Londonfurs Winter Party 2011

[slycat]

Went to the Londonfurs Winter Party yesterday after having found out that most of the people I knew were going. I normally avoid London during December as the Tube becomes rather unbearable however it was fine considering it was only a simple route I had to take.

Anyway, the meet was held at a pub called The Sterling which is in a building known as the Swiss Re, better known as the London Gherkin. It sounded like it'd be a fantastic venue but it was only on the ground floor so you didn't get a fantastic view, and the place had a lot less space than the Summer Party venue did. It certainly felt very cramped with everyone there as you can kind of see here.

I could moan about the drinks prices but despite the cheapest lager costing £5 but I expected pricey drinks and it did seem that the spirits cost a bit less than the Summer place. Still, I managed to run out of cash before the end of the night but I had enough alcohol to feel merry which is fine for me, especially considering I had been drinking the previous evening at my work's do.

The theme of the party was "Dress to Impress" which basically meant wear suit & tie, etc. Personally I hate having to wear a shirt and tie for work and so I really wasn't going to be dressing that way in my spare time. Some of us jokingly mentioned that the theme was "Work" or "Wedding Reception" :P So yeah, I didn't dress to the theme as I went in t-shirt and jeans. Initially I was worried I would be the only one dressed as such but soon enough many others turned up, many of whom I knew so I didn't worry about it in the end.

It was great to see so many people, may of whom I wish I could see more often and in a less crowded impersonal environment. There was a few great songs played which reminded me of the 90's like Born Slippy and Ebeneezer Goode. I imagine a number of the participants weren't even born when those came out... which makes me realise how old I am and the fact that I'm still going to meets 12 years later.

There was also a prize draw featuring prizes generously provided by Elliot's Live Events which included iPod Nanos, an iPod Touch and the grand prize, a paid holiday for 2 to Florida for Elliot's Spring Gathering! Naturally, I wanted to stay around for the draw to know if I had won and so I held on until after 9 when the prizes were finally drawn. Regrettably, I came away empty handed but some great people I knew won some of the prizes like Anthropuppy, Rallicat and Ultrafox who won the grand prize :)

While there, I decided to take a bunch of photos this time round which made me recall the times when I used to go to every meet and photograph every one. I didn't even bother putting them on my furmeets site, instead putting them on my personal site with my convention and other gathering photos.

Anyway, to summarise, the venue wasn't really that great but it was brilliant seeing everyone and ultimately, I had a good time :)

Comments

[emejn.livejournal.com]

Yup, whatever the problems with the venue, the meet itself was great - good to catchup with you (however briefly!) and the usual suspects. Nice photography, by the way. I wish I'd waxed my moustaches now.

[slycat.livejournal.com]

Moustaches, plural?

[emejn.livejournal.com]

Leftie and rightie, each lives an independent life.

[arakinuk.livejournal.com]

Sorry I didn't get longer to say hi!
Was cool seeing you, however incredibly briefly :D

[porsupah.livejournal.com]

Mm, that shot came out quite nicely, especially considering the indoor lighting. Certainly, that looks quite cozy, as estate agent parlance has it. =:) There must be an ideal venue somewhere, but as I've read of all the LF meet organisational fun, getting a place sorted out's no small task, what with trying to assure the venue of a certain level of drinks sales, whilst also keeping any rental fee to a practical minimum.

Pity it's at the ground floor - the view from the top must be quite something. (Reminds me, I really need to get around to the London Eye sometime. Might rent a nice wide-angle lens for the occasion)

And just in case anybody isn't, somehow, familiar with what the Gherkin looks like, here's one shot I took in 2010, with the reflection almost completing the whole.

On the whole, I suppose I remain content I didn't go along - so many people in one place doesn't really make me feel comfortable, especially when there'd really only be a few folks whose names I'd more than passingly recognise, let alone actually know to any real extent. I'd happily go along to another of Darac and DH's barbecues, though, especially if there's snow on the ground. =:D (And this time, I wouldn't be needing to go into London and straight out again.. agh, the rail network really needs more track circling the city, avoiding the need to clog up the central stations further)

What counts, of course, is whether you had a good time - and you clearly did. ^_^

(How did I miss seeing this conbadge 'til now? Very cute!)

[slycat.livejournal.com]

I took a similar photo (but not quite as awesome as yours) on my way to the meet too :)

That badge was by Jax. I got it when I got my fursuit for EF12!

[jessie-pup.livejournal.com]

I had rather a jolly time although I see I didn't make it onto the list of great people who won in the prize draw! ;) I didn't so much mind the venue, although I really hated having to deal with a toilet guy!

[slycat.livejournal.com]

Ah yes, the bog trolls. I didn't really let them intimidate me, I just let them do their thing and didn't pay for something I'm perfectly capable of doing myself.