We always knew our fan club event for 2002 had to be something special and it certainly turned out to be that. Virtually as soon as the 2000 Event had finished we started thinking about what we could do for the special birthdays in 2002 — Michael’s 40th and MBFC’s 10th. We always try and listen to the views of fan club members and many of you had said that you wanted to have a party for these celebrations.

 

We couldn’t believe how quickly the time went and before we knew where we were we had to make some serious decisions about what to do. Out of all the venues our favourite is the Novotel at Hammersmith, however, it soon became apparent that if we wanted to hold the party close to Michael’s birthday, that particular venue wouldn’t be available. Michael suggested that it would be a nice idea to have the party actually on his birthday and Keith Harris (from Arena Travel, who hosts the day for us) came up with the idea of a nightclub in central London. After some research he put forward the suggestion of Equinox in Leicester Square to us. We duly went off for an inspection and it seemed to have the facilities we needed.

 

Fast-forward 6 months later and there we were making our preparations for the great day The bookings came in fast and furious and although we had some slight doubts about holding the party on a weekday, these were soon dispelled as the numbers went up and up, finally reaching 764 — the largest event we have ever held.

 

We wanted to involve as many people as possible in the celebrations, including those who couldn’t come to the Party, so we went back to the idea of sticking labels on a giant card as a birthday gift from all of us. Thank you to everyone who responded to that idea — we're sure everyone who was at the party will agree that Michael was amazed at such a giant card. You can’t imagine how much work went into the design, preparation and sticking on of labels! The next decision was a gift for Michael that would be a lasting memory from the day. Again, many of you had made suggestions, but the most popular seemed to be an item of jewellery or a watch. In the end we decided on a Clogau Welsh Gold watch, which was engraved with “Michael 27.06.02 Love MBFC”.

 

 

Even a gun siege in the Haymarket couldn’t prevent anyone getting there and by this time the queue was snaking all around Leicester Square — passers-by must have been wondering what on earth was going on at Equinox at that time of the day! People poured into the club and the merchandise stands and bars were soon swamped - can you imagine what it’s like for 764 people wanting to buy a drink all at the same time? Pretty scary for the bar staff we should think!

A spontaneous burst of “Happy Birthday” ensued and Michael found it ajob to make himself heard. Eventually everyone quietened down so Keith could welcome Michael and have a few words, the giant card could be presented to him and the candles on his cake lit (with the help of Annie Skates and Dean Collinson). Before we had the chance to give Michael his watch he stopped us saying he had something for us. He then produced two presentation frames with a copy of our souvenir edition of On The Ball and a small plaque, which reads “Presented to Gill Oakley (Maureen Wilkinson-Rouse) in recognition of 10 years of their loyalty, dedication and love shown to Michael Ball and all the members of MBFC, with love Michael”. As many of you know it’s not often that we’re stuck for words but to think that Michael had done this for us was extremely touching. When he first arrived he had given us a personal note, which we will always treasure, and means more to us that words will ever say.  

All too soon it was time for Michael to leave us so he could get to the Palladium in time for his performance in Chitty, but not before drawing the first two prizes in the raffle. He had bought along his Chitty jacket, duly signed which had been presented to him on opening night. The very lucky winner was Kathryn Horner. As if this wasn’t enough, Michael also bought his first dancing shoes that he had worn up until then in Chitty and his necktie. An ecstatic Julie Bowers won these.

After Michael had departed we had yet another surprise when we were presented with gifts on behalf of all fan club members. A collection had been undertaken and we were given the most beautiful gold lockets, which had been hand-engraved with a rose on the front and an inscription on the back, which reads “MBFC 1992-2002”. Inside are two photos of Michael, one from 10 years ago and the other taken this year We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts and let you know how much we appreciate these and will treasure them forever, they are very special gifts that mean the world to us. Finally, we were given two beautiful bouquets of flowers and Cohn and Roy were each given bottles of spirits. Chris was then ushered onto stage to receive a lovely silver photo frame.