There is no gainsaying, experience has no substitute. This was proven once more, just as 230 guests found out on Saturday last at the Bellbirds’ Autumn Country Night. After all, the Bellbirds Club has been around for more than 40 years. A classic case of ‘been there, done that’.

The Cherrybrook Community Centre hall was a new one even for the Bellbirds. But President Angela Jansz took on the gauntlet and set the venue as the one to be. Some found the place a trifle obscure – signage by officialdom seems to be characteristically misleading – even to some who have been to the hall before.  But all part of the excitement, I guess. It was a good choice on all counts!
Guests walked to their tables to find luxuriant corn in their pristine jackets, lusciously red apples and on taking their seats, they spied Akubra hats and other country headgear enhanced by  varieties of pumpkins and other country vegetables, bales of hay with other Aussie country produce enhancing the looks on the stage.

That’s the kind of décor good enough to raise even a reluctant ‘oh yea’ from the organisers of the Royal Easter Show.

Let me tell you, Ingrid Keuneman’s hall arrangement was that great.

All credit to our guests too  who did not forget the theme on the night – such a bevy of lusty cowgirls and equally swashbuckling cowboys were around and many of them created a synergy of true country feel with their display of line dancing at every opportunity.

And thanks to the KOYKATZ – even if it was their three-piece version with several contributions from the feminine vocals of Nihara Loos – who kept their beat at the required toe-tapping tempo all night.
Adding zest to the night was the Spoons Restaurant catering to a delicious a la Sri Lankan cuisine that had the hungry ones, like Oliver Twists, asking for more. And unlike the old Scrooge, Manjula and his team were there to appease all who hungered. The food was delicious and was pleasing to all palates. And was in  plenty.

Then there was the raffle draw with prizes galore. Kathryn Chase was the lucky winner of the first ticket drawn and had the choice, rightly, of picking the piece de resistance of the awards.
Of course, dancing went on till midnight. But, as much as I hate to say this, it had to close. And let me tell you, we’ve had lots of feedback, verbal and on hard copy.

Just look out for your next BellChimes

Click here to enjoy an album of photos by Doug Jones