There was so much to do in the hall that it was hard to know where to look first. The atmosphere was as exciting as any wedding party with non-stop music belting out interspersed with star interviews and a seemingly unlimited amount of food - the responsibility of DaC's Bill Tysack (C6) - well done Bill.
First up on stage was Wendy Richards - alias Albert Square's Pauline Fowler. She spoke of her love for Eastenders, how happy she was to be at the Mad Hatters to see so many happy, smiling faces and how wonderful it was to arrive in the Batmobile!
Call Sign asked her afterwards about her brief foray into the recording world with the 60's Mike Sarne track, 'Come Outside'. "Cor Blimey" she replied, "you must be even older than me!"
Popular Blue Peter presenter Simon Thomas got a huge roar from the kids, who were now joining in everything, when he followed Wendy onto the stage. He spoke of the pets that Blue Peter has but disappointingly didn't mention old Shep ("down Shep!")...
I'm sure the above two stars won't mind if just this one time, I
He's over there...!
Mad Hatters Party -
"The Best One Ever"
Gorgeous dancing girls, an amazing dog display with canines that looked more like wolves, numerous "characters" prancing about throughout the whole four hour party and of course, those 565 kids were all having the time of their lives.
As licensed taxi drivers and regardless of whether the national press take an interest
Call Sign spoke to the Hon Sec Malcolm Shaffron, who agreed that this was the best Mad Hatters ever. Malcolm will be celebrating his 25th year on the committee next year, yet amazingly, several have been on even longer! Call Sign salutes them all.
We'd like to repeat a quote that the Fund's Chairman David Lessman (D19) gave to Call Sign following last years Mad Hatters Ball because it seems to have hit the nail on the head.
"There is no tangible product at the end of driving a taxi other than having the ability to pay your bills. Then you look at the joyful, elated kids faces here and you realise just what it is that makes events such as this so worthwhile."
