Lest It Be Forgotten After I Am Gone: The Extremes -3
...I immediately sought another cashier job and was fortunate enough to be taken on by one of the most prestigious establishments in London, frequented by royalty from abroad, Lords and Ladies from the 'establishment', judges and lawyers of distinction, eminent doctors, politicians, financiers and bankers, big English and American stars of the screen, stage and TV and some really seriously wealthy people. I shall always remember with awe the night one such person came in and played Black Jack on a table by himself for £1000 per box. Since each table had eight boxes, he was playing £8000 a hand...
Raymon Benedyk continues his engaging life story.
In the late 60's, when the new gaming laws were publicised, 'my' boss bought out his partner's share of the casino and, for about a year all was quiet and peaceful in the place, especially when most of the staff in the other one's corner went.
My friend who had got me the job in 1966, left in 1969 to go to a competitor as a casino manager, and my boss was very angry at what he considered gross disloyalty, and when I nearly allowed myself to be poached to go to the opposition too, he nearly had apoplexy. However, when I changed my mind, losing the friendship of my friend, but retaining the friendship of my boss, I thought I had done the right thing for my future. However, it proved to be a mistake in that our casino did not get its licence to operate as the new legislation required, and on June 30th 1970 closed its doors, putting us all out of work. So, as it happens, I would have been better off if I had moved after all.
However, not to be dismayed, I immediately sought another cashier job and was fortunate enough to be taken on by one of the most prestigious establishments in London, frequented by royalty from abroad, Lords and Ladies from the 'establishment', judges and lawyers of distinction, eminent doctors, politicians, financiers and bankers, big English and American stars of the screen, stage and TV and some really seriously wealthy people. I shall always remember with awe the night one such person came in and played Black Jack on a table by himself for £1000 per box. Since each table had eight boxes, he was playing £8000 a hand. After about half an hour and eight goes at trying to win, he stopped playing and said to us cashiers, "Well boys, I'm going out to dinner so give me a thousand in cash. Here's my cheque for £65,000!" In 1970 that was worth a lot more than it is today, and he never turned a hair. And there were many more like that.
I met many well-known people here too, some now departed, the names of whom I would love to mention but feel it would be unfair to their families to do so. However, I do think it safe to mention dealing with a famous 'James Bond' who was an occasional player, who was a nice guy but so innocent and unworldly that we even had to write out his cheques for him to sign. And there was also the sad meeting of an aged and unhappy former most glamorous Hollywood film star, now past her best, slightly the worse for drink with her pitiful "Do you know who I am?"
There were also many young and beautiful stars, and other familiar faces, constantly passing our desk that really made our life very exciting, wondering who next would grace our view.
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If you wish to make a donation to the Elsa Benedyk Memorial Fund, set up by her friends and colleagues entirely without Raymon’s knowledge to provide funds to support the children's ward of the Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem to commemorate her life of work with children in her nursery schools, it would be most gratefully received. The amount that you give will not be revealed to Raymon. He is not a trustee of the fund. Your cheque, payable to the Fund, should be sent to the fund's Treasurer Mrs I Dokelman, 14 Charville Court, 30/32 Gayton Road, Harrow, Middx HA1 2HT.
