Following a mixed day of hockey, with some big wins and losses by our teams, many of us were looking forward to winding down, by dressing up in clothes we don't usually wear, wearing lots of make-up, and having a few burly beers and shorts (many of us through straws...). It was of course the halloween bandeoke event organised by our friends at Cantabs!
The Cantabs clubhouse was bustling with people smiling, laughing and enjoying themselves. One of the things that hit me when I walked in was just how much of an effort had been made by everyone. I don't think there was one person who hadn't tried - and those that made less effort than others were made to pay with a dirty pint (note to self: always make an effort). The band was on form and engaged with the party atmosphere, to the extent that I couldnt tell who was a guest and who was a member of the band with so many people up on stage. The bandeoke singers were surprisingly good as well! There is always that person(s) who struggles to quite hit the high (or any) notes, but boy do they make you laugh while doing it. Good effort by all the singers and thank you for contributing to the nights entertainment.
By the end of the Bandeoke, all that was required was sorting out the travel arrangements to the fairly well known local club called Lola's (although I've never been there... ;-) After some confusion with taxis and just missing the guest list cut off time, we were left contemplating paying £9 each to get in. This was until Shin came and saved the day with his very unselfish "I'll pay for the table" philosophy, which went down extremely well with the group that travelled to the club. Good man Shin.
The night in the club was great fun, with a mix of dancing, drinking (surprise, surprise) and me being mistaken for a "seat stealer" and nearly being man-handled away from the table I was protecting after Emma and the girls became concerned about two shady looking individuals sitting next to the handbags. We were all getting some funny looks from other people that night, and I think there may of been one of two people in there with clown phobias.
On the whole, this was a very good night, which was most enjoyable for everyone who attended. Unfortunately the event was over-subscribed, so we will have to take this into account going forward so that we can provide a space for everyone who wants to attend in future. As future events will also have this problem, please book your tickets early!