Waste to Waist

The catwalk is alive with energy, music fills the air, and excitement buzzes at Summerset in the Sun in Nelson as staff and residents prepare for the tenth annual Waste to Waist fashion show.

“This year, we have 45 costumes and 31 participants,” says Desra Fergusson, the Activities Coordinator. “We’ve sold over 200 tickets – this event just keeps growing!”

Waste to Waist is not your typical fashion show; it’s a delightful celebration of creativity and community. All costumes are crafted from waste materials, and each entry embraces a unique theme. Participants can either strut their own designs down the runway or select a model to showcase their imaginative work.

The element of surprise is key – costumes remain under wraps until the big reveal. “We’re very secret squirrel about it,” jokes Desra. “Some of these creations are delicate, so they’re kept safe for the spotlight!”

The show was initiated by resident Gwytha France in 2014, and she passed the reins to Summerset in 2021. “Without Gwytha there wouldn’t be a show,” says Desra, emphasising her pivotal role. “She is the driving force.”

Gwytha, who upon retirement volunteered her time to create costumes for local theatres, contributed several pieces to this year’s collection, including a stunning dress inspired by her garden’s irises. “I love working with plastic milk bottles – they’re so versatile!” she says. “I always ask the café to save me them when its coming up to Waste to Waist time!”

Gwytha’s husband, Russell, has also played a crucial role, constructing a wooden catwalk to enhance visibility for the audience. An avid model maker, Russell made a police car, a Mercedes 500 and a Morris 8 for three eager children to wear in this year’s show. “I used cardboard from bike boxes for the car frames, and tins and water bottles for the headlights,” says Russell. “The windscreens were made from plastic chocolate boxes.” Russell is also a keen wood carver, and another entry by him was entitled ‘Beauty in wood’, a dress made from many pieces of wood veneer.

To commemorate the tenth show, 14 past costumes were resurrected, including ‘An English Country Garden’ from the inaugural show. Gwytha and Russell’s living room has transformed into a makeshift wardrobe department. “I can’t use my spare room because my daughter is visiting from Sydney,” she laughs. “And the garage is filled with Russell’s entries!”

Beyond showcasing creativity, Waste to Waist fosters community bonds. Current and former staff, along with children and grandchildren, model the costumes, and seasoned participants provide support and encouragement. “Everyone lifts each other up,” notes Di Green, a long-time resident who is involved in Waste to Waist every year. “It brings us closer and keeps our minds sharp.”

Alan Toker and David Waine have been involved with the show for the past five years, offering a physical hand up to the catwalk for every entry. “The models can’t see their feet in some of the costumes. We don’t want anyone to trip, and some people are frail,” says Alan. “We haven’t dropped anyone yet!” chuckles David.

As the MC, Business Manager Kathy Pantling announces each model to the carefully curated soundtrack. The camaraderie is palpable; the audience cheers and laughs, especially during Bruce Craig’s comedic act with his souped-up walker, the ‘Mobility Dreamer’, where he revs his weed eater engine in time to the music. The three child car models receive rapturous applause, and there are plenty of “Awws” as a young great-granddaughter showcases a balloon creation.

The show’s creativity means that selecting a winner is always a challenge. This year, eleven-year-old Rebecca Fergusson takes home first place for modelling Gwytha’s ‘Haute Couture of France’, a whimsical ensemble of surgical dog collars and fabric scraps. Her enthusiasm is infectious as she twirls down the catwalk.

The community spirit shines brightest when Vivienne Chandler, a veteran participant and fellow organiser, makes her way down the runway without a walking aid, despite a recent back injury. “I wasn’t sure if I could walk the catwalk,” she says, “but I was determined.” Her costume, ‘Summerset Sunshine’ made from past issues of Summerset Scene and modelled to ‘You are my Sunshine’ elicits heartfelt support from the audience, who begin to sing the song back to Vivienne as she walks.

For 2024, all proceeds from the ticket sales will go to charity. “In previous years, we used the funds for village improvements, like pool furniture,” explains Di. “It’s great that now 100 percent goes to charity.” Chosen unanimously by the residents, this year’s charity is the Nelson Food Bank. “We have raised three thousand dollars!” says Desra. “It’s incredible!”

Recycling, repurposing and raising money for charity, Waste to Waist is more than just a fashion show; it’s a vibrant celebration of creativity, community and friendship.

This is an article from the Summer 2024 edition of Summerset Scene magazine

Click here to read the full issue