A fashionable fundraiser at the BMI

ENJOY fashion, high tea and good company at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute this month.

The fashion parade on Sunday 27 October is a fundraiser for the refurbishment of the lantern light ceiling in the Heritage Reading Room.

Models will be wearing outfits from the BMI Vintage and Collectables shop and there will also be a silent auction.

“It is really an effort to introduce people to our vintage shop at the BMI which is at the corner of our main entryway,” said Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute president Paula Nicholson.

“It is run by a wonderful volunteer called Geraldine Roberts.

“It’s a very small space but it’s got a lot of treasures inside and we have a wonderful band of supporters who donate really high quality goods.”

This is the second time the BMI has held the event and Ms Nicholson said feedback last year was positive.

“People certainly enjoyed coming into the Minerva Room, which is a stunning example of a Victorian room built as a lecture hall,” said Ms Nicholson.

“They were equally delighted with the beautiful food, the crockery, the setting and the flowers.”

Money raised from the event will go towards the lantern light ceiling in the Heritage Reading Room which is designed to protect the collection inside.

“The major renovations, when the building really was in peril, occurred in the early 2000s,” said Ms Nicholson.

“The Heritage Reading Room houses our heritage collection and its glass vaulted ceiling was part of its original design and it was all refurbished in the big renovation.

“Some of the glass panels have moved slightly, and they have a UV protectant on them to manage and protect the environment for the heritage listed collection.”

To book a ticket visit Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s library or website.