Main Index > News & Features > Noah's Ark Gala Ball > Peggy's Report
 

A Glittering Event - Full of Fun, Music & Laughter Diamonds Are Forever - A Gala Ball, Friday 24 Sep 2004, A Report by Peggy

"Shirley looked good and was on magnificent form. All for a great charity in the Land of Song..."

We arrived at Cardiff City Hall, an impressive floodlit building with beautiful interior marble halls. The first surprise was being greeted by a goat. But forget the old joke about the dyslexic who went to a toga party dressed as a goat. This was a regimental mascot. The guard taking care of the goat (both in uniform) explained that it didn’t bite. Surrounded by noisy children, being flashed at by cameras and generally gawped at, the goat remained placid.

		"Forget the old joke about the dyslexic who went to a toga party dressed as a goat. This was a regimental mascot."

Then through the entrance hall, in a style designed to impress. Up the sweeping Cinderella’s Ball staircase, and into a palatial hall. The scene was elegant. Plenty of top quality champagne available for the taking. A harpist and a flautist looked like goddesses and played superbly. The packed hall was buzzing. The ladies all looked good in a variety of evening wear, from traditional to modern. The gentlemen looked smart in formal dinner suits (tuxedos). It was a formal black tie event.

"Plenty of top quality champagne available for the taking. A harpist and a flautist looked like goddesses and played superbly."

Then we were ushered through to the huge main hall. Dozens of large round tables, each seating ten guests. Silver candelabra filled the hall with the soft glow of candlelight. Each table was sprinkled with Swarovski crystals, sparkling like diamonds. Silver ice buckets filled with three bottles of white wine, plenty of red wine and a choice of Welsh spa waters. A full silver service with linen tablecloths and napkins. Exotic flowers. Like anything to do with Shirley, this was a class act.

		"Silver candelabra filled the hall with the soft glow of candlelight. Each table was sprinkled with Swarovski crystals, sparkling like diamonds."

Everyone was friendly, and ready for a good evening. We were not to be disappointed. There’s something special about a Welsh welcome, a warmth and honesty. Suddenly the hall turned blue with whirling spotlights. The original recording of “Diamonds Are Forever” rang out from the speakers, a magical touch. Dame Shirley Bassey, DBE was arriving! Then a regal fanfare from four guardsmen as Dame Shirley Bassey entered the room as the guest of honour. She was accompanied by the Mayor, the chairman of the charity and others walked in. There was a nicely worded welcoming speech. We were asked not to wander around with cameras as there was hardly enough room for the staff to serve the food.

		"Then a regal fanfare from four guardsmen as Dame Shirley Bassey entered the room as the guest of honour."

A five course gourmet feast. The main course was roast rack of Welsh lamb marinated in mead and Welsh honey, served with mint rosti and a coriander sauce. Yes it was as good as you’d imagine. The serving staff were delightful. A pianist tickled the ivories in the background with a medley of familiar songs.

		"A five course gourmet feast - Yes it was as good as you’d imagine!"

The Swarovski family had given each guest a valuable cut glass crystal butterfly, made in two shades of purple with a gold colour body. Presented in a posh padded gift box. An exquisite and generous gift. Two members of the family were present.

The South Wales male voice choir serenaded us at different times of the evening. Classical songs, DSB hits and Welsh favourites. Everyone stood up and sang with them at the end. Rousing songs such as Cwm Rhondda.

		"The South Wales male voice choir serenaded us."

A tenor sang some stunning arias. Another singer, who had appeared in ‘Les Misérables’ for four years, sang a breathtaking number from that musical.

Katherine Jenkins sang a magnificent operatic aria. She is beautiful in every way. Soaring soprano notes, incredible pitch and expression. Shirley is a fan. They chatted for a while afterwards. We spoke to Katherine and wished her well in her career. She was pleased to sign autographs. Find more about this amazing new talent on her official website.

				"Soaring soprano notes, incredible pitch and expression - Shirley is a fan."

After a few good speeches full of Welsh humour, but with a serious gratitude for the contribution to the appeal made by Dame Shirley and her gowns, it was time for the raffle and auction. Shirley was up on her feet and centre stage. Where she belongs. Larking about like a youngster. At one stage the auctioneer called her Madam. Realising his gaffe he said “Sorry, Dame”. Shirley replied “Madam will do!”

A highlight of the evening was the auction of the white crystal-encrusted gown she was wearing. Plenty of jokes about her taking it off now. It was a case of history repeating as Shirley sang lines from ‘Big Spender’ between bids, helping push the bids well over £7,000. Proceeds, of course, to Noah’s Ark. Her voice is in fine fettle, as powerful as ever. Let’s hope we hear it from the concert stage next year.

		"It was a case of history repeating as Shirley sang lines from ‘Big Spender’ between bids, helping push the bids well over £7,000."

Then it was time to boogie on down to a show band. Rock’n’Roll, sixties hits and Motown favourites. A specially good saxophonist cut a cool groove through the Bill Haley numbers. The dance floor was packed into the small hours. We left about 2.00am and the party was still in full fling.

What a Ball! Congratulations to everyone who worked hard to make sure it was a success. It was a joy and a privilege to be there. The Noah’s Ark Appeal has raised almost £7 million to build and equip the first children’s hospital in Wales.

External Link: Donate Money To The Noah's Ark Appeal

[Latest Updates] [Important Notice] [Contact Me] [Search Site]