SHOP TILL YOU DROP

(For free}

Imagine a shop full of racks of clothes – labels including MaxMara , Boden and Laura Ashley and all sizes. You can browse in a relaxed atmosphere, choose as much as you like and take it away – for nothing, also knowing that the McMillan Cancer Nurses and the Scottish Cot Trust charities are benefiting from your indulgence.

This dream came true in the newly renovated Powrie Pavilion on Saturday, 24th April and was a television inspired Swap-Shop. We all have mistakes in our wardrobes. Dresses that looked enticing on the hanger were greeted with derision by the family; the special occasion passed and we are left with an outfit that did not fit our life-style; dresses mysteriously grew too small or, yippee, too big. Along they went for new owners to enjoy.

For a break from shopping we relaxed with delicious home-made cakes and puddings, or cheese and biscuits for the less-sweet-toothed, tea and coffee, or wine glasses were provided for those who had remembered to B.Y.O B. Gary from Cumbernauld serenaded us with beautiful guitar music until we were strong enough to hit the clothes rails again.

This was the brainchild of Abernethy cyclists Susan McGhie, Lorraine Kinnear and Fiona Henderson who ,along with many other Abernethy folk, were taking part in the Caledonian Etape Cycle Race over 81 gruelling miles around Pitlochry on 16th May. Lorraine and Fiona have sponsorhip but Susan has had to withdraw because of ill-health. Tickets were £5 and over £400 has been raised for the two charities whilst giving over 100 people (mostly ladies, but there were men’s and children’s clothes) a fun evening.

I had some good ‘buys’. If you recognise something I am wearing as once belonging to you, I hope you think I look nice in it!