007 Ball 6 Jul 2013

The newly painted white building glowed in the sunshine, its gold lettering glittering, as the guests arrived and were greeted by a waiter holding a silver tray of Vodka Martinis or Pimms for those who preferred their cocktails weaker. There was dancing and gambling, Casino Royale played on a screen and the dinner jacketed guests were all James Bond, “…nostrils flaring at the smell of the crowded, electric, elegant scene.”

Upstairs we found our places at Skyfall, Moonraker and Dr. No. The smartly dressed staff squeezed round the room (this was a sell out!) serving Asparagus with Pancetta, a Champagne Sorbe, Salmon or Boeuf-en-Croûte, Dessert and Cheese. Each table centre was a giant cocktail glass and we were entertertained by Shirley Bassey, in her heyday – Goldfinger and From Russia With Love.

Then it was gambling – the Roulette Table was dominated by Wendy Eagling with a steely glint in her eye. One young couple tried to play by placing their chips actually in their chosen numbers on the wheel – an educational moment for them. Everyone danced until, I think I saw this, a young man in Lurex pants served the bacon rolls and the limousines drew up outside.

It was another triumph for Amanda Cole and her family team.

You can see all Ashley’s photos of the Ball on her flickr page.