Date: 28 Jun 96
This whole story started three days ago when I answered the phone to hear the voice of my bank manager on the other side. Instantly that ice feeling gripped what is left of my heart and thoughts like 'Did I really buy that bridge the other night?' and 'How much did I tip my favorite lap-dancer ... er charity' raced thought my head. What followed could at best be described as a surprise. Instead of the expect 'Do you have any idea how far you are over your limit?' Phillip (the manager) asked 'Would you like to attend a cocktail party the bank is giving as part of a fundraiser? There'll be free drinks.' That last bit was still ringing like the sweetest birds song by the time I had established time, place, date and YUK dress code.
I straight away phone me bruv to rub in my good fortune only to find that he too has been invited. Damn fools, he is the only one that stands between me and all the beers. Anyway, last night we arrive at the bank in our YUK smart casual clothes and notice that the expected 80 people are 50 at best. And that the barman is a guy I used to work with.
To start with things went slowly. A few people stand up and explain a bit about this charity, show a video and then give us details as to how we can contribute. By the time the press/tv have left me bruv and I each have about 6 under the belt and suddenly this whole thing takes off. The music starts, the food gets served and the crowd moves to the bar.
To cut a long story short, by the end of the evening there are seven of us sitting in a circle on the floor surrounded by empty beer cans, whiskey bottles and other assorted beverage vessels.
The woman in charge of the charity challenges the
bank manager to a game of truth or dare which sees both of them trying to do handstands,
breakdance etc in the middle of the banking hall. All in all, completely redefining
customer care. The only drawback was that every last drop of alcohol got consumed
at which point I left but apparently it went on to a trolly race through the parking
lot to a nearby bar. Gotta love this bank.