WAIMARINO BRIDES PARADE

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 24, 11 November 1986, Page 1

WAIMARINO BRIDES PARADE

A night of flowers, frilis and finery was the recent 'Bride of the 80's' competition held at the Ruapehu College hall. The evening was organised by the Waimarino Plunket Society and the estimated $1300 raised from ticket saies and raffles will be put towards the purchase of a new car for the area's Plunket nurse. Seventeen lovely ladies took to the stage in their wedding dresses, most looking more than a little nervous. The brides were escorted by members of the Ohakune Volunteer Fire Brigade who stepped out in dress uniform. The judges of the competition who had the unenviable task of choosing a winner were Corrine Johns, Gwen Doble, Elizabeth Penny, Godfrey Harvey and Jim Goldfinch. Contestants were awarded marks on the suitability of their dresses and their bouquets, veils and hair styles.

The original seventeen contestants were reduced to six in the semi-finals with Debbie Alabaster. leigh Berry. Erin Marnoch. Shirley McGahan. Donna Mooreand Rhonda Perkins. The three final placegetters were Leigh Berry (1), Donna Moore(2), and Shirley McGahan (3). They were escorted onto the stage by their husbands to receive their winning sashes. and received resounding applause from the 350plus crowd packed intcTthe hall. Mrs Berrw received a fabulous prize including a trip for two over the mountain by helicopter. sponsored by Wanganui Aero Works: a dress outfit and accessories from Factory Fashions. Ragtime and Ohakune Shoes. and dinner for two donated by Jocelyn Fannin. Second place-getter Donna Moore received a clothing voucher from Littles Clothing in Ohakune; a jewellery box from Ohakune Photo Pharmacy and a visit

to colour consultant Carol Wilson. Third place-getter Shirley McGahan received a voucher for Images Hair Salon; a hat and scarf from the Sheepskin Shop; a voucher from Robin's Nest in Raetihi and a pair of flannelette sheets donated b y Bennetts Furnish£rs. The flowers that adorned the hall, and those used in the Brides' bouquets were donated by Alpine Flowers. Flower girls for the evening were Anna Fra/er. Jennifer Griffiths. Danielle Speneer and Catherine Crowe. A group of local voung ladies modelled 'pastimes' a collection of wedding gowns from yester-vear. belonging to past brides of the region. The oldest gown was 41 years old and was modelled by the original bride's grand-daughter. It is hoped that a similar competition may be held for future brides, married in the Waimarino.