Unaccustomed as I am (!) to making speeches – and as I was ambushed after several glasses of wine with the result that I probably looked like a startled rabbit caught in the headlights as I stuttered a few words of thanks – this is the speech what I wrote (in the spirit of a late, much loved comedian) when I had the chance to collect my thoughts:
I would like to thank you all for coming to our party and making it such a great night. I would also like to thank Danny for letting us take over his pub and organising the food, Neil for providing great entertainment, Cathy for rallying the troops and Sandra and Christine for the amazing gift – plus all those who contributed to it. We are so lucky to be welcomed back like this when all we did was bugger off and leave you all for 4 months!
I should also thank Elaine for holding the fort so that I was able to take off for so long and successfully combine my work with our adventure.
Lastly, I can’t thank B enough – I really have had the time of my life….