Baubles, Bangles, and Beads…indeed a veritable Valentines Night celebrated in the auspicious relaxed surrounding Southopia. Text and Pics by Vivien Renée

Goodnight Sweetheart  was  a fabulously decadent evening of true pleasure and fun: Flappers, Dappers, Charleston Girls, Top-hatted and gloved hedonists, palatable pleasure seeking  Bright Young Things : the most welcoming, friendly, and refreshing ladies I’ve met in a long time.  Yes, a truly original benefit evening, the first event ever organized   by Jessica Bavinton in aid of Multiple Sclerosis: one of those lesser funded debilitating diseases  which affects so many people regardless of gender, sexuality, age or culture. (although it does affect twice as many women as men).

I was greeted by the tuxedoed and toppered Kate with a warm glow of welcome as I came in – and come I did, overwhelmed with what was on offer:  hair, pamper and crimp in the basement with Stone Hair;  Professional portraiture in Madame Yevondes photography studio with Astrid Schultz; the fabulous voice of one of the best show divas, the wonderful Ruby King;  Toe-tapping performances with G and friend;  oh, and the canapés darling!

Resembling more of a salon à la Gertrude Stein and Natalie Barney  rather than the usual pub saloon, ‘twas like a fairytale imagination of LesboHistory times past  –   Vita and Virginia snogged;  Marlene tap-danced and flashed her breasts ( Velcro came undone in a frenzied Charleston!);  Lindy-hop tutor Julie gave explicitly lurid instructions as to where legs and other body parts should go! Cupid  Karenflew around delivering love trysts;  Jolly hand-bagged  campère  Sue of the Goblet  chivvyed things along. The whole evening was rounded off with a Charity Auction which raised loads of dosh.

Champagne, Cocktails, Sophisticats…if this were held at the week-end the place would have been heaving. The only criticism I have is the steepness of the entrance price: £25 with no concessions does not enable access to those of us on low income who would love to attend and support such a good cause at such a wonderful event. Apart from that, congratulations Jessica and friends…look forward to your next venture.

For more info on MS see: www.mstrust.org.uk