The Super-anos

Well, I was working late on Tuesday, but instead of my usual commute home followed by crashing out on the sofa, I decided to test my brain cell a little by going to the Pinkies quiz night at the Black Cap. It was expertly organized by the sopranos, and MCed expertly by Emelda, who mixed her dry wit with some of the fairly ludicrous questions to great acclaim.

Of course I arrived late, but by the time I got there it was already fairly busy. I was roped into Mel's team with Sally Ann, Liang, Philip R and a bunch of Mel's friends. They were actaully rather good, and despite my tardiness I think I acquitted my self nicely with my encyclopaedic knowledge of Star Wars, Star Trek and Nintendo video games. Er... perhaps I shouldn't be too proud of that! In the end my team actually won, oh novelty! Of course Gill P's team of just three people were neck and neck with us all the way, and probably should have won if it weren't for the fact that my team was nearly three times their numbers!

It was also great to see most of the Pink Singers out on a school night. I am presuming that most people either have a relaxed dress policy at work, or they had a chance to go home to get changed, because there were quite a number of people dressed in nothing but T-shirts and shorts in the hot weather. I love the summer, people look so much sexier and our choir is blessed with quite a few photogenic members. I'll name names if pressed!

The quiz itself was followed by the mandatory karaoke session. I love singing, and I love karaoke, but when it comes to performing on a stage in front of people I just chicken out. Thankfully there were people like the amazing Keri who took up the challenge. I already know Keri has an amazing voice - at least year's choir weekend away she dazzled us all with her range and repertoire - but it didn't stop me being impressed hearing her sing Bjork's It's So Quiet. Liang ang a song just before I left, but the sweetest moment of the night must have been when the Pink Singers got up behind Gwen, a more mature regular at the karaoke night, to sing Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

Fun was had by all - I can't wait until the altos' event!

Far Better Than Expected

Well, for all two of you (okay, one of you) waiting with bated breath for my report on this weekend's shenanigans, I have to say that it really was a lot better than I anticipated. For one, the weather was superb, despite my previous misgivings. Have a look at the photo which, hard to believe, shows even better weather than the tourist brochure!

Streatley itself is a lovely rather fancy town - they have their own Bentley dealership for one! But that also means some lovely pubs, amazing riverside walks and proper tea and cakes. We went for a long stroll by the river bank, finally ending up at a pub for a well-earned lunch. The sunshine was so warm several of us (who remain nameless!) fell asleep at the table afterwards.

The evenings were spent playing mah-jong, courtesy of Annie, or Cluedo, courtesy of the youth hostel. But, for me, the pièce de résistance was Liang and his karaoke machine. Keri, Vicki, Liang, Hester and I sang into the wee hours of the morning. We have decided that with her extensive knowledge of showtunes, Keri is actually a gay man.

It was a bit of a shame more people weren't there, but those of us who did go had a fabulous time. I'm already looking forward to next year!