The ladies of Llantwit Major love their fashion and what better way to showcase the fantastic choice available in this charming coastal town than a fashion show and fabulous lunch organised by Llantwit Major Twinning Association at the gorgeous West House Country Hotel.
FRENCH
CONNECTION The Fashion Lunch, organised by Llantwit Major Twinning Association is now firmly established on the town’s social calendar. The idea of the first Fashion Lunch held in May 2006 came from the chair of Twinning at that time, Diane Smith.
Diane recalls, “We wanted to set up a special event in Llantwit Major that would help fund-raising for the twenty fifth anniversary of our Twinning Partnership with Le Pouliguen in southern Brittany. The combination of lunch with fashion was a perfect attraction for local ladies and we were particularly fortunate to have the perfect venue in West House Country Hotel. The hotel’s owners Joy and Richard Christopher gave us their full support.”
On that occasion the Association was lucky to have the professional expertise of Silka Casey of Catwalk Wales to organise choreography and liaise with models and shops. Since then the fashion side of the event has been organised by Angela Hawkins and Ros Martin-Jones, who have done a brilliant job.
Of this year’s show Ros said, “This is the second year that Angela and I have organised the clothes and choreography side of the Fashion Lunch. We are lucky to have the co-operation of super shops with a wonderful variety of clothes and of course elegant ‘volunteer’ models. It’s a challenge, but one we enjoy and to see everyone enjoying themselves in the vibrant atmosphere makes it a pleasure to be part of the event.
Each show has had a different line-up of shops. This year shops featured were Rio, Seconds Up and Jamima (bridal agency) Clobbered Up of St Bride’s Major and Lois of Cowbridge.” Tina, who runs Rio, has contributed to all the shows and told Vale Life, “I’m delighted to support this event which helps promote fashion and our town. We look forward to what is now established as the annual Twinning Fashion Lunch which always creates a friendly, fun atmosphere.” Llantwit’s Mayor is automatically president of Twinning and always attends. Newly-elected Mayor Molly Lane has enjoyed previous shows. She commented, “This is a fabulous event which attracts so many people in our community. We are extremely proud of our link with Le Pouliguen in southern Brittany and I congratulate the committee on creating the Fashion Lunch.” Helen Sharp, joint event organiser with Diane, and secretary of Twinning said, “The tickets sell like hot cakes. It’s good for Twinning and we have a real ball!” Current chair of Twinning Les Beckwith was pleased to attend the event. He said, “Our fashion lunch is now firmly established as a major event in the community. This year’s success was assured by the superb fashions and delightful models. Merci à tout le monde!”
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