“Double Entry” no use in quiz

The actual birthday kicked off on a much quieter fashion than had hitherto been the case since the celebrations, or should I say commiserations, had commenced last Friday. A walk around the Cissbury Ring near Findon on the Sussex Downs was sufficient to raise enthusiasm for a fine lunch at The Townhouse in Arundel. We had to go there to sort our the bill for the big night out on Saturday and it is fair to say that bill was substantially above even our wildest expectations. The evening was also above expectations so I suppose there had to be a balance.

With it settled by That Really Nice Lady Decorator, I was ready to head for a siesta, but discovered that I was expected to walk through the town of Arundel clutching a bunch of helium balloons emblazoned with “Happy 60th Birthday”, and carrying some sort of party balloon cylinder. I had already had my sartorial credibility deeply damaged by having to go to the Co Op the day before in my full cricket regalia, so I took it in my stride. This stride however, failed to take account of the fact that I was wearing shoes with leather soles and it was raining. It is always raining in England. The result was that I slipped over twice and now wish to sue Arun District Council for a sprained ankle.

Limping home, I got as far as The White Hart when I felt I could go no further. Stopping in for an afternoon cap, it all began to unravel as That Nice Lady Decorator sought further to extend the period of over extended birthday celebrations. A birthday cake which had somehow escaped the clutches of the revellers on Saturday was produced and wolfed down by the range of miscreants and ne’re do wells who can spend a Tuesday afternoon in a bar. I include myself.

the brooding countenance of Denis The Menace Double Entry Slater counts for nothing on quiz night

I would have settled for a quiet evening in front of the TV with a mug of Horlicks, but That Nice Lady Decorator had other ideas, and that is how we came to find ourselves at the Kings Arms Quiz Night. On the way we had collected up intrepid local accountant Clive “Dennis The Menace, Double Entry” Slater, and his gorgeous wife Anne, who seemed pleased that he was not wearing his Beano sweater which I caught him dressed in over the weekend, and which I feature as my photo today. In fact the sweater is inside out because I asked him to change it due to its lurid nature. One never expects to win such a quiz in an upmarket and well-educated town like Arundel. One just wants not to come last and this is known as Kit Kat Avoidance. If you come last there is a booby prize of a Kit Kat for each member of the team. I am ashamed to say that we did, in fact, leave the pub after loaded with that exact confectionary.

I was able to answer one question due to my extensive knowledge of currencies, due to my work with Currencies Direct. The currency used in the UAE is the Dirham. It can be so useful when one operates occasionally in the world of foreign exchange, or more precisely, helping people to throw off the grasp of their banks when exchanging currency.

So that is it now, the bloody thing is all over. No more drinks for two days and then off we go again, down to Cannes for MIDEM, the annual music business junket and perhaps a lunch on the beach? Weather permitting.

Chris France
@Valbonne_News