January 2001 — Peter's 50th birthday.

The Chairman and Dino decided to, hopefully, fulfill one of Peter's ambitions. It was to fly to Cuba and meet Castro. Peter had always said that if he could meet anybody it would be either Ethel Merman or Fidel Castro. Well, it was now too late to meet the late, great Ethel; so it looked like it would have to be Castro... But how???

Firstly, the boys wrote to David Hinchcliffe, the local labour MP, to see what he could do. Although unable to help, he graciously replied to the their letter, saying he would forward it on to the Cuban Ambassador. About one week later the boys received a letter from a Mr. de Los Reyes, the Cuban Chargé d'affairs, which said "I am delighted to read of your interest in meeting our President. It is, however, unlikely that it will take place; especially around the New Year, which is particularly busy. But, sincerest greetings for your 50th birthday".

The boys then bombarded the Cuban embassy with e-mails. One e-mail went as far as to point out that the 'Fat' in Fat Pack stands for 'Fidel Against Tyranny'. But it was probably the final message that ruined things, as it ended with the plaintive PS "Will you be in, Fidel?" Except the comma between 'in' and 'Fidel' had been missed out.

Peter never got to meet his hero, but a surprise guided tour was arranged (Free of charge!) around the picturesque streets of old Havana — and Peter got to spend his 50th birthday in the Rat Pack's favourite watering hole: the Hotel Nacional.

So Peter's birthday was celebrated in true Fat Pack style; and I am sure the Rat Pack would have approved.

(Click on an image below to get the full picture)