DOUG JONES writes

                                            
It is heart warming to see people go out of their way to look different – even at some monetary expense. Indeed, guests were all dressed to kill – Bollywood style, that is. The ladies were fetchingly chic in their colourful best; in sarees of lusciously myriad hues embroided with gold and silver motifs, eye-catching Lehengas and fetching Salwar Kameez. The men were not to be out done. Sherwanis, Jodphuris and a selection of turbans – some professionaly tailored while others skillfully turned out with brightly coloured scarves innovatively held together. We noted one man shod in his wife’s gold-coloured ballet shoe-type casuals to complete his outfit. Everybody discovered the secret when, at the end of the night, his wife, ridding herself of her stilletos, demanded the poor man return her casuals. All in good humour, of course. 

Bellbirds now have a reputation for providing a good show. And giving guests more than value for money is what the Bellbirds seem to do with consummate regularity. A sumptious dinner, two bottles good Australian wine per table and a whole host of great prizes was more than what one could wish for.

It was a great night – music provided by a DJ to set the hectic oriental-type rhythm and 290 Club members and their guests adopted the mood gladly as they swarmed on to the dance floor.

The impeccable decor of multi-coloured silks adorning the walls around the hall and the matching table arrangements enriched the mood of the evening. Hyacinth Jones, em-cee for the evening, in introducing club President Jill Foenander to welcome the guests, invited the gathering to enjoy the evening assuring them it will be full of excitement and surprises. Jill took the opportunity to  remind everyone that the Bellbirds Club exerted all their energies to assist all people in need (mostly finacially) from anywere in the world.

Then there was a topically Bollywood caberet provided by the Indian Dance School run by Janani Beadle. First item was  a Classical Bollywood performance by Janani and Affey that kept guests enthralled. This was followed by a Modern Bollywood item, a fast, upbeat modern remix received with great enthusiasm by all. At the show’s end, the dances stayed on to share a few tips on the dance with others on the floor.   

The success of the night was a great tribute to the hard work of a depleted committee (with two members and their parters being away overseas) who worked tirelessly. It was encouragiong to see many of the guests pitch in with their physical support to the committee.

There was Margot Koch, Padmini Selvanayagam, Jim de Salis and Aurelia Senn, Denis and Nihara Loos, Sani and Meena Sanai all of whom helped with setting up the hall and clearing up after the close. Jill and the committee say a sincere thank you to all of them.

Click here to view 75 photos from the event taken by Doug Jones