As a costumer, I’m very aware of how many theatre and costume companies have large collections of vintage and antique clothes: it’s much easier and cheaper to buy original garments and adapt them to production needs, and many community groups receive large quantities of donations.

Over the years I’ve acquired a lot of vintage from these sources – and when the Numurkah Singers recently contacted me to ask if I’d like to come and help them appraise their collection built up over fifty years, how could I say no?

Over two days, and with a large team of enthusiastic helpers, we sorted through over two thousand items spanning the years 1890s to modern day. Menswear, ladieswear, accessories, a smattering of childrens wear: they had it all and now much of it is available for new homes!

You can see items as they appear on the Facebook page “The Vintage Vault” and more will be available through other avenues: vintage markets and garage sales. If you sign up to the FB page, you’re sure to be in the loop.

Here I am with Jane, the wardrobe mistress – and some of the other helpers, Kelsey, Glennys and Beth.

And here’s a sneak peek at some of the treasures that are coming up – all funds raised by sales go to a very worthy cause, the next fifty years of productions by the Numurkah Singers.

Thank you Jane and the NS for inviting me – I hope you raise lots for your wonderful group!

PS – I fell in love with this ’30s floral dress, and so she came home with me to be a part of my permanent collection. A lovely reminder of my time in Numurkah.

UPDATE: here’s a pic of Kate in my new favourite dress.