Doug Jones writes

The ballroom at the Rydges was dressed for the occasion. As the Bellbirds, their friends and guests flocked in from a summer's heat, they were embraced in an ambience of a refreshingly balmy welcome. And somehow, it seemed like the bonhomie of Christmas had also been extended further to the imminent New Year. The old faithful members with their ever friendly guests spread the aura of a family occasion – indeed, it was a gathering of kindred spirits carrying with it all the hallmarks of a grand welcome to 2011 and a warm-hearted ‘hello' to the birth of another decade.

A myriad helium-filled balloons in all their rainbow colours, carrying their tails behind them, hugged the ceiling temptingly.

The tables were pleasingly arranged and generously catered for with delicious finger food and complimentary offerings of refreshments from spirits to wine to soft drinks.

The three-course dinner was most enjoyable; the staff waiting on guests were great and obligingly helpful and friendly.

Ronnie Lucas and Smooth Velvet provided the music on the night. As a bonus, guests had Wilma, visiting her family in Sydney, from London, entertaining everybody with “Crazy”. It would be unforgivable to call Chris Jenkins an Elvis impersonator, but everybody who heard Chris sing a medley of Presley numbers that night will agree that “…Walks like an angel, talks like an angel, [sings like an Elvis]” would be an appropriate tag for him. This unassuming gentleman did not need the hip twirling gyrations nor the hackneyed glass-studded white outfit to impress. Chris did so with his voice!

Then came the long-awaited raffle draw for an array of lavish prizes. President Angela Jansz and Vice-President Hyacinth Jones made certain that it all happened with precision.

It was a splendid night on all counts, as only the Bellbirds know how. All kudos to a committee for their untiring efforts once again. 2011 and the new decade augurs well for the Club in all their work for charity.

Click here to view an album presented by Doug Jones on behalf of Ozlanka