Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

Andrew Bromfield, John O. Minott, Nohaud Azan, Dane Marsh, Dwight DePass and David Scott all have something in common. They turn 40 this year. And the group of life-long friends collaborated with their favourite liquid, libation, Appleton Rum, for one of the best parties of this year so far.

So what made this so special?

PARTY PLANNERS

David Scott and Kerry-Anne Minott incorporated all the right elements of venue, menu and guests.

MUSIC

The one and only Renaissance Dicso, whether you can dance or not, when the DJ took control, a whole beach load of 'Baryshnikovs' are born!

FOOD

Rory Marsh and The Country Boyz: these guys can cook and they did; everything from fried fritters, curried goat, shrimp, roast pork, corn on the cob, salads and more were on the menu.

DRINK OF CHOICE

The hit drink of the party for the women was the 'Disyarasia' - Hart Hill grapefruit juice blended with Hart Hill orange juice, Appleton Genisis, and two secret ingredients! And there were copious amounts of Jamaica Standard Products coffee any way you like it, hot or cold.

GIANT-SIZED BIRTHDAY CAKE

Joanne Chin from Mandeville made it picture perfect.

DECOR AND DRESS CODE

The Appleton signature colours red and black plus beach wear in every colour of the rainbow. The waves lapping the shore.

VIBE

Great vibe, the party should have ended at nine, but it went on way past two in the morning!

GUESTS

Among the party hearty were Richard and Talia Mullings; Christopher and Sue-Ellen Azan; Trevor Meikle Jr; Tricia and Christopher Freeman; John and Jackie Groves; Sean and Anna-Kaye Tucker; Robin and Russlyn Sykes; Kurt and Melionie Hanson; Bobby and Ingrid Simpson; Jason Hart; Gary Gourzong; Christine Scott; Trisha Thompson; Earl and Maureen Johnson; Eddie Azan and Christine Marzouca; Kacey and Debbie Bourne; Dr and Mrs Michael Brown; Jillian Henry; Mr and Mrs Richard Chen; Nigel and Paula Chen-See; Ian and Carla Dear.

We also spotted Dale and Pia Delaphena; Dr and Mrs Peter Phillips; Bobby Montague; Lisa and Charles Johnston; David Walton; Jackie and Beverly Minott; Michael and Ann Marie Peart; Craig Hyde; Daign and Kerry Jones; Joan Marsh; Simon and Tonishia Stanley; Merrick Charlie; Diane Guy; Damion Prendergast; Ray and Ann Terrian; Neil and Tracey Baugh; Ravi Daswani; Michael and Lisa Allen; Karen Ffrench

A fitting way to honour six friends celebrating their 40th birthday this year. The celebrants asked for no personal gifts, but accepted donations for the Hanbury Home for Children in Manchester.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com