THE Newton Farm Community Association (NFCA) hosted a people’s fashion show recently at the Hereford Kindle Centre.

This was no ordinary catwalk because all of the models were drawn from the local community, celebrating their talent, courage, diversity and kindness.

It made the event a heartwarming and life-affirming night for everyone who was there.

The show was opened by The Dowager Countess of Darnley, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire.

Down the catwalk came Christa, who has beaten cancer with her two children who recently lost their grandfather; Carol, who has survived cancer twice; Jude, who has bipolar; Andie, who upcycles jewellery and clothes; Anastasia from Russia; the Healthy Lifestyles Team modelling sportswear; Di who is a champion for many charities; students from the Hereford College of Arts modelling their own fashion designs; Mandy who runs the Kindle Centre; the team from Rose Tinted Rags wearing a colourful selection of upcycled clothes and textiles; members of the Hereford branch RSPCA (dog included!); several of the young people from Newton Farm (Alfie, Archie, Chelsea, Jamie and Riley) and volunteers from NFCA - Mel, Wendy, Jenny, Esther, Karen and Craig.

The Dolloway Dancers gave two fantastic performances, and music in the interval was provided by students from the Art College.

The evening was ably compered by Ian Davies of Like Radio with photography by Stacy Harrison, Karen Pritchard and Danni Griffiths.

The stunning make-up was provided by Santina Emilio-Lloyd.

Tesco provided food, with other sponsorship from Keepmoat Homes, Watkins Thomas, Wye Welding, Ely Memorial Fund and the Healthy Lifestyles Team.

The Dolloway Dancers said “ Great night at the Newton Farm Community Association Fashion Show. Lovely people, great atmosphere and it was a well organised lovely event. We also bought some lovely dresses from the very reasonably priced garment rails”.

Santina the make up artist said “It was such an honour to volunteer my makeup skills and be a part of this gorgeous community fashion show, raising money for a local charity. I met some amazing women .... thanks for having me “

NFCA has been helping people with education, information, advocacy and employment for almost 20 years with its charity shop, Wyes Buys, whose volunteers gain confidence and employment skills working in the shop to provide affordable second-hand clothes for the community.