Ah, here I go again... singing the praises of another great night in the gold fields, but if the shoe fits? The Bendigo Rockin 50s Xmas party finished about two hours ago and it was a blast. Warm welcome, excellent floor, friendly atmosphere, happy faces everywhere and an excellent band: The Zephyrs.

Tonight was at the Crook Street venue. It is a large, but very comfortable hall that happily accommodates over 200 people, but still manages to maintain a friendly and warm atmosphere. The Rockin 50s (like the other Bendigo clubs) are a super friendly crew who make everyone welcome and really know how to organize a good dance night. They always seems to attract a cheerful crowd, determined to dance hard and have fun.

Santa put in an appearance with his helper Little Maria and it wasn't just the kids who sat on his knee (was it Annie? I have the photos and, if you come up with the cash, no one needs to see them).

The band deserves an extra special mention... they were terrific: not too fast, not too slow and not all the same. The Zephyrs took the the shortest breaks ever and played like their lives were at stake. They look like a fairly standard line up of harmonica, guitar, double bass and drums but they have combined their talents to produce a very different and refreshing sound... with Grunt!

Sadly, there were a few empty tables and, apparently, some people had stayed away due to a rumor that the band was "too fast". Well, I didn't see anyone struggling with the tempo, not even the three year olds who had come to see Santa. So, whoever started the rumor... you were WRONG and whoever listened and stayed away... you missed out, big time.

Only seven Macedon Ranges Rockers made it tonight, but we were pleased to pick up the $100 raffle, a hamper and a special thankyou from me for the bottle of wine. Free tea and coffee topped off the night and helped with the long drive home.