Fashionable fun to benefit BMI

BY the door of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute is its own Vintage and Pre-Loved Shop.

Volunteers behind the little store are showcasing the shopfront’s clothing and wares on Saturday 28 October, as part of a fashion parade fundraiser.

Organiser Geraldine Roberts said outfits for sale will be modelled, while attendees enjoy a glass of champagne, high tea, and musical accompaniment.

“We’re raising money to purchase picture hanging rails for the Mechanics’ Institute,” she said.

“Bring a group of friends together to catch up over high tea, and we will show off what we have to offer in the shop.

“This is a way to both promote the BMI as a nice venue for the community’s use, and our shop.”

Some of the Vintage and Pre-Loved Shop’s stock includes dresses and hats from the 1950s and 1960s, jewellery, and men’s jackets.

“People have been very generous, coming in with quality donations,” Mrs Roberts said. “They want their donated garments to be valued for what they are.

“Often, we have stories associated with the pre-loved garments, and we ask people what they think is a fair price to pay for them.

“We value the garments, many of which are magical pieces of fashion history. Their stories come with them, and that’s always a lovely side of volunteering in the shop.”

The fashion parade will be held from 2pm to 4pm in the BMI’s Humffray Room, with tables big enough for eight people.

Tickets are $60 per head at the BMI lending library, or at bit.ly/45tQHgn.