They came in their numbers, all the faithful and, in a metaphorical sense, the stable was a full house. Indeed, the Bellbirds Christmas Party was a sell-out and the feeling of Christmas was all pervading. No wonder, each one was given a piece of rich Christmas cake (made by committee member Cheryl D'Abrera) at the entrance.

To the hall, decked with simple Yuletide décor, Ingrid Keuneman (with other coordinator Jean Kuveju) added the finest of touches with tiny coloured bud lights entwining snowy twigs in mirrored glass vases – producing a subtle blend of the white of winter with the warmth of an Aussie summer.

And Gordon Rebeira and his team of Ronnie (vocals) and Helen Lucas (keyboard), Darrel de Silva with Clifford Willenberg (strumming on guitars) charged the atmosphere with the perennial beat of Christmas favourites that had the entire gathering voicing their joy to the world. As inevitable, the much-loved Silent Night was the drawcard and wound up the carolling for the night.

The playful children – the very heart of Christmas – exuded the unmistakable Spirit of Christmas from the onset, like only they know how. And when Santa Claus finally made his appearance (much to the efforts of Roger Hesse helping the genial gent to find his way) the little ones quietened down, telling all and sundry that they've been good, for goodness sake! As always Santa was at his lavish best with lots presents for the girls and boys, and also tossing around bags generously filled with lollies.

With Vice-President Hyacinth Jones directing, Alexander Back took on the role of Joseph with Bianca Picnic as Mary cradling the infant Jesus in her little arms, Emma Osman was and looked like an angel while Hamish Buultjens played shepherd, forming an eye-catching tableau of the crib in Bethlehem. Didn't these little aspiring actors put on a serious show?

After all this, there is no Christmas without dinner. And our caterer Cheryl Pietersz, tirelessly assisted by husband Hilary and a band of waiting staff, provided a tasty repast with plenty to go for those inclined for seconds.

Then the raffle draw – fantastic prizes as always is the case with the Bellbirds. The lucky winners, to use a hackneyed phrase, were grinning all the way home.

When Bellbirds get together on occasions such as this, dancing is par for the course. So Gordon, Ronnie, Helen and company provided some hip churning beats that had the faithful dancing, twisting and rocking away. And like a plurality of Oliver Twists, they asked for more. But all good things… you know the rest.

For providing a great festive night the Bellbirds Committee, led by President Angela Jansz, receive our accolades. Without their creativity and untiring efforts a success such as this cannot be attained. Without doubt, the loyal attendance by members and guests at club functions through the years is enough testimony that we are always on a good thing with the Bellbirds.

Click here to view an album of photos contributed by Doug Jones