Heavenly Beverley : A Sensational Sundowner (Again)

Tuesday 25 September 2018

A Sensational Sundowner (Again)

Two weekends ago, I was wearing multiple layers, including thermals into the Gallery. With the open fire going and a heater between my knees when I was sitting at my desk. The nights were still cold, the Forbes Building had no chance to properly warm up during the days.

From last Wednesday, Spring roared into life. Temperatures leapt by degrees, nights ceased to be freezing. Last Thursday, we stopped using the home heating after dark. The only downside is the rapid arrival of our disliked flying fiends. Vacuuming them midair has become quite the spectator sport.

Today is a thoroughly gorgeous Tuesday, in the low twenties (about seventy-three in Fahrenheit). I have discarded my cardigan and loving feeling the house full of fresh air. The courtyard is filled with light and colour. How lucky are we?

I have just about recovered from Saturday night's Sundowner. Unusually, Michael Hit The Wall first and retired to our boudoir before Cinderella was even thinking about bolting from the ball. We had an intimate crowd of locals and semi-locals having an absolute blast. Poppy, Jan, Ailsa and I all danced. Patricia joined in on the sidelines as did Melody. Rob was shooting fantastic photographs from all angles. Phil was at his urbane best. Greg was relaxed and affable. Beverley multi-facet artist Gracie filled out our numbers, along with Rod (of Rodney and the Rockets fame) and Marianne, old friends of Lawrence.

Two Appletons graced us with their presence earlier in the afternoon. As did the amazing Andrew Taylor, Laura, Mariette and whippet Carson, who cruised over in their smallish hatchback, along with two new pieces on plinths. Decidedly less squashy on their way home.

The Gallery was showcased in all her glory until midnight. But the stars of the show were undoubtedly Guy Slingerland on drums and guitar, Neville Dowling on a keyboard, Jan George on guitar and drum and the wondrously laidback Lawrence Jones on guitar. who had to return back to his house halfway to Beverley having left his Phone Alone.

Their vocals were sublime, highlighted by such classics as "Riders On The Storm" and "Wichita Linesman" and "Under The Milky Way". They generously gave their time and talent, paid only by a questionable sausage sizzle, chocolates, biscuits and vino. Ladies and gentlemen, these musos are superb gifts at our Sundowners.

So do yourselves a favour and note the next Sundowner in your diaries, planners or calendars. Saturday 15 December is the date. We will kick off proceedings with a pastel demonstration by the uber cool Brian Aylward, at two o'clock. Free of charge. Brian is another one of our artists who provide us with such generosity of his time and talent. Naturally, he is paid in the normal East End Gallery currency of a couple of decent vinos and many verbal accolades.

This last Sundowner of 2018 will also be celebrating the Gallery's fourth birthday. We can't believe the flying of these years. I am also scheming to have Santa present as well as our fabulous musicians. Nev and Lawrence have already been asked and agreed. Guy and Jan, please confirm your attendance and make up the Fantastic Four.

In May 2019, Michael and I will be cock-a-hoop at our tenth anniversary together. This promises to be a momentous occasion. If I'd had a dream back in early 2009 that I was destined to marry a brilliant metal artist named Michael Sofoulis and be running an art gallery in a country town, I would have fallen off my chair laughing.

As it is, I am running the East End Gallery and I still frequently fall about laughing...

Fancy that!