The cool season opens with a long supper
Every year the first cold evening brings the same message at the front desk: are you doing the supper? We were, and this is how it went.
You can tell the cool season has arrived in Bourke by the way people walk. The shoulders drop, the pace slows, and somebody always mentions they can finally sit outside without sweating through the shirt. Louise Georgiou had three phone calls before lunch asking whether the long supper was on. It was, and the table was laid by four.
What came out of the kitchen
Imogen Payne began with pumpkin soup and damper, because that is how the season always starts. Then came lamb roasted with rosemary, honey carrots and potatoes in dripping, carved at the table by Noel Saunders, who has opinions about thick slices. Pudding was sticky date, and nobody asked for the recipe because everybody already knew it.
Who sat where
Twelve at the long table, a few more at the window and a couple of regulars who insisted on their usual corners. Marg arrived with a jar of her own quince jelly, which went straight to the lamb. A first-timer from out of town sat beside Noel and left an hour later with an invitation to the Friday tournament and a promise to bring her brother, who is, apparently, very good at Seven Card Stud.
The felt room afterwards
Lisa Rossi opened the wheel at half past eight and the room filled in a rush. Blackjack was kept gentle for the newcomers, Hold'em drew a small crowd, and the whole evening ran on chips that nobody could take home. The brass bell rang at ten, and the last cup of tea was poured soon after.
What we learned
Lamps left on late are a kindness. The street looked warm from the corner, and three passers-by wandered in to ask what was happening. We told them it was just supper, and two of them stayed.
A note for next year
The only complaint was about the playlist, which does not exist, because the room has no music. A guest suggested a gramophone. Noel Saunders considered it for a full minute, then said the sound of the wheel was music enough, and that settled it. Next year we will simply put out more chairs and a second pot of tea.