Micky Francis, Willy and the Jim Beam Swanettes

Last Saturday night, 11 April, Hanoi kicked off the 2009 Season with a Club Fundraiser at the Studio with Jim Beam. Hanoi President, Potsy, reports:

A great night was had by all and sundry at the Studio Bar. It started early with the boys rolling in from training after a huge storm and a dismal turn up. Dan K, Big Toby, Chris and young Jamie joined the non-trainers Mick f, Hendo and Potsy.

The lovely Jim Beam girls Ms. Trang and Ms. Tam were here to help us with our endeavors to utilize the promotional items supplied to us from our fantastic sponsor.

Willy (Hanoi Supercoach) made his trade mark grand entrance and the night was afoot.

Willy, Micky Francis and the Flower Lady

What started out quietly ended up pretty loud (ya hearin’ me?). Mick F, Hendo and Willy decided to have a competition to see how many people could be dragged off the street to support the Swannies’ Fundraiser. At one stage we had a street vender selling flowers and a cyclo driver (whose cyclo was seconded by the Supercoach and one of Potsy’s security guards to go for a cruise around the old quarter) who enjoyed a few orange whips with the faithful Swans contingent.

Hendo and Mr. Richie took Potsy and one of the Swanettes (Jim Beam Girl – Miss Tam) around to the Hanoi backpackers for a recruitment drive. (Editor’s note: stupid, stupid stupid. Peak hour with a Jim Beam girl on the back of your bike – way too many close shaves / near misses with the fascinated local bike riders).

15 minutes later and a large contingent (50 or more) of backpackers, The Studio erupted. By 3 am it was time to go and get a Panini from the Cheeky Quarter.

A few of the diehards where still looking for a beverage. A special mention should go to young Jamie who stuck with the old brigade all night (or was it that he was very keen on the beautiful Miss Thuy? Editor’s note: stupid, stupid, stupid – don’t leave ya misses with an up and coming Swanny!). Well done to Dan Kindness and Toby Garafillias who got through the night unharmed – but I’m not sure how unharmed they were the following day with H and Simone dealing out there punishments.

Again, a special thank you to our sponsors, Jim Beam, Culi Café, JVK Removals, Wide Eyed tours, Segafredo Espresso, Asahi Beer, The Studio Bar and the Hanoi Backpackers for there contribution for the successful evening.

It was a great night and in the process, VND3.34million was raised for the Club’s coffers!

To see more photos, check out Potsy’s facebook page: