A fun fashion show was held as a fundraiser for the refurbishment of St. Patrick’s hall in Stradbally recently.
Parishioners from both religious denominations came to strut their stuff at The Malthouse on Saturday, July 26.
The night started with a cheese and wine reception at 6.30pm in the courtyard of the historical landmark.
The Malthouse nestled in the heart of Stradbally town has a rich history as both a working flour mill and a later malthouse, owned by Minch Norton & Co.
It is beautifully restored into a private residence and culture venue by Glenn Bradshaw. The venue without a doubt fitted the theme ‘Sustainable Fashion’ perfectly.
Models showcased stunning pieces from local charity shops such as St Vincent de Paul Stradbally, Vincent’s Portlaoise, Vincent’s Mountrath, Jack and Jill Portlaoise.
Local designers got to show off their creations, Valerie Anderson Sheehey who has recently completed a fashion design course with fashion teacher Heidi Higgins with Loetb Portarlington showed some of her dresses.
Heidi Higgins attended on the night and she was very impressed. Tanya Kearns also showed Tanya’s T-Shirts with Fr David Vard proudly modelling one of her creations during the Electric Picnic Festival category.
The Categories which were showcased during part one of the show were A Day at the Races, and Workwear followed by an interval where the Buggie School of Irish Dancing put on a toe tapping performance.
There were tickets sold during the interval for the raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.
Prizes such as a weekend Family Steam Rally ticket generously donated by The Irish Steam Preservation Society, Supervalu vouchers, Treacy’s Restaurant voucher and many more were up for grabs.
The categories in the second part of the show were wedding wear and Electric Picnic Festival wear.
Ruby and Leslie Colton were the highlight of the wedding wear category.
Ruby stole the show as she wore her very own beautiful wedding dress that she wore 50 years ago when she married Leslie in 1975, Leslie wore his original bow-tie.
They will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on the last Friday in August.
As for the Electric Pionic Festival wear category all the models had found their niche.
Rev Alec and Fr Vard really got into the festive spirit, Rev Yvonne and John Moore showed their playful side with pink wigs and funky outfits.
Thomas Cosby and mum Alison showed all the EP goers that they can keep up with the latest trends with their colourful outfits from Vincents Mountrath which cost under €20 for both.
Kenneth Jones and Claire Haworth really were at home as they took the MC role to a professional standard and both managed to do some modelling on the night.
Kenneth’s talent in woodwork was also on display as the catwalk was built by him in record time, the evening before.
€3,042 was raised on the night and a spokesperson thanked everyone who took part and helped.
They said: “People’s generosity was outstanding from those donating towards the cheese and wine reception, spot prizes, time and labour, teams for set up and clean up, Matthew for all his assistance at the Malthouse, for the use of chairs from Stradbally Union of Parishes and Stradbally Social Services, Stradbally Town and Country for the timber.
“Gladys in the Green Room who kept the show running, Rev Alec for saying, ‘yes’ and Leslie for approaching Glenn Bradshaw!
“Last but not least a big shout out to all the people who came and enjoyed themselves without any barriers between and for all the models who displayed splendour, grace, and beauty, each coming from different walks of life yet truly celebrating each other.”
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