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In her own inimitable style, CHRISTINE HAMILTON was a massive hit with visitors and stallholders alike when she took to the stage and officially opened the first Wiltshire Christmas Show 2007 at Wroughton (Find out more about Christine at www.christinehamilton.co.uk ).
Picture from Swindon Advertiser 26/10/07 for full article click here
With great enthusiasm Christine not only reconfirmed her support for the British Heart Foundation and the work they do, but was also keen to recognise just how important is to support local small businesses and craftsmen and womento help keep these unique products and services alive so
helping them to survive in an otherwise commercialised world.
With over 100 stands nestling amongst the amazing exhibits of the National Science Museum at Wroughton, there was a unique, exclusive collection of high quality goods and services available direct from craftsmen, designers, artists, authors and small businesses
.
Regular bulletins were broadcast live by BBC Radio Swindon as
they chatted to visitors and local stallholders attending the show which, combined with a little bit of help from GWR and Brunel Radio made sure that word soon spread across Swindon about the fantastic 'treasures' to be found. Both on the stalls and around the walls, visitors were enthralled by the stallholders pitched under aircraft wings, alongside classic cars and motorbikes and overshadowed by the racks of antique bicycles and other priceless exhibits, all of which make up only a minute fraction of the museum's amazing collection. This was without doubt a breathtaking venue!
Visitors were delighted by the amazing range of stalls offering a wide array of clothing, accessories, photography, artwork, ceramics, jewellery, bags, bedding, homeware, gifts, crafts and some deliciously luxurious delicacies from Indian snacks, Turkish Delights, hand made preserves, pickles and cakes to a range of exclusive liquorice to suit every taste!
In addition our artists' trade stalls including a cartoonist, photographer, glass art, watercolours and amazingly talented portrait artist, Victoria Fontaine-Wolfproviding portraits 'while you wait'. There was also an art exhibition by the Liddington Art Group and a stunning display by local muralist Ken White whose original 'Scarlet Lady' (logo used by Virgin Atlantic aircraft) banner looked very much at home amongst the aircraft on display within the fantastic setting of the Science Museum's D4 hangar
Unlike many other craft or gift shows, the first Wiltshire Christmas Show at Wroughton offered a 'third dimension' to visitors looking for handmade or exclusive clothing and accessories by staging their very own fashion show featuring items from our show stallholders. With lucious ball gowns, stunning prom dresses, stunning silks, designer knitwear and fair trade clothing, each complemented by a wide range of hand made bags, jewellery and other accessories, there was definitely something for everyone.
For those with something a little different in mind, there was even a facinating insight into wartime fashion and make up by Sheila Lloyd-Graham of SheUnique with everything from period make-up, accessories and costume jewellery to authentic ball gowns, clothing and shoes!
Accompanied by Robert Loakes (from Oil and Vinegar), Sheila also provided an elegant period addition to our fashion show!.
The fashion show was compered by Stevie Solo who is currently lead singer from the 1970's band Mud... (for those that are interested - he is currently taking bookings locally for his excellent 70's pop star impressionist solo act!)
Visitors were also able to enjoy Salsa and Jive dance demos with many taking the opportunity to join in the free fun.
For the children, there were short, free workshops where they made snowflakes or tried their hand at some of the colouring sheets, word searches and mazes provided by Alfie of the Swindon Advertisers kids club.
Despite the rain, there were even some large pedal cars by KrazeeKarts outside the main hangar for the more energetic!
To find out more about the Wiltshire Show 2008 Click HERE
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