IT’S true that Backchat likes a spot of late-night boozing as much as the next journo but a recent trip to Madeira truly tested the old drinking powers.
Fate decreed that Backchat stayed in the same hotel as members of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association who were on an educational.
Spotting a colourful array of kilts in the ballroom, Backchat was immediatly caught up in a wild tale from one of them who had lost her contact lenses.
It seems the lady dutifully dropped her lenses into a glass of solution to give her eyes a wee rest but forget to warn her drinking pals, one of whom grabbed the glass and downed the contents. Perhaps another educational might be useful as the lady saw precious little of Madeira after that.
But award of the week had to go to star act David Geddes, of Geddes Travel Centre, Greenock. As the band in the cabaret evening decided to take a breather, David headed for the drum kit. A 10min drum solo followed as he revealed his talents to his fellow travellers.
Perhaps it was the stars in his eyes, or perhaps he too had misplaced his contact lenses, but when poor David stepped down from his moment of glory it all went horribly wrong.
A quick slip on the step and the next thing he knew he was in hospital with nine stitches in his shin. Happily, David has recovered and has decided not to give up his role as a partner in Geddes Travel Centre.