Chinese New Year

So me and the General eat at this noodle bar in Cheltenham, called Bar & Wok, about twice a week. We've done this pretty consistently for over two years, so much so that we don't get given menus any more and we have "the usual, please". Always wanted that!

Anyway, Pak, the owner, celebrates Chinese New Year each year and this year, of the Ox, he celebrated on 30th January in the restaurant. He introduces a couple of charities each year and runs a raffle to raise money. This year I was repayed for my very long service to 'spicey beef nooodal' and he agreed that, through The Everest Test, he'd give the money raised to The Himalayan Trust.

I was asked to give a brief talk on the charity and our effort and was rewarded with some overenthusiastic laughs and a great deal of interest in our crazy adventure throughout the 12 food courses of the night. Once again I was amazed by the excitement it automatically brings out in complete strangers - I guess one reason behind our success.

The raffle went well and I had a few Everest branded items to add which were well received. So much so that, after mentioning Strauss and Cook's involvement as our team captains, the man that won our branded tie said, "I was a bit asleep so only caught a little of what you said about Strauss and Cook, but if you get them to sign this, there's another £100 to your cause". 

This also happened with a couple of our demo shirts so added to the raffle's total of just under £200, the night was a real success. Pak thought so to and has offered to open up his restaurant for our use to help raise further funds for our good causes. Generous and impressive!