Black tie

Well what an eventful day. I turned up at 13:00pm to collect my dinner suit from the hire shop and was told it hadn't arrived. I had specifically stated I needed it by then, as my train to London from Southampton was at 14:00pm.

"Sorry Sir. The lorry's half an hour away. Stuck in traffic."
"OK", I say. "Please answer this question. Will my suit be available in 30 minutes time?"
"Er, no Sir. It will take another half an hour to get it off the lorry".

The spotty Saturday boy I saw at the weekend had promised it would be ready for 13:00pm. In fact, he assured me it would be there by 11:00am. He had over-promised and dropped this apologetic full time weekday worker right in it. I realised I would certainly miss the train had I waited for the lorry, and therefore begrudgingly had to buy a brand new suit from a company that had let me down. And I shall probably only ever wear it once.

A good evening was had though, and with comedian Michael McIntyre providing the after dinner gags, it was soon time for the awards ceremony....

I think the look on a couple of my colleagues' faces will tell you that we didn't win, but being nominated was enough of a prize as far as I am concerned. I am proud of our team, and in particular my colleague (and good friend) Grahame who, as our expert in health & safety showed such passion and committment in getting us there.

Anyway, we soon cleared out of there and off came the bow ties, and down went the beer....