How many times has Hector been asked – Is Curry the only Food you eat? As if.
Tonight found Hector and Marg along with an FP Cohort from Aberdeen Grammar dining at the British Houses of Parliament. One of this Cohort is a certain John Stevenson MP at whose instigation this evening was arranged. Same old, same old, NOT!
Six of Ten made an Afternoon Rendezvous at Greenwich. This was Hector’s Third Trip to Greenwich and the Third time I would not stand aside the Meridian or visit The Observatory. This was not a Hector Trip. After a Random Nibble by The Thames purchased by Marg, I realised that there is a Nandos on the South Bank beside The Cutty Sark. As we later wandered through the Greenwich Market, I spotted Indian Street Food. You can’t always get what you want.
Hector, Kenny, Alasdair, James and Angus, the Husbands of The Aberdeen Five were no strangers. The evening had potential. With the Ladies suitably attired, – Smart-but-Casual – aye right. Ten of what would be a Group of Thirty Three finally were united at Big Ben. It’s not everyday One arranges to meet at Big Ben. I remember when this building was Black. And so through Security and into The Houses of Parliament. The Security is a reminder of those who wish to do us harm.
Prior to the Food was a Tour of the said Building led by John himself. It’s a pity that in this day of Security, Interior Photos are not permitted. It is Forty Years since I was last round this Building, I wasn’t so impressed last time. I have been on the planet longer and so recognised more Faces. The Statue of – Her – looks as if it was taken straight from Spitting Image. It’s a pity that in less than 100 Days, they will have to take a Pot of Paint and put a few coats of emulsion over all references to Scotland being part of the UK. A Red and White Union Flag?
OK, Hector injects some Humour; this is a Very Impressive piece of Architecture, housing Our Collective Heritage. To stand at The Despatch Box in the House of Commons makes one wonder why some choose this career path, Fame? Fortune? Flipping Expenses? As for The House of Lords, I felt no Bond.
We had Drinks on the Terrace – as One does – before being called into Dining Room A where the Seating Plan took Marg and Hector to the far end of the Long, Narrow Room. Eighteen were F.P.s, Fifteen were Spouses. I was acquainted with Five more outwith Our Ten. John made an Informal Speech recognising that without The Spouses, we would not have made the threshold.
The distribution of Bread Rolls preceded the arrival of The Starter. No Poppadoms or Seekh Kebabs for Hector this evening. Smoked Salmon formed the Heart of The Starter. A Cucumber Wrap housed more Tasty Morsels, all very Pretty, and no chance of a Starter’s Overdose.
The Red Wine Glass was filled by Bert from time to time. He was probably appalled by those who stuck to Red and did not have White with The Fish, however, Few, if any, knew what was on The Menu.
The Main Course had us puzzled, still does. There is an agreement that the Core Meat was surrounded by a Ham of some type. The Core Meat was Pink with what could well have been a Fatty Cloak. Now they wouldn’t have served us Ham wrapped in Ham, would they? Some thought it was Beef, but the Texture was not right and there was no way Hector could have eaten Raw Beef, could he? The Potato Creation was better than Two Scoops of Mash.
The Reader must realise by now that Hector is not impressed by the Art of Food, please just – Feed Me. Fortunately, a rapidly filling Marg was able to Supplement The Hector Meat intake.
Meringue – was the First description of Dessert, but as the Pointy Bits were Soft, apparently not. Was it Ice Cream or was Hector, Meringue?
The Coffee was poured and the Pot left for Free Refills. Good Value. Chocolates too!
A Most Enjoyable Meal and not a Hint of Spice. Hector does eat Other Food, but clearly does not Review this so well. Curry-Morgen!
As the Incumbent President of the FPs, Marg had to speak at the end of the meal.
The Bill
I have no idea what Marg paid for this, probably just as well.
The Aftermath
At one point I considered that a Late Night Curry might not be a Bad Ide
a, however, the Appetite had been Sated. And so back to the Terrace, waving at the passing River Boats and their Parties. We were invited to leave just after 23.00 having had a longer innings than we were led to believe.
There is no truth in the rumour that Marg and Kenny were last to leave… Thanks to the ongoing World Cup, The Pubs were still open, a Pint at last! I know my place.