What happens when
The week at Wollemi Hall, day by day
Tuesday to Sunday, the doors open at five and close at half past eleven. Each night has its own character, set out below.
The week
Six evenings and a day of rest
MondayThe hall is closed for the day. The oven is scrubbed, the brass is polished and the staff rest before the week begins again.—
TuesdayA quiet dinner night. The best evening to bring a book and have the dining room to yourself.17:00
WednesdayA free lesson at the first blackjack table for guests who would like to learn, with a pot of tea and a plate of biscuits.19:00
ThursdayA roulette evening. The two wheels run together, and a croupier explains the layout at each.18:30
FridayThe weekly poker tournament, played on chips and ending with a name on the honour board.19:30
SaturdayThe long-table dinner in the dining room, then every table upstairs open until eleven.17:00
SundayRoast lamb for dinner, then Seven Card Stud and Five Card Draw at the poker tables.17:00
Reading the week
How the nights fit together
The program is built on one idea: dinner always comes first. Whatever happens upstairs, the kitchen opens at five and the dining room carries on at its own pace. A guest who never intends to see a card can eat at any hour and be treated precisely as a guest who is going to the tables.
Tuesday is the quietest night and my own favourite. The room is half empty, the heater is warm, and Clayton Richards often sends out an extra dish to see how it is received. Guests who are nervous about the casino room often begin with a Tuesday supper and a slow look at the stairs.
Wednesday's lesson is free and informal. Noel Novak sets up the first blackjack table, explains each move and lets guests deal to one another. Nobody is expected to play afterwards, and the chips, as everywhere, carry no cash value and go back in the rack when the lesson ends.
Friday and Saturday are the full nights. The dining room fills early, and by half past eight there is a gentle queue at the foot of the stairs. Booking ahead is wise for both, and we ask that table bookings and seats in the casino room are requested separately.
Sunday belongs to the older games. Seven Card Stud and Five Card Draw are dealt slowly, and the regulars enjoy explaining the history. The program holds from week to week; any change is chalked on the board outside, and the host can confirm it by telephone.
Monday is the day the hall rests. The oven is scrubbed, the brass is polished and the lamps are cleaned of a week's dust. Clayton Richards uses the quiet to write the next week's board, and Noel Novak re-covers any table that has worn thin. The staff rest in the sun, if there is any, and are back at noon on Tuesday.
