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§*- "17. May, Sydney, Year 2000" -*§
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"The Norwegian Ball"
North Sydney Leagues Club
Wednesday May 17. 2000
written, essentially, for readers in Norway).
As I missed out on the 17.May Ball last year I had decided that Year 2000 was a Must!!
(It was a great encouragement that Karin said she would "sponsor" my invitation ;-)
I awoke in "my" room at Ingvald's home in Marsfield. He had picked me up at Eastwood Station yesterday. Today he went off to work while I retired to a cosy chair in the living room with the morning paper.
We arrived early in North Sydney which was fortunate, as we otherwise would have missed out on a parking spot at the popular club.
In the Auditorium they were already busy. Three Ladies at a long table checked the guests bookings as they arrived, and assigned tables. We also received a "Lucky Draw" door ticket.
Our energetic and charming Vice Consul,Shani Kennedy, bid us welcome at the entrance.
Our table was #28 in the second row from the dance floor, Ideal!
Only two had arrived at our table so far. They came from Wollongong, 100Km. South of Sydney.
But now the Auditorium was rapidly filling up.
The Evening's program began with Ella Pulver, President of the Norwegian Club in Sydney, appearing at the microphone. She introduced the evening's events. Then we all rose and sang "Ja vi elsker dette landet", the Norwegian National Anthem.
A Norwegian Singer, Marit Sehl, now living in Sydney, really impressed me as she was leading the singing.
She also sang a few solo songs during the evening in what I (without bias ;-) would call a 'Typical Norwegian' Voice; Strong and full, seemingly effortlessly taking in the full register.
The Norwegian Club which had been in charge of the arrangements had managed to get a very good band; "The Moods", which had taken the time to learn the Norwegian songs required for the evening.
Yes, we all applauded both the Band and the Club Executive for their respective efforts.
Now a long line of waiters busied themselves serving drinks from brimming trays. These first rounds were inclusive in the entry fee. A gesture that is never lost on a Norwegian.
During the festivities, short speeches, songs and laughter, then dinner was served.
We started off with an entrée of delicious thinly sliced filets of Smoked Salmon, followed by Roast Pork and Cabbage. Very tasty! And what's more - it was nice and warm!
Not a bad effort considering the number of guests!
This was finished off with Apple Strudel and whipped Cream - and as much coffee as we could drink.
A well designed and a delicious meal.
The Wine waiters were still busy, but this time the drinks required payments; a fact not quite as popular as the previous arrangement - but still welcomed with "high spirits".
Spoilsport me! I ordered a jug of water. It took a while longer but was much cheaper
- if not as 'antiseptic' as Aquavit - of course ;-)
We all had settled into a festive mood it seemed, and the huge Auditorium reveberated with Norwegian songs. One of my all time favourites: "Norge in Red, White and Blue" in particular, almost lifted the ceiling.
As smoking has been deemed an anti social pasttime and prohibited indoors, those of us who wanted a puff tripped quietly into the Casino area. There, apparently, all were deemed to be "sinners beyond redemption", so smoking was allowed.
Meanwhile the Band was doing a marvelous job. It looked as if all tastes were being satisfied as the dancefloor was full all evening.
A large number of Norwegian Guest Students to Australia were present - and were having a great time. Obviously the large number encouraged confidence. Many of them had seen
my Norwegian page "Stemmen fra Fjellet" (whch became my nickname ;-)
They expressed wishes that I should write greetings to families back home; but as there was no time to take individual messages, let this be a combined message to all the families back home.
All in all we had a great evening, and 17 of May, year 2000. will be long remembered.
Please join me in a collective "Thanks" to the busy bees who, on our behalf, made this success possible!!
Magne O. Rön, 18.Mai, 2000.
©copyright. Magne O. Røn.