…And Coinadrink partying like they were only 25!
BY YVONNE REYNOLDS-YOUNG
We were delighted to have been invited to the latest Coinadrink extravaganza held at the National Motor Cycle Museum at the NEC, Birmingham on Saturday 27th January.
Wonderful driving down to Birmingham on a Saturday, no delays, no accidents so I arrived reasonably refreshed. As with what seemed like most of vending royalty, I was staying at the Crowne Plaza at the NEC and we all met in the bar – no surprises there then – before being taken by coach to the event. In typical Coinadrink fashion, each ‘i’ was dotted and ‘t’ crossed ensuring that we were all ready and waiting for when the coaches arrived. My thanks go to Dave Ward of EVOCA UK and his team for my first Gin and Tonic in a week, it tasted all the better for having abstained…
The venue itself was very welcoming looking festive with fairy lights adorning the entrance. We’ve normally only seen it as a conference venue where Vendex Midlands is held. But what a turn out, there were probably around 300 or so guests, proof, if it were needed, how much the Williams family and team were held in high regard. By the time we all got the Imperial Suite from the hotel, we didn’t see much of the drinks reception but it really didn’t matter as the party was in full swing and carried on when we moved into the main function room for dinner. On our chairs were bags jammed full of party poppers, streamers, peashooters (yes really) screaming balloons and other sparkly things that also go bang.
My table was a spirited one and it wasn’t long before the naughty lads from Crane found their poppers, peashooters and screaming balloons. Before long everyone in the room was joining in. What a mess, but a lot of fun, if somewhat hazardous, finding popper string and ‘peas’ in your glass of wine!
Just a word on the food, considering there was such a ‘party’ atmosphere going on and considering the numbers, the waiting staff were amazing and the food excellent. Congratulations on the menu choice and the quality of the food was worthy of any good restaurant. Banquets are not easy to get right, but the service was exemplary.
The entertainment was also first class with close up magicians amazing us at the tables during the meal. Afterwards, a couple of ‘Firemen’ interrupted the post main course mayhem by breaking into song. Superb voices and had everyone singing along (as you can see in the video). After the meal was over we were treated to a live set from Roy G Hemmings with the Sounds of Philadelphia and Motown that was absolutely superb. People were instantly up dancing. Soon after, this intrepid Planet Vending MD decided to call it a night and head back to the hotel.
Judging by the sore heads next day, it was probably as well that the remainder of the evening remains unobserved…
A big big thank you to Roger, Yvonne, and to Teresa, Tom and the rest of the organising team. You played a blinder…
Happy 55 years, can’t wait for the 60th Birthday Party.
