John Appaswamy of Borella writes....

The above headline leaped at me out of a weekend paper. That magical word. OTSC. After a long break of several years, I decided to attend this do. A call to Tusita de Alwis, the bouncy, go-getter Social Secretary of OTSC, produced the two tickets needed for my pal and me.

Days before the event, I had that warm comfortable glow of looking forward to a pleasant evening of entertainment, enjoyment, renewing old friendships and making of new friends.

Thanks to the unfortunate situation on our roads at the moment, I arrived half-an-hour late. Long before reaching the venue, the sound of music reached my ears, confirming that the show was already well on its way.

Annesley and the Super Chimes were at their best. The lilting and catchy Golden Oldies were flowing over the crowd of engrossed visitors. Without exception every face was beaming. The only word that would best describe the look on their faces was "HAPPY". I was told that this was the first and only "Sing-along" that Annesley and his Band have agreed to in their long career.

The tickets were priced at Rs. 350/-, which was a bonanza for all Old Thomians, their families and guests, bearing in mind that tickets for a similar event, if held at the BMICH Banquet Hall would range between Rs. 750/- to Rs. 1000/- per head.

Annesley obliged most willingly and graciously to all the requests for his favourite melodies, and he also most obligingly sang some of the popular songs of other singers and lyricists. The show went on till midnight, a full hour more than scheduled 8 pm to 11pm, totally unnoticed by the enthusiastic crowd, with only two 10-minute breaks taken by Annesley & his team. Inevitably, as is often the case where Sri Lankans meet in music, the dancing started, and if anything, it was an epitome of enjoyment.

The evergreen Brian Thomas as MC of course, needs no complimentary comments from me, and he delivered his role with his usual aplomb and charisma. Lastly this appreciation would not be complete if I did not compliment the super catering, and the mouth watering 'bites' which were served to a totally engrossed and mesmerized crowd of 'Old Thomians' by the OTSC's own team of expert chefs.

May all the organizers, patrons, guests, artistes at this show live long, and this writer will eagerly be looking forward for the next 'OTSC' Sing-Along.