Dress exhibition success

RESIDENTS enjoyed a special exhibition over the weekend, with a number of vintage dresses on display from the private collection of Jennifer Blomeley.

Large presence: Matilda Curran (pictured with Randy Walton) paraded around with a beautiful black wedding dress, including a veil.

The Camperdown Lions Club worked alongside Mrs Blomeley, who curated the McFarlane Dress Collection, to show off a small selection of dresses worn to many social events and even weddings.

Camperdown Lions Club publicity officer Maree Belyea said the event was highly successful, capped off with a special opening on Monday for the Camperdown Girl Guides, David Newman Adult Day Centre and Sunnyside House Aged Care.

“Partnering with gowns and mannequin’s owner Jennifer (Jen) Blomeley to present the display in Camperdown was a win for Camperdown Lions Club,” she said.

“Jen was a delight to work with, as was her husband Rodney and her good friend Lia Sarto, who helped curate the professional exhibition.

“Over twenty Lions who assisted in a variety of ways over the days were proud to be involved and thoroughly enjoyed the very different project to our usual activities.

“Visitors to the display also enjoyed the history provided on several of the gowns.

“A collection of antique sewing machines owned by Lions member Leanne Delahunty was also popular, as was Judi Oakes’ collection of jewellery.”

The opening night saw many people enjoying a glass of bubbles and nibbles before a parade of gowns modelled by eight women, some of which included dresses from the model’s personal collection, emceed by Lions member Judi Oakes.

Following the opening night, the exhibition saw a steady stream of visitors over the weekend with many viewing the dresses before enjoying a Devonshire tea prepared by the Lions club.

Mrs Blomeley said she was pleased to see the high level of interest across the weekend.

“There was such a happy feeling in the hall and everyone made such positive comments,” she said.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the support that has been shown, and the number of people who attended was incredible.

“Seeing this type of support makes me realise how many people have such a diverse range of interests in Camperdown and the surrounding areas.

“A lot of people said they enjoy looking at fashion and fabrics.

“It was a very relaxed atmosphere with the Devonshire tea provided by the Lions Club.”

Mrs Belyea said the exhibition was well-supported both by attendees and those behind the scenes to bring the event together.

“Many stayed for extended periods catching up with a cuppa,” she said.

“Classical music selected by Lion Russ Davis was played each day.

“Excellent community support with lighting was supplied by Tony Dupleix and Glenn Wilson who also took photos.

“Camperdown Girl Guides kindly made the hall available for eight days giving time to transform the hall for the event.

“It was a long week from setting up to pack up but very enjoyable and rewarding.”

Mrs Blomeley extended her gratitude to everyone who supported the exhibition.

“I’d like to say thank you to the Camperdown Lions – who initially suggested the dress show go ahead – for their enormous support,” she said.

“They do so much work for the community and they’re such a pleasure to work with.

“They all work together like a well-oiled machine.

“I’d also like to say thank you to the people of Camperdown and others who came from Geelong and Port Fairy who supported the dress display.

“I’d like to say thank you to the Girl Guides, who were such a pleasure to deal with and made it easy to have access to the hall.”

Mrs Blomeley said there was an opportunity for a second dress exhibition to run following this success.

“I have many more dresses that perhaps, in the future, we might be able to do another charity display – this was just as small part of the collection,” she said.