By Tanya Steele
Formal settings, fabulous food and a chance to connect over some long-standing military dining table traditions saw local RSL members attend an annual formal affair in Sassafras.
Dandenong Ranges RSL recently held its seventh annual Dining in Night on Thursday 7 November ahead of Remembrance Day.
To foster camaraderie and or esprit de corps as it was once known, organisers of the event Jacqui and retired military member Wolf Wirthensohn said a Dining in Night is when military wear is a must, with attendees wearing mess kits and medals for the occasion.
The Upwey couple decided to bring back the idea behind the dinner, and has held them for RSL members of the Dandenong Ranges at both Upwey and Sassafras, with white tablecloths and candelabras a must.
“It’s a military type style dinner – dining in nights started way back in the Roman times when the legions would gather for a dinner,” said Mr Wirthensohn.
“That’s what it’s about, catching up and talking and remembering,” he said.
“It’s also a night of some serious reflections.”
The modern spin has had attendees bringing partners along as well, giving all a chance to get their glam on for the special night, with even the grandchildren on hand to help serve.
“They help with the serving, they love it,” said Ms Wirthensohn.
“It’s making the community aware that the RSL is not just for service people,” she said.
The programme on the night included a parade of flags by representatives from the Navy, Army and Airforce and a special pipes performance by Gordon Chambers from Pakenham.
RSL President Bob Richards spoke the Ode and said Grace at the event, with a welcome by Vice-President Ray Walton.
The Commanding Officer from HMAS Cerberus Captain Ben Favelle attended as a special guest speaker.
“He gave a good speech,” said Mr Wirthensohn.
A fun tradition for Dining in night includes holding all attendees accountable for formal dining manners, any misdemeanours on the night resulted in fines for the diners.
For example, if a diner went to the bathroom without asking permission – they might find their chair missing on return, or start to eat without waiting for the main table to start.
“Nowadays they use fines, it’s about table etiquette,” said Mr Wirthensohn.
The fines collected went towards the local CFA, which Jacqui and Wolf said they are glad for as they are both members.
Dine Divine provided catering for the military diners, putting on a three-course meal for the veterans and their special guests.
“We didn’t have a formal kitchen at RSL in Sassy, so I approached Dine Divine for this – every year the owners Trevor and Rita ferry the meals across to us,” said Ms Wirthensohn.
“The food was absolutely beautiful,” she said.
The couple plans to continue holding the event and would like to expand it if enough people want to come to it.
