The 1920’s Vintage Fashion Talk and afternoon tea which took place on Sunday 2nd of May 2021 at the Clare Town Hall was a fun time for all involved.
The Clare Valley Band, who gave their time free of charge, led by their Band Leader / Conductor Sandy Bowen, kicked off proceedings with specially rehearsed 1920’s pieces.
Sandy Whitelaw, Curator National Trust SA Costume collection gave a fascinating talk on the Roaring Twenties fashion style
Guests included
Mayor Wayne Thomas, his wife Helen and Council CEO Helen MacDonald.
Sandy Whitelaw, Curator National Trust SA Costume collection,
Sandy Whitelaw was our guest speaker and in authentic costume and wig, gave an interesting talk on 1920’s fashion
illustrated by a few pieces from their collection and also
pieces from the Clare Museum which were included in a Pop Up Museum display.
Sandy, together with Millie Nicholls, Chair of the Clare Branch NTSA, scoured the room identifying candidates for the Best Dressed ‘Gatsby style’ prizes.
The number of people who made an effort to come dressed in style was most pleasing and
Sandy had the finalists perform an impromptu Charleston before declaring the winners – Di Hood (below, left) and Jon Ruwolt (right) and presenting their prizes.
High tea was provided by Museum volunteers who not only baked and buttered, but
beavered away backstage,
plated up a variety of sandwiches, cakes and
truffles for everyone to enjoy.
Prior to the event old plates were collected and made into three-tier Cake Stands.
Sadly due to COVID-SAFE requirements these could not be used for purpose
but instead were festooned with pomegranates, glory vine and pine cones to provide autumn themed table decorations.
Prizes for this and for the raffle were donated by Liz Callary – a lovely handcrafted platter, wooden decorated trays and exquisite hand-made biscuits which were well received by the winners.
At the closing of the day Millie presented Sandy with a gift of a Hamper of local produce as a sincere thank you to Sandy who had given her time and the assistance of her husband Warren, free of charge!
Margaret Springbett, who had been side stepping a number of opportunities to do so, was presented with a Certificate of Service as a Volunteer at the Museum, for the past 10 years.
We sold 76 tickets and provided complimentary tickets to guests and any Band members who wished to stay.
Volunteers who numbered 14 gave up most of the day and
indeed many hours in the weeks leading up to Sunday, organising and publicising the event
including a pop up display in a shop window in the main street, courtesy of Brian Tilbrook.
A good time was had by all!