The design on the front of the shirt is far simpler than what was originally intended. Issues arose with the original supplier and a decision was taken to switch suppliers even though time was running short. To greatly assist the printing process, the design was necessarily simplified.

But what that means is that as well as a great Tour Shirt, we can also use the original design on our Grand Final shirts in Hanoi. The design will also be offered to organisers of Saigon’s Grand Final event. 

How good is that??

By JB’s high standards, both do appear to have been hit a couple of times with the ugly stick.

But that needn’t concern us for long. You see, the beauty is that the Jim Beam Swanettes will return on Friday night to Saigon’s Cafe Latin (the Office) from soon after 7pm. They will be selling raffle tickets for another 4.5 litre mega JB bottle which will be drawn at 10pm. On Saturday, JB Swanettes will reappear at 4pm for the Saturday night raffle.

Last week when Kerry from Australia and Casper from Holland won, some in the crowd commented that they didn’t see the winners.

Given everyone loves to see a winner on parade, that’s exactly what will happen this week. If you win, you will do the Walk of Fame. You will wear your new Swans hat and will be paraded around the Ground Floor and 1st Floor by the two JB Swanettes, with your JB booty in tow.

Maaaaate, this weekend will be Just the Best!  

Sure enough, Kerry returned last night to claim and collect her mega bottle of Jim Beam after winning it the previous night in absentia.

Kerry said that she was “very excited to win the Jim Beam because I never win anything!” She only just sneaked in the win because on Monday, her tourist visa expires so she must leave the country.

Nevertheless, she did promise to give the bottle “a nudge” prior to her daparture which she is hoping to delay. Kerry has a rugby friend who won’t be sorry to see her leave; he’s been promised whatever’s left in the bottle.

Congratulations again Kerry on being our first winner – and for going into last night’s draw as well!

Finally, when asked what she thought of Jim Beam, Kerry replied, “Just the Best”.

We started at Cafe Latin, then went to the Underground, Vascos, Blue Gecko and back to Cafe Latin for the draw at 10pm.

And the winner was… Kerry Armstrong! But where was she?? She had bought a ticket at Cafe Latin from the superb Jim Beam Swanettes earlier – but had now seemingly vanished. Pago, the President of the Saigon Rugby Club promptly phoned but alas, Kerry confirmed she had already left for the evening. She promised however to return tonight.

Never mind! Congratulations Kerry for being our first winner!!!!

Thank you to all the people who participated in the raffle, Cafe Latin, the Underground, Vascos, Blue Gecko – and the Jim Beam Swanettes!

Tonight, the Jim Beam Swanettes will return to Cafe Latin, from 7 – 10pm to give away another mega Jim Beam bottle. Get on board!

Sitting poolside, he heard the calls of a distressed seagull over the horizon. Kevan quickly tightened his speedos, threw his QBE Vietnam Swans hat onto a nearby light and in a flash had hit the water and was gone.

By the time the photographer had a chance to ask, “What was that??” Kevan and his wake, had long disappeared. All that remained was his hastily tossed Vietnam Swans hat. 

Thankfully, Kevan returned to shore safely with the saved seagull. Phew! Unfortunately, there was no more film in the digital camera, so the moment of triumph could not be recorded.

Nevertheless, it’s yet another ah-mazing story involving one of our QBE Vietnam Swans hats.  I wonder when and where the next one will come from?

The Parties will feature the Swanettes (Jim Beam calls them the “Party Crew”) and some of the JB plonk!

Also keep your eyes peeled for the launch of the Jim Beam designed Official Swans Tour Shirt. 

The lesson from this story is to treat whatever he says with extreme caution.

Pete, upon seeing the blog entry about the Swans hat spotted recently by the paparazzi in Bali, wrote in to claim,

Swans hats in Bali….. ! Even bigger….during a recent visit to Paris (last week), a buddy of mine from Canada had a Hanoi Swans hat with him (Kainey (former Pres now retired in Singapore)  gave it to him). And, it was seen being worn during a whiskey drinking session after our dinner in the former chateau of the Rothschild’s in Chantilly….how broad and global is that!

Mate, we’re reluctant to take your word for it, especially with some of your recent form. A little photographic proof wouldn’t go astray! I trust ya hearin’ me.

The Paparazzi snapped this grainy photo three weeks ago in Bali with a camera armed with a super duper zoom.

It certainly appears to look like one of the Swans’ distinctive “goal-striped” hats and Rik the Saigonese Dutchman was recently in Bali – so it might not be a fake.  

Interestingly, if it is Rik, he will be wearing one of the “Hanoi Swans” collector edition hats rather than a “Vietnam Swans” hat. Rik was the first Saigonese resident to wear one of these amazing hats (except for Scotty Stacey and Phil and…)

The Hanoi Swans have created a monster – Pago the Photographic Pest.

Seemingly, the East coast of Australia is no longer safe from the Saigon Rugby Club’s President (who, incidentally, lists becoming a social member of the Hanoi Swans as his proudest moment). First he took the Hanoi Swans hat to Telstra Dome in Melbourne; today the Sydney Cricket Ground. Where next? See attached for his latest contributions and for his special comments, see below.

Meanwhile, Josh Magennis was alleged to have taken his hat to the ‘G for the opening round of the season. Kainey is alleged to have taken his hat to Perth’s WACA . Let’s just say that a little photographic proof from these Hanoi Swans wouldn’t hurt their credibility.

Straight talking Saigonsider, Rik the Dutchman, is rumoured to be taking his hat on holidays to Bali with his girlfriend. Expect a big shot from Paradise Island.

Next Saturday

Starting at 10.30 am, the ball will be bounced at RMIT, Saigon, for the match Saigon Vs Hanoi Swans. The match will have 4 x 10min quarters. We’re expecting there to be plenty of Saigon players who can help make up numbers for the Swans. Afterwards, it is off to the Big Day Out.

 And remember, if you come to the footy to play or watch, you’ll have a bigger day out than those who don’t.

 Hanoi Swans, if you need accommodation when in Saigon, speak with Micky J or consult your nearest park bench in the wee hours.