On the 31st of December 2003, 4 members of SGB and hangers-on gathered at the flat of Jo and Hamish. (Well Jo and Hamish were already there!) There was a plan before of going to Stonehaven to see the Fireballs. That fell through because we found out that we would have to go there early to bag a decent viewing space and some of us couldnít drink because they had to drive back to Aberdeen or Portlethen. So it was decided that we would party in Aberdeen and go and welcome the bells in at the Castlegate at Midnight. So about 7:30pm people arrivedÖ in time for food!

As well as John, Mel, Jo and Hamish, there were 2 more, GCUís Jennie Bennett (whoís currently trashing all of Joís old RGU records) and ex RGUer in the shape of Shady aka Stewart ShadeÖ(Archeryís newest couple!) At this point it must be noted that the wind was really howling round the block of flats (we are 13 and 14 floors up, split-level flat if you must know!) and the rain coming in horizontally from the south. So much so that Mel got blown over on her way from the car park. We found out by word of mouth from others and by text that parts of the stage had blown awayÖ The Waterboyís and other bands were supposed to be performing at the Castlegate but all was cancelled as we found out later! Hamish decided at this point to open the door to the balcony (which has a great view of the City normally) but was almost blown backwards due to the force of the wind, we are talking about 80 miles an hour plus! So it was decided that we stay put and welcome 2004 in the flat. A lot of alcohol was consumed and another 2 folks arrived. GCUís compound archer, Ronnie and his flatmate Paul.

To find out the right time for the bells, we put the TV on to the BBC 1 Hogmanay show. The sound was down of course till they linked to Big Ben for the Countdown. Though as usual the boats from the Harbour were sharp and we could hear the ship horns blaring quite loudly and the wind was still wild at this point too. When I say howling, I mean howling, literally!

2 bottles of Champagne were opened and only one was finished. (Well it was free and I wasnít going to waste it!) So I managed to finish a decent bottle of champagne and was a bit numb for it. Basically, a lot of drinking was done, we kept John away from the Red Bull wannabe that was left in our alcohol fridge from the last party (Mel drunk it though!) and the rest went through a lot of Jack Daniels and Morgans and various other drinks. (We still have the glass bottles to prove it and this is 3 weeks later!) Photos were flicked through, reliving moments and trying to put faces to some of our more absent members! (Has anyone seen Dave Green lately?) We also got a phone call from a very merry Euan McGill who happened to be back in Glasgow since immigrating to Oxford!

John was the first to head for bed at around 3am, closely followed by Mel then Jo. Ronnie and Paul are chucked out at the same time. (Ronnie is not allowed to stay after the coat incident! Ask him!) We notice that the wind has blown itself out, typical!

By 11am on New Yearís day, everyone is up and moving. All were feeling a bit tired but they agreed that it was a good night. Joís breakfast of croissantís and pain-o-chocolate, followed by bacon and sausages perked everyone up enough to go ten-pin bowling in the afternoon, a tradition after all. All in all, a good night and weíre wondering how the southern half of the club celebrated New Year? Hmm do tell!