FAMILY PARTY 1990

From the Pikehands Archive (by Bob)

The Family Party did take place but no date or location appears in the archive. From my recollection it was at Nick and Val's house.
Further to my last letter I now finalise the requirements for the party. As in previous years each pike is delegated a task to be completed by the party date. However this year I remind you that "This Will Only go to Pikes" hence you should make an early start in notifying the other members who normally attend. Please advise me if I have omitted anyone or got the wrong Pike allocated. The following sections are listed as headings but the content is omitted:-
Pikes to notify Partygoers
Pike Duties
Drink
New song for all Pikes to sing
Entertainment
Speciality Foods
Honorary Pikehands

Pikehand of the Year

If you do not nominate at least one person for the dubious honour you may find yourself carrying of the prize. Remember Nick ot Bryan should should recieve your nomination at the latest one week before the Party so Nick can have time to prepare.

Further Family Party news (by Pete and Alan)

Dear Pikehands
In accordance with the instructions of this year's AGM, we have organised a package of entertainments to amuse and delight the gathering at the forthcoming Family Party. We thought you may like to know in advance the part which you will be required to play. Those of you who like to live dangerously, however, may prefer not to read this letter. The entertainment will be as follows but not necessarily in this order:-

1. Graham, plus anyone else who cares to get involved, will do a short, stand-up comedy routine. (glad you read the letter Graham?). Jokes should be non-sexist, non-racist, and suitable for a family audience. They need not be particulaly funny (NfPs). Pikes knowing jokes but not wanting to stand up and tell them may submit them in writing to another Pike.
2. We will attempt a display of karaoke. This is a well known Japanese custom where willing victims (your role) are provided with the words to a song and expected to sing. Alan, Pete and Paul will provide backing and lyrics. Pikehands may bring their songs, as long as they have words and music, but they will almost inevitably be given to someone else to sing.
3. There will be an ad-lib, Pikehands puppet show, on a theme to be decided on the day. Glove puppets will be provided, but Pikehands wishing to bring additional glove puppets are encouraged to do so.
4. Pikehands are required to perform a little bit of magic. Making beer and sandwiches disappear is not acceptable.
5. Pikehands are required to bring a suitable raffle prize. These will be raffle off and the proceeds donated to the Rumanian Orphans appeal. Prizes must be portable, but must not include pieces of cold quiche. They must be something you no longer want, but need not be something that anyone else is likely to want. They should be wrapped and, if necessary, sterilised.
6. Pikehands must familiarise themselves with the excellent Pikehand song submitted by cousin Ray. Attention should be paid to ways of making the words fit the tunes provided.
7. There is as yet no number 7. Suggestions are welcome, and could include a monologue from Bob.

Pikehands are respectfully warned that non-compliance with these requests may well result in their contribution to another category being increased.