Lorna Creswell's Glitz 'n' Glam birthday party at Forres Town Hall promotes local businesses and groups
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A MUCH-loved volunteer, great-grandmother and former Moray Councillor used her birthday celebrations to promote local businesses and groups.
Lorna Creswell BEM invited family, friends and associates to her ‘Glitz ‘n’ Glam’ party at Forres Town Hall to show off the venue and inspire ideas for similar fun, community events.
She said: “I want to thank everyone who came and supported it. It was really about showcasing local businesses and what they can offer, as well as to highlight the town hall.
“My thanks and appreciation go to my family for hosting and giving me many pleasant surprises on the night including a ‘This Is Your Life’ photo collection on the wall!”
A number of attendees are in exercise and hobby groups Lorna is involved with.
A 15-year age gap between her daughters meant their friends attending guaranteed a varied age range to enjoy the music and refreshments.
“My grandson and grand-daughter attended with their partners,” added Lorna, “and our relatives travelled through from Aberdeen. They, as well as old friends, stayed in local hotels and an Airbnb.”
Eight-piece band Soul Food Cafe played a wide range of dance music. High Street business The Pantry provided a buffet. Forres florist Wild Blossom brightened up the facilities with a bouquet. Prism Event Lighting of Invergordon decorated the lesser hall, giving the entrance the appearance of a night club. And AyeDo Events supplied props and accessories, including a postbox for cards and donations instead of presents.
“The High Street charity shops sold glitz ‘n’ glam items ahead of the party,” said Lorna. “We signposted them to our invited guests for costumes in the theme of the evening. This encouraged local recycling of affordable items!”
Friends also prepared and served mocktails and sweet treats, presented to arrivals at the ‘bring-your-own-booze event.
Film Forres who are based at the town hall, who Lorna volunteers for, also supported the dance, displaying a backdrop banner.
Lorna said: “I hope that making use of what we have on our doorstep is replicated and that many more events are staged there. My birthday bash showed attendees that fun, self-organised events can help local businesses and groups.
“Attendees told me they were astounded at the difference a few businesses and volunteers can make by working together ... And we shared breakfast at 1496 on High Street after the clear-up!”
More than 300 people attended Lorna’s Glitz ‘n’ Glam birthday party at the town hall. Many made donations rather than give her gifts, helping to raise £800 for local projects.
She finished: “I’m hoping to distribute the proceeds in February to local groups. I would also be pleased to hear from any looking to start a new project or perhaps looking for an item that could help their ideas develop.”
