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 First Ever Event in Switzerland
Date: 5 December 1998
Location: Restaurant Le Maitre Jacques, Nyon
Written by Cesca Bossart
Despite efforts at rallying the
troops and applying the latest in brainwashing technology to spread
Gary Barlow mania throughout Switzerland, only three die-hard Gary
fans turned up at the Maitre Jacques restaurant in Nyon on
Saturday, December 5,1998.
I had originally booked a table
for 15, then, in view of the lack of interest, changed it to 10,
then to 5. Finally, with tears streaming down my face in sympathy
for Mr. Barlow’s apparent lack of appeal, I was forced toinform
the restaurant that only 3 people would attend what I had hoped
would be a large gathering. We’d just have to cuddle up and be cosy.
My friend Leigh-Anne and I, having
spent quite some time agonising over what to wear (just in case
the Main Man showed up), got into my Barlowmobile (Volvo 850 with
integrated “Open Road” power speakers) and headed down to the station
to pick up Melissa, my fellow Co-ordinator who, having been let
down at the last minute by three “friends” was coming alone all
the way from Zurich for the evening.
Melissa’s train was late, so
I drove Leigh-Anne down to the restaurant in case they gave our
table to somebody else (ever-decreasing numbers had done nothing
for my popularity or credibility), then went back to wait for Mel,whom
I had yet to meet. Leigh-Anne and I had considered putting a sign
on the Barlowmobile stating “GB FANS OFFICIAL CAR”, but somehow
never got around to it. Pity, it would have been a giggle.
When the train finally arrived, modern technology
kicked in and served its purpose; my mobile phone rang just as someone
fitting Mel’s description appeared outside the station, wearing,
among other fashion statements (i.e: her best Gary T-shirt), a mobile
phone. But she was heading the wrong way! “Turn around!” I yelled,
turning up the stereo and flashing my lights. Seconds later she
hopped into the car laughing and off we went.
Our first destination was the hotel where
Mel would be spending the night: she needed a key as we planned
to stay up quite late. So I parked the car, we got the key, went
back to the car, drove towards the parking exit and.... the Barlowmobile
didn’t feel like it’s usual perky self... I stepped out to find
exactly what I expected: a flat tyre. Great start to the evening...
No fans, no car, freezing cold weather, no Gary....
Mel and I then ran through Nyon’s cobbled
streets and arrived at the restaurant to find Leigh-Anne guzzling
champagne. We ordered some for ourselves; at this point I needed
some bubbles in my life. The restaurant’s sound system was broken
so we couldn’t even do any last minute fan recruiting.
But dinner was divine. We all
had the same: a huge elaborate salad with truffle shavings, seasonal
mushrooms and goodness knows what else. Then we had Mignons de Veau
(yes, sorry, I know, it’s veal.... but it was very nice) and vegetables
and wild rice. We decided to skip the Mars ice-cream dessert (just
kidding Gary, there wasn’t any) and had coffee.
We then jumped into a taxi and
went back to my house where I opened another bottle of champagne
and put Gary’s “Open Book” video into the VCR. Although I’ve seen
it more often than my kids have seen “The Lion King”, I enjoyed
it once again. Mel had never seen it and was totally engrossed.
Was that dribble I saw seeping down her chin? No, false alarm, it
was only champagne.
By the time the bottle was empty
(and I confess to having downed most of it myself) it was past one
in the morning. This may not sound late to all you kids out there,
but believe me, when you have two little ones jumping in your bed
at six in the morning it’s late enough. So I called a taxi for Mel.
When we got outside it was snowing! The countryside surrounding
my house had turned into fairyland. It was a fitting ending for
a Swiss Gbfans dinner (although a little chilly - you needed your
thermals on out there, let me tell you!)
Mel and I plan to give Gary a
great party when he next comes to Switzerland. We also hope that
more people will attend, but are willing to keep it small and cosy
if the masses don’t materialise. And that all depends on whether
Gary decides to come out of hibernation.... Come on out Mr. Barlow,
we’re expecting you!
Francesca and Mel
End of Report
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