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No Cinderellas at this Ball
It was the day that two superstars stopped the town 46 years ago this week. Then singing sensations Kamahl and Johnny Farnham – yes he hadn’t become John yet – touched down in Adelaide to support The Fireman’s Ball raising funds for Guide Dogs.
At 10:15 in the morning Ansett Airlines Flight 204 arrived to be greeted by a mass of media and a pup called Karina who were all eager to greet and be greeted by Kamahl and his beautiful wife Sahodra. It was love at first sight for Kamahl and Sahodra when they met Karina who was to become the latest addition to their family. For her part Karina fell in love with her new family when Kamahl indulged in a subtle form of bribery by offering her a doggy treat. He obviously knew the way to a labrador’s heart!
Amid this exchange of excitement and mutual admiration a second plane arrived and the three were joined on the tarmac by a dynamic young Johnny Farnham. The entourage complete, the stage was set for two very exciting days in Adelaide.
Straight from the airport the group travelled to the then Somerton Crippled Childrens’ Home where Karina was once again a great hit as was the sing-a-long to the tunes of Sadie, Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head and Old MacDonald had a dog to name a few. One little girl was so overwhelmed that she simply threw her arms around Johnny’s neck and cried. Both stars were so warm and giving of themselves that it was not until they finally arrived at their hotel that organisers realised that they had not even paused to have a meal.
The following evening Kamahl and Johnny performed at Centennial Hall Wayville alongside groups, The Pattern and Farenheit 451 at the S.A. Fireman’s Charity Ball in aid of Guide Dogs. The performers were acknowledged with tumultuous applause in appreciation of their most generous and unassuming support of this wonderful fundraising initiative.
Were you there that night?
