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Very few people could claim at 102 years old that their 80-year-old wedding dress still fits like a glove. Althorp Village resident Veronica Miles can.
The centenarian this week popped back on her wedding gown for a good cause.
Her home, Althorp Village at Pyes Pā, is again hosting its annual fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust on October 3 from 1pm to 4pm.
Blossom & Silk High Tea promises to be an afternoon filled with elegance, glamour, fashion, friendship and fun.
Miles’ wedding dress will be among others on display at the event.
She said that at 23 she married her husband, the late Noel Miles, at St Stephens Anglican Church in Marton on March 29, 1947.
A radiant Veronica Miles, with her new husband Noel miles on left, back in March 1947. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
“It was made in Marton by Mrs Taylor, who in those days specialised in making wedding dresses,” Miles said.
The silky feel material, purchased in Whanganui on a late Friday shopping night, is embossed with lots of delicate small flowers, has lace sleeves and still fits Miles perfectly.
She no longer has her veil and floral head piece, which she thinks probably perished years ago. The dress was complemented by a set of pearls and pearl earrings on her special day.
“My bouquet was huge and heavy, as they were in those days, and contained dahlias, Freesias, carnations and fern.
“I had two bridesmaids – my sister-in-law-to-be Elva Miles and my cousin Dorothy White – they wore sky blue dresses with large bouquets containing lots of red nerine flowers,” Miles reminisced.
“The bridesmaids’ hats were heart shaped, made of cardboard and then covered in fabric.”
Event organiser Claire Keen said Blossom & Silk High Tea guests will enjoy a glamorous, glittering fashion show of formal mother of the Bride and Evening wear from After Hours Boutique, Te Puna.
Althorp Village resident Veronica Miles, aged 102, in her 80-year-old wedding dress. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
“Beautiful wedding dresses dating back many years will be on show alongside today’s modern styles from Tauranga’s Madison Rose Bridal, and there will be a viewing of Status Clothing’s latest summer range.”
Raffles, prizes, surprises and a silent auction will also entertain.
Behind the silk, sparkle and celebration, however, is the reason this event matters so much, Keen said.
“It’s all in support of BCSST – an organisation that provides invaluable assistance to people in our local community,” she said.
“Breast cancer touches the lives of so many people – not only those who receive a diagnosis, but also their partners, families, friends and wider support networks. BCSST plays an important role in supporting people through what can be an enormously challenging time,” Keen said.
“For Althorp Village, this annual fundraiser is an opportunity to stand behind that work while creating an occasion the whole community can enjoy.”
This year’s event also offers another reason to visit Althorp – guests will have the opportunity to see its recently refurbished lodge.
“It’s the perfect chance to step inside, take in the refreshed surroundings and experience the warmth and welcoming spirit that are at the heart of Althorp Village,” Keen said.
“So gather your friends, choose something fabulous to wear and make an afternoon of it!”
Blossom & Silk is on Saturday, October 3, at 1pm-4pm at Althorp Village, 9 Grantston Drive, Pyes Pā.
Tickets cost $60 per person, and numbers were limited. Purchase tickets online at https://events.humanitix.com/blossomandsilk or at Althorp Village reception.