEL: Where the only cash that’s flowing goes out to the EBT;
MICHAEL: And the Christmas bell that rings there is the alarm at five-o-two,
MICHAEL: So tonight thank God it’s Ian instead of you.
MICHAEL: And it’s risk/reward in Bishopsgate this Christmastime,
MICHAEL: The three wise men with PropheZy divine;
MICHAEL: (Oooh) where a seasonal remark,
MICHAEL: Is wide of the benchmark;
MICHAEL: Does Z/Yen know it’s Christmastime at all?
MIDDLE EIGHT
MALES: Here’s to you, raise a glass for everyone;
FEMALES: Here’s to Scrooge, working while we’re having fun;
ALL: Does Z/Yen know it’s Christmastime at all?
INSTRUMENTAL (SUBSTITUTE = VOICES GOING DING-DONG)
MALES: Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong, ding;
FEMALES: Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong, ding.
CHORUS
ALL: Fees for Z/Yen,
Pay Z/Yen more at Christmastime;
Fees for Z/Yen,
Risk/reward at Christmastime.
Repeat chorus until bored.