For years the Network, and previously the Ventures have always had a annual ball. It seemed like a pretty call idea so a months ago we decided to hijack the idea and have our own formal do for explorers. Weren't quite sure how it would work with the younger age-group but it actually turned aout pretty well.

Ended up at some stage in the last week getting roped in to doing the seating plan for the evening... my first thoughts were why don't we just let people go in and sit where they want! However apparentely this isn't the done things at these posh do's. The plan got done, and re-done several times due to us getting 4/5 more people in the evening before hand!

Friday morning really pissed me off, i'd been waiting to see a specialist regards my knee over Christmas to get an exact verdict on what i'd done, and make the decison whether or not I'd need the key-hole surgery to repair any damage. Got a phone call an hour and half before the appointment saying it was cancelled! This means I'll miss the operation slot on monday and it could be over a month before there is another one, hoping I won't need the surgery now! Going to the physio a few times a week to try and improve it as much as possible. Big aim is to be fit for snow & ice, I know I'm not going to be climbing grade III gullies or anything but to be ready for some general mountain walking shoulden't be too difficult.

I'd invited a friend Emma to come along with me for the evening, shes coming to snow & ice but dosen't really know that many people so this was a great opportunity for her to meet people. She arrived around 6.30, looking stunning shortly followed by our chauffer (spelling!?) for the evening, Carrington.

Arrived at the venue, the 'Quality' Hotel - The Mill in Croston. Lots of people already milling (Pun!) around. Everybody had made and effort to look really smart, most of the guys were in suits with shirt and tie and most of the girls in dresses. Suitably impressed.

Sat down to our table, with myslef, Emma, Ash, Lucy, Mike, Martin, Carrington, Alex, Grace, Ricko, Jayne and Barry. For the price we payed the meal was very good however I have to say the beef was a fair bit over-cooked, enjoyed by most anyhow. After the meal we had some speeches/toasts (...or as they were referred to toasty things!). First Carrington did the formal toast followed by mine, written a few hours before with the help of THIS and then one by the DESCOM, Ken and finally by Ash. Ash was more of a plug for upcoming events rather than a toast it has to be said!

After the formal part of the evening the dancing began. I attempted, and then found out that its pretty diffcult to dance while on crutches, a word of thanks to all the people who lent a shoulder for me to grip while I regained my balance! Some very good dancers up there, some even manged to turn grease into a Celieh-esque dance, very cool!

Finished up around 11.30, said numerous goodbyes and then took Emma back to southport with Carrington. After dropping her off manged to get inexplicably lost, ending up right in the centre of Lords Street! Home sometime after midnight.

A very cool, and fitting end to whats been for me quite an subdued Christmas, lets hope it happens again next year.

Photos to come soon, as soon as Mike puts them on his website!!!