Birthday gang - 2nd November, 2012

Cafe Cairo, Landor Road, Brixton

It was a dark and stormy night... the light of the candle against the rain lashed window flickered as the door swung open from the street, and in scuttled....

...Sus and my Mama: first to arrive...

'Which side does the toaster brown when the wind is in the east?' queried a voice from behind the arras...

...twas Joey of Dreycott, conductor of the choirs of Heythrop, denizen of the land that haircuts forgot...

a mighty sound filled the ether, as a familiar form sprang from beneath the leather armchair - no midget this but the policeman of destiny...

Evening All! Clearly not a good night to be the wrong side of the long arm of the law. The vision in Whiting, soon deep in conversation with good Bruce Macinnes and dear Susi was not to be phased by the momentary move to Marakech...

Good Sir Barnneybee, resplendent here in genuine 1960's suit (featuring red trim), did boldly sally forth to join us from the towers of Pimlico. Fair Maria jetted in from the farflung reaches of Notthillgate - such sacrifices of pilgrimage, such journeys made, and for our quest... (where is this tenuous metaphor going I wonder?)...

Charlotte B D even made it there from Stockwell: only a hiccup away by cheeky volvo...

Blessed Paschal and friends to monks everywhere were also in attendance, caught here on not-so-candid camera phone in the nook near the fireplace...

The church administrators of HTC were also out in force - dear Shannon of the South African heritage

and lest anyone forget, dear Roxanne of the mighty brownie (and wondrous vege dip) seen here with Chris of the Hawkins, auf Medici Kwire

Ma and Ma B... the Shisha pipe looking guiltily like it's been put down for the photo...

and the so-solid crew: L-R: Dreth McDreth, Susle, Milo, Jane and Ma. Hello! eat-your-canape out!

Thanks guys for a lovely evening - so many dear friends, so many also missing or overseas... it was a really special birthday party - bless you all!

Molto, molto, mojito Grazie!