A Remarkable day out!

The new dawn brought us a sunny clear day.  We could almost sense that this was a day for lying around catching a tan.  Yes another year passing us by at Remark! and its the annual Remark! staff outing.  The build up and anticipation leading up to this pivotal event of our work and social calendar.

Upon arrival we could easily spot those here for the relaxing day dolled up in our shorts and flip flops while the rest of the exuberant yet baying mob were gearing up to paint the town red.  The ultra efficient Miss R.Edwards complete with pen in her mouth eyeing up a clipboard was ready to marshall us onto the first leg of the journey.  Evidently she was in no mood to take prisoners. 

The day would be full of surprises, mainly due to the fact we had no idea what we were doing.  The only instructions we got were as follows "meet at Greenwich Pier by 10am otherwise you are fired!"  The first surprise of all was to see a rather inanimate Darren McDougall awake at such an unearthly hour.  He arrived on time with his customary wry scottish grin prompting a chorus of "why cant you get up this early every day?".

The gang were well marshalled onto a city cruise liner on the river Thames with fantastic views of London.  London looks remarkably different from the water compared to the usual hustle and bustle in the city.  Many a nostalgic tear was wiped away when Mark did his brief history of Remark! and tried to organise us in chronological order of when we first started at Remark!  One evident thing was that many of the staff have stuck around for a long time and those that do leave usually return to work for Remark!  Proof if needed that Remark! is a fantastic place to work (although its definitely not due to love for the big cheese).

Our first port of call was the South Bank where we had an entire capsule of the London Eye to ourselves.  A couple of nervous faces as there was meant to be 32 capsules but only 31 were present.  Gemma Winning believed the boys who told her that the capsule actually fell off the day before with people inside.  A few people were forced into overcoming thier fear of heights and Jacke Swain, a new member of staff for Remark Interpreting, actually screamed out loud when got above 10 feet but managed a smile when got back to earth.

The next stop was a riverside pub where we were treated to a delicious meal and an even more delicious opening presentation from Miss F.Garfield who came up with amazing facts and figures about Remark! Production.  This was followed by Remark! Translation and once the big hitters were done we heard from the smaller departments Remark! Access, the newly formed Remark! Interpreting and then an introduction to the brand new Remark! Community. 

Remark! Community is a separate entity in the form of a charity which is overseen and supported by Remark!  Much back slapping and applause ensued before Mark Nelson announced the final leg of the magical mystery tour.

INDOOR PAINTBALLING was the final surprise treat!  Screams of terror!  A few anxious people for different reasons.  Mostly afraid of the bruises but Ross Edwards was more concerned about his brand new designer t-shirt which came pre-ripped and worn for the rough and ready look.  When we arrived the fact that Mark was joking dawned on us.  We were in fact going to the London Bridge experience instead.  A look of relief on Diane Webb's face as she certainly did not fancy paintballing.

The London Bridge Experience was certainly an experience!  A gruesome tour of London throughout the ages.  What vile creatures humans are (or at least were). Once the fascinating tour ended we were given the option of visiting the London Tombs, voted scariest attraction in the UK, which a few cowards decided to opt out of.  In the tombs it was mayhem and sheer terror for most.  A few of the boys contributed to the fear by hiding and jumping out at people which was very naughty, very naughty indeed.

At the end we regained our collective breath and relaxed knowing the day was finally over.  No more treats or tricks in store.  It definitely beats a day in the office and helped to reinforce strong working relationsips.  Some further cemented with a pint or three at the nearest tavern.  A remarkable day out with a remarkable bunch! 

Cheers guys.