ON Saturday afternoon more than 170 people packed the auditorium of Wingham Services Memorial Club to celebrate100 Years of Fashion. As part of the 50 year anniversary of the Manning Valley Historical Society, a fashion pageant was held to showcase historic garments from the 1900s through to the 1970's. Twelve models hit the runway for the two hour 'A glimpse into the Past' spectacular that was more than just a visual treat.
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MC Susan Ryan gave an interesting and often joyful background to the garments as well as the era in the Manning Valley. Hang Fire Disco kept pace with music to match and society volunteers did the rounds with some delicate and rather beautiful items to show by hand. An equally attractive spread of afternoon tea was enjoyed after the parade.
Society president Barbara Waters said she was delighted by the success of the event and couldn't have anticipated such a large turnout. One hundred and fifty chairs were initially put out and a last minute scramble sourced the extra required to keep everybody comfortable.
It wasn't just pretty clothes on show, the Anzacs were acknowledged and light horseman Michael Davy found himself and three high school students front and centre in historical military attire.
The professionalism evident on the runway was largely due to the professional's behind the scenes - Flair Fashion's Jo Meldrum and Lynn Catt together with hairdresser Louise Crossingham and Teearn McLean on makeup. Many society volunteers including Kim, Robyn and Jenny worked tirelessly for many months to bring such a large event to life.
As an exhausted Barbara reflects on the past week of anniversary celebrations, a passing comment she received sums it up nicely, "people underestimate what country people can do."
