Events
Thom’s Surprise Birthday - Brought to you by James Wormald -
More than a couple of years ago… the Earth suddenly seemed a much brighter place. Water tasted better, flowers smelled better, music sounded better. I’m not talking about the day the Berlin wall fell, the day man landed on the moon, or the end of any war. I am of course referring to the happiest day of Thomas Robert Podmore’s mother’s life. Last week a group of 30 or 40 hip young trendsetters, joined Gazz and myself, to come together and share our love and thanks for this day. It was sure to be a great party. Personally Gazz and I had not seen Thom for nearly three years, so as we, along with everyone else gathered in the hired room at the Red Lion on Hoxton Street, we shed giddy chatter in anticipation.
The only person lacking in excitement for the night to come, was Thom himself. He had NO idea it was even happening. Now I’ve tried my hand at a surprise party. It went well enough, the surprise was actually a surprise, and was well received. But that was easy. What wasn’t easy was getting people to show up. This is what makes me so envious of Felicity (Thom’s lovely Mrs.), she boastingly managed to get 30+ people to commit to the night, get them all to shut up about it, and managed to keep Thom (someone who’s always liked to think he’d know if a surprise party was in his future) unaware.
She started off claiming she’d planned take him to a top cocktail bar. But they were all members clubs. Then she suggested they go somewhere in North London (actually getting the BUS there) until someone else called to say they were unexpectedly at the Red Lion, and did they want to drop by. She gave Thom the choice. Knowing he’s always one for pleasing other people, he goes along with it, and like a ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ book, the labyrinth ends where the crowd has gathered.
Gazz and myself turned up about 8, ready for an 8:30 “Surprise!”, and perched ourselves in a comfortable area on the roof terrace, until I remember it’s happening downstairs. Sacrificing our spot, we join the awaiting crowd, looking like we’ve walked into a private party (which we had). Just as we started to worry we’re encroaching on some stranger’s shitty party, who should show up to convince us we’re in the right place but Leeds Me Up Legend and Fan, Liam? No one, because it was Liam. He’s brought guests too, additional Leeds Me Up Legend Lexi, her friend Becky, and his Mrs. Ioulia.
Before too long I’m one drink down, and being a proper man Liam offers to visit the bar. He’s advised against, as we’re literally minutes away from Thom’s un-expecting arrival, but he chances it regardless. Seconds after Liam leaves the room, we hear the word that he’s just round the corner. After what feels like hours stood, all of us huddled in one corner of the small room, shushed by the fear of death, we hear him coming up the stairs.
“It’s packed down here. There’s a bar upstairs, and it’s pretty light up there.” Suggests Felicity. As he approaches the door, Thom sees a balloon on the floor, and starts to wonder. Before he can string together the required thoughts, he’s pushed into the room to a resounding cheer “Surprise!” and a strong, and vociferous chorus of “Happy Birthday to You!” Shortly after this, he’s presented with his Birthday Pot Noodle (with candles and everything).
After coming back from the bar, I see we’re in full swing to a good old Fashioned Leeds M…. ugh… I mean London Me Up discussion. Following endless amounts of plaudits and superlatives, we get onto complaints. Apparently, in Thommy’s Bio from the Leeds Me Up History section, Felicity is referred to as ‘weird’. Now, I of course, did not have to website to hand at the time to refer to. So without it, I defended myself as best I could.
“I don’t remember writing that, but that’s hardly surprising as I write a lot of things. However if it’s there then I probably DID write it. If that is the case, then I’m certain I meant ‘weird’ in only the nicest of ways.” – Was my official line. Now, in hindsight, having the reference of the site to hand… I can clear the issue up completely.
First of all, the Bio states that Felicity is a ‘lovely weird girl’, not just ‘weird’. Secondly, I didn’t even write it! It is my current mantra for the site that if someone wants to write something, be it an event they attended, an article, a review of something they like or dislike, or their own bio, then they’re completely free to do so. Anyone can do it, no matter how academically good literary it may, or may not be. I will put it up. However as this is my website, I am of course responsible for the content, so there is a line. With this bio, as it does not include the author’s name, it is I who must take responsibility, however this also means that I have edited the current text to be more in line with my personal opinion.
Law suit averted, we get back to the party as the chat takes a turn onto past members and current whereabouts. Turns out most are missing presumed dead. I’d like to take this opportunity to call out, all old Leeds Me Up members. In the immortal words of Delia Smith…
“Where are you!”
Members Jaquesy, Jime, Sam, Tori, Roon, Jim, Laura, Oli, Sean, Miriam…
“Where are you!”