I am a regular at these Sydney Bens functions and as a result, somewhat biased in my views about them. Natch!  That said, can I tell you I was thrilled with happenings at  their Gala Dinner Dance held at the Castle Grand in Castle Hill on June 30?

Just don't take my word for it. Ask any of the 319 other guests, including visiting Old Bens from Victoria and supporters from the Old Josephian, Old Wesleyite and Old Peterite fraternity in Sydney, who reveled on and, like Oliver, asked for more, till well past midnight.

Ah! These Bens know how to do it. Their recipe for the exercise is simple. The guests walk into a bevy of sparkling saree-clad Benedictine ladies who greet them with beaming smiles, get  through the front desk formalities and have you ushered to your seats.

On entering the precincts of entertainment, you are invited into the warmth of Benedictine bonhomie. Subtle aromas of fresh flora – trays of floral crowns sprouting strong greens of Camilia leaves clutching delightful white daisies kindle your senses. Subtlety is the word – College colours of green and white are all around you – nothing  is overpowering though. All the classy floral arrangements were Dianitha's doing. Her husband Prakash Fernandopulle faithfully ensured that his partner's creativity fused admirably with the rest of the décor. Fussy fellow that Prakash!

Now into that ambience,  toss in on stage two quality Sydney bands (the Cazcades and Breakaways) one at a time. Gently add condiments of soft lighting, rhythmic music of slow, mid-range and quick tempo in that order. Let simmer slowly for sometime till all flavours permeate in a glow to  enliven your limbs in tandem with a rising heat. Swirl in a slow waltz, a tablespoonful of cha-cha and a sprinkling of swing. Stir in a Viennese classic and a pinch of quicksteps and twirl in some Twist numbers. Generously add many dollops of samba, rumba, jive and rock and roll and presto! soon you have a floorful of dancing going on.

There is a main dish of an imposing dinner born of  a Sri Lankan inheritance thrown in. No gainsaying, this delights the cockles of all us expatriate Lankian Aussies as well as a lot of the true blue variety.

Then the piece de resistance – an enticing array of prizes, from gigantic hampers to airline tickets, an autographed cricket bat to electrical appliances to ever-so-welcome Aussie wines and other sought-after goodies. All these items are donated from the caring hearts of anonymous Old Benedictines who are unashamed to be sentimental about their Alma Mater. 

The debonair Emcee Michel Jason keeps the clock ticking as he moves matters forward, even if he has be fleetingly contortionist.

Another touch of class – singing of Boys of St Benedict's – the College Anthem. A resounding rendering from all the Old Bens present. One lady guest told me: “I've never heard any group sing their school song so vibrantly and with such feeling.”  I concur.

Energies of ebullient participants are not to be dissipated. The call is for the inevitable Baila. And the Cazcades …er… are hesitant. They are cajoled… teased…  and,  for goodness sakes, they concede in the end. Fifteen minutes of total madness and mayhem. Good fun!

But when the whistle blows, up go the shutters. A perfect end to a perfect evening. All because a  completely dedicated committee of 10 led by President Freddy Herft, was hell bent on making this dance just as good as the other one, if not better.

Hurrah for the Benedictines who DO care a damn!

Published by Ozlanka as a community service