Glitz, Glamour and Fizz: Fashion Show by Tameside Rotary raises funds for charity

Affordable women's wear with the look and feel of designer high street brands was the main essence of last week's fundraiser fashion show organised by Tameside Rotary Club that got the town talking.

The fashion event showcasing an extensive array of everyday glamour from Fizz Fashion took place at the 4C Community Centre in Taunton Road, Ashton-Under-Lyne, on October 4.

"We're serving now three generations. And if you can imagine, we've been here in business for 40 years, our quality is good, and people still can't believe our prices. With many successful fashion shows, we've raised thousands of pounds for charities over the years, and we're really glad about this overwhelming response, even now, that our success continues," said the company Director of Fizz Fashion, Elizabeth Maureen Jackson, and Lauraine Davies.

The fashion brand, now 40 years in business since 1983, set up their first store in Reynold's St in Hyde in 1985, followed by Ashton, Shaw and Wilmslow. 

"We started off as market traders and always had this philosophy of never being too expensive. So quick turnover, small margin keeps everyone happy, and the merchandise is always fresh." 

Elizabeth, popularly known as Maureen, is revered in the community for her impeccable taste in styling and fashion.

"The cost of living hasn't affected us because we're very affordable. When you get a downturn in anything, you'll find that people are watching the pennies and want to get full value for their money," Maureen said.

"So, you're not selling something at £50 or £60, but instead at £15, and then at 20 kilos, it'll return as something else, and it keeps moving," Maureen divulged the trade secret of her high-end yet affordable clothing.

It was not surprising, therefore, that tickets for last week's fashion show got sold out days before, and glittering excitement was visible in the hall full of fashion enthusiasts on the event day.

Mayor Tafheen Sharif, who was present at the event, said:

"It's a real pleasure to be here with Tameside Rotary doing their fashion show for fundraising. It's extremely important for organisations to continue to fundraise as much as possible to help the people. Now, Tameside Rotary, year in, year out, day in, day out, holds all sorts of events. As long as I've been here in Tameside, I know they've been holding event after event to be able to help our most needy in Tameside.

"It's great fun. I love fashion. It's good fun - good for our men and women that have joined us today, and all for a good cause."

Proceeds from the fundraising evening are to go to The Believe and Achieve Trust, a registered charity in Tameside, creating awareness of meningitis and supporting those affected by it.

Miss UK Endeavour 2023/24 Leanne Nuttall, who walked the ramp, advised putting comfort and practicality above stipulated fashion trends.

"Always go with comfort. You don't have to go with the stereotypical, what you're told to wear. And it's good that Fizz has clothing to suit different body types, different personalities, and to suit the weather," she said.