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| Event Report | ||||
| DAY 2 (10th May 2003) | ||
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Reinforcements in the form of Agent Dianne Boden (see photograph) arrived next to help 'mop up' any remaining resistance (or beer!). Paddy's Bar at Ferney-Voltaire was by-passed when it was found to be undefended - seemed to be closed actually, but there was still plenty of 'shock and awe' as the SKINT members regrouped for the first time in 27 years. (Dianne Boden spotted sneaking out of customs) As numbers increased, the elongated supply route between Charlie's Pub at Saint Genis-Pouilly and Geneva Airport was frequently patrolled in order to ensure that beer supplies were ensured at all times.
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The precision
weapons were replaced by more conventional ones as Agent Ian Atkinson
discovered that at Charlie's Pub you could in fact order 'a
Pint' but Frenchman David Ginola should note that his recent comment about
'english women' drinking to excess was proved unfounded as Agent Dianne
Boden continued to show great restraint and care to avoid unnecessary
collateral damage (or getting drunk) by restricting herself to drinking
only quantities that would not even have offended his Gallic sensibilities.
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There was more of the 'shock and awe' tactic around 15h00 when SKINT forces reached maximum strength as Agent Annette Unsworth was air lifted in from the South of England. SKINT immediately raced into Switzerland to liberate the Chateau de Prangins. However a (not so) surprise attack by thirst and the beauty of Lake Léman saw SKINT held back nearby at Nyon - well I blame the navigator(s) (and/or David Wilkinson) but there was another chateau there anyway even if it was closed for renovation (or perhaps it was simply to prevent looting by over keen locals following liberation by SKINT).
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| SKINT campaign leader John Genders confirmed that all in fact was going entirely to plan (apparently he never expected to reach the intended target - well what Martian would with a naviagtor from Venus), and anyway if the plan had gone awry it must have been Dave Wilkinson's fault (Sorry if you're reading this Dave - click here to get in touch and I'll try to absolve myself from all blame and possible libel cases). | ||
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Nevertheless, any such questions dissappered as locals were seen dancing and singing in the square in front of the Chateau in joyful celebration of liberation by SKINT (or was it simply the fact it was the Fête de Printemps being held at Nyon that day?). As a further example of the multi-national support enjoyed by SKINT, the evening meal was sourced from Italy, well alright, we ate at Restaurant-Pizzeria de la Triplice, but the pizza's were all very nice. Agent Ian Atkinson's professional skills as a buyer were fully tested as he headed up the disgusting wine (sorry that should have read dégustation of the wine - pre-contract/purchase wine tasting quality control). On behalf of SKINT, Ian was able to confirm that the bottle of Chateau de Gilly fully complied with his design brief. SKINT then, having made an incursion deep into Switzerland, retrenched its forces back in Geneva centre and cruised past the famous fountain depicted in ancient civilisations (as well ancient TV programme such as the 'Profesionals'). SKINT finally bivouacked (and yes that is how you spell it - I checked - apparently it comes from a French/Swiss word - very appropriate) at Chez Genders, Fenière. There was no camp fire in the garden, (well there was no garden either!!), but there was a lively exchange of stories and 'witness statements' untill the wee hours, (before anyone starts taking a professional interest I'm sure Jill can coroborate that in this context 'wee' simply means 'early') when SKINT members finally surrendered to fatigue and retired to their private quarters. (And yes the sleeping accomodation was segregated - this is SKINT we're talking about - not Big Brother!) Agents Boden and Unsworth discovered that the ascent to their quarters could be achieved without the aid of oxygen but a stiff drink before hand helped to steady the nerves before climbing the spiral stairs to the loft.
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