Jenny Pollard, The Buloke Times

A sparkling array of white tulle, classic dresses, debonair partners and two adorable attendants were the highlights of the 2024 Charlton Deb Ball held last Friday night as nine couples were formally presented against a striking Art Deco-inspired setting at the Charlton Hall.

A highlight of the social calendar, the Deb Ball is coordinated by the Charlton Neighbourhood House committee, staff and volunteers, but as was emphasized a number of times during the evening, the event is the culmination of a truly communal input, making it an occasion to remember and cherish for the young people who take part.

As the large crowd filtered into the Hall, anticipation built as families, friends and the supporters eagerly awaited the presentation, while local band “Blend It” (featuring Leo Tellefson, Ross Lane and Sandra Loats) entertained with their engaging sound. The band later provided the music as the dancing got under way.

The Art Deco themed stage setting, which featured black and gold with red focal points, centred around a geometric-shaped archway in front of a background of swagged gold fabric with decorative art objects finessing the design. Created and styled by Bernice Kenny, Donna McCallum and Jenny Pollard, the trio was supported by Dale McCallum, who carried out the construction and installation. A fine showpiece, this tableaux provided a stylish context against which the debs were highlighted.

A welcome by host Natasha Saunders led to the introduction of the official party which comprised trainers, Michelle and Wes Jenkyn and Andrew Peverill, along with Charlton Young Citizen of the Year, Emily Olive. Charlton Citizen of the Year, Anne Kenny was an apology for the evening.

The young attendants – Sally Armstrong and Franklin Holmes-Brown were greeted with loud applause as they were introduced to the crowd before embarking on their big moment of making presentations to the official party and the debs’ families. Somewhat overwhelmed by the magnitude of the night, the little ones were encouraged in their task by Michelle Jenkyn as they handed out flowers and chocolates to the parents and supporters.

The Deb Set

The 2024 Debutante set included the following:

• Taylah Boyle and Murphy McGeown.
• Isabel Soulsby and Elliott Fitzpatrick.
• Emmersyn Nelson and Ned Zagame.
• Annie Olive and Angus Soulsby.
• Zali Heenan and Hugh Sait.
• Poppy Fitzpatrick and Fletcher Holmes-Brown.
• Mercadiez O’Sullivan and Cooper Boyle.
• Georgia Wright and Beau Johnstone.
• Elise Fitzpatrick and Nick Thompson.

The formalities unfolded with the introduction of the nine couples, as each progressed down the hall to music of their own choosing. Dress descriptions and the young people’s future aspirations were related by Natasha Saunders with a number of participants revealing their previous Deb experience as either former partners or flower girls and page boys (Murphy McGeown, pageboy 2013, and Annie Olive and Angus Soulsby, flower girl and pageboy 2014). Poppy Fitzpatrick and Fletcher Holmes-Brown also created something of a record as the 4th deb partnership between the two families with siblings Tessa and Lachlan, Xanthe and Nathaniel, and Lucinda and Darby, all completing their debuts with each other!

Styling

Ball gown styling for the 2024 set was an elegant selection of mainly A-line, full tulle skirts with bodices embellished with lace and adornments such as small crystals and beads. Fitted corset-style backs were also a favourite, with lace or thin spaghetti straps. Many of the girls complimented their outfits with family heirloom jewellery, or items which had been gifted by friends. Each wore a wrist corsage featuring a maroon flower with silver attachments.

The boys had adopted a sophisticated look wearing black suits, with a red flower buttonhole, finished with black gloves and ties.

The presentation dances included the Tracie-Leigh, Charmaine, and Killarney Waltzs, finishing with the more relaxed Big Mountain Circle. Pianist Gill Gretgrix was the accompanist for this presentation. All the debs then invited their parent or significant other to accompany them in the Pride of Erin.

Undertaking the presentation of this night has been a credit to the Charlton Neighbourhood House, along with the many others who contribute their time and talents towards ensuring this rite-of-passage is offered for the youth of the community.

Debutantes Emmerson Nelson and Fletcher Holmes-Brown spoke on behalf of the group, thanking trainers Michelle and Wes Jenkyn and Andrew Peverill for their commitment and patience, as well as recognising the input from organisations and individuals, and extending special thanks to parents and families.

It was then time for photos, fun and food as a smorgasbord of diverse and delectable nibbles (catering for all tastes) was brought into the hall.

The dancing kicked off later with Leo, Ross and Sandra whipping up a storm and the debutantes relaxing into the final stages of a memorable evening.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 16 April 2024.