stepping out in style

IT was handbags and gladrags as more than 350 people turned out for the BSPCA's annual charity fashion show, reports Liz O'Reilly.

The event, now in its 10th year, raised more than BD6,000 over a thousand up on last year's total.

It was organised by the Barhain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and held at the Bapco Club in Awali.

The theme was 'That 70s Show' and, before the main event, guests got a taste of what was to come with a specially made film featuring dogs, cats and even horses sporting 70s' style wigs and specs and drawing a chorus of 'ahhhs'.

The evening was, once again, choreographed by Stephen Herschel and 24 male and female models took part giving their time for free and strutting their funky stuff in a selection of 70s' themed items all of which had been donated to the charity's thrift shop.

The show opened with budding young entertainer Alexandra Estanom, aged seven, performing These Boots Were Made For Walking to loud and enthusiastic applause.

The lights dimmed to show models dancing behind filmy curtains in a scene reminiscent of the opening credits of 70s' TV show, Tales of the Unexpected.

Then it was all systems go for a full-on 1970s'extravaganza complete with spinning disco ball and compere Krazy Kevin, resplendent in flares, afro wig and oversized glasses!

From Anita Ward to the Bee Gees and Blondie to the Village People - cue hilarious performance, in full YMCA costume, by the boys from the Lost Paradise of Dilmun - all those old favourites tunes were hauled out of the attic.

Aussie songbird Lisa Morgan took to the stage to perform classics such as Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive and Stephen Herschel had the crowd in stitches (and later, himself - see Page 1) with his mimed strut on stage before falling victim to his own high heels.

A team of gymnasts drew gasps of admiration for their performance to Kung Fu Fighting and, of course, the night would not have been complete without the ultimate 70s' superstars, Abba, whose Dancing Queen was the theme song for the finale which saw all the models on stage quickly joined by members of the audience who were in a party mood.

BSPCA fundraising co-ordinator Joyce Hughes said: "It was a brilliant night, our most successful yet and beyond our wildest dreams in terms of fund raising towards the new animal welfare centre at Askar.

"Everyone had a really good time and I'd like to say a huge thank you to all those involved. The cash raised will almost pay for a block of 10 kennels and if we can do as well at our other main fundraising event, the dog walk on November 6, we will have built two kennel blocks from just these two events alone which is better than any of us could possibly have hoped for."

Funds raised will go towards the new Animal Welfare Centre the BSPCA is building on a plot of land at Askar donated by Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

The current sanctuary is in a residential area and has become out-of-date and inadequate for the large number of animals needing the society's help.

The new centre will be away from people's homes and will offer much improved facilities for the animals as well as a veterinary centre and quarantine facility. And work is ready to get started as soon as the authorities give approval.

The Big Dog Walk takes place on November 6 over 4km on the site at Askar. Last year 400 people and 200 dogs took part with both family pets and BSPCA resident dogs joining in the fundraising fun.

To find out more or register to participate log on to www.bspca.org where you will find fliers and sponsorship forms.