Team Viva celebrates 20 years with Lake District weekender

Back in 2002, boss man Tony started things up in his affectionately known ‘back bedroom office’ before moving to premises on Rawtenstall’s Bank Street, and then finally up the road to the Old Pickle Factory, where we currently reside.

So as March 2022 came around, and Viva turned the big 20, it was decided that the whole team would be treated to a weekend at the Langdale Hotel in the Lake District to celebrate in style… nice one Tony!

Secret plans began weeks ago as we brainstormed present ideas and ways to dress the party room, as well as collecting Happy Birthday video messages for Tony from clients, friends, and family.

Everything was in place and then bam… Tony went and got Covid didn’t he?!

We were under strict orders to still travel up and enjoy ourselves, even if he and Mrs G couldn’t make it.

So, we did what any good PR agency did and got creative – we made Tony facemasks (so even if he couldn’t be there, he could in some way) and checked with the hotel that we could Zoom Tony on the Saturday night and show him the birthday video.

We also made the most of our Instagram selfie frame by ensuring ‘Tony’ got in the photos as much as possible – Lucie’s doppelganger was spotted in the pub we had tea in, so it was only fair that ‘Tony’ was also there for the occasion.

This meant we spent the Friday night Tony-less, but we still celebrated (perhaps a little too much in some cases!) and kept everything crossed that he would test negative and join us on the Saturday.

We were all enjoying a leisurely breakfast (the avocado and feta cheese was amazing) on Saturday morning when in strides Mr G! In decent health and testing negative, hurrah!

Unfortunately, Mrs G was now testing positive and couldn’t join us, plus this also meant that Tony’s grand plan for a huge hike was back on.

Some of the team made the most of the gorgeous weather and joined him on a hike in our scenic surroundings – others went for a more leisurely stroll and pub lunch, while I made the most of the on-site spa.

We all came together for a team meal on the Saturday night, in the Wine Room at the Langdale’s Stove restaurant. Tony was under strict instructions not to join us until 7.30pm – we had reinforcements in the form of Sharon and Jac who waited on the door for him.

After he arrived and settled in, we showed the video of all the congratulatory messages – after editing, it was still almost half an hour long, but a huge thank you to everyone who contributed. We asked for a few words and boy did we get them!

We presented Tony with some birthday gifts – a star map of the day Viva was born, a voucher to spend at Northcote and a red teapot we all signed (as the traditional gift for 20 years is china, apparently).

And as if the whole weekend wasn’t enough, Tony got us all a personalised bar of Tony’s Chocolonely, nom.

We all had a fantastic time and it was undoubtedly helped by the amazing Spring sunshine and warm weather. The staff at the Langdale were brilliant, especially Rebecca who looked after us on Saturday night – “Is that a single or a double? Or is that a silly question?” – and brought Tony a special dessert.

The only questions we’re left with are:

Why is there a button outside the bathroom – as well as in the shower itself ­– to turn the shower on? If not for playing a prank on your roommate, obviously?

And…

We’re really good at this celebrating lark, so are we making this an annual thing, Tony?

Thanks again for an incredible weekend!

Hannah Monaghan
Account Manager