IT'S TIME TO SPARKLE

IT’S TIME TO SPARKLE

BY ALLY MARTELL

PHOTOS BY THERESA HALL

Social distancing isn’t all bad. In our efforts to “keep connected” we’ve had to be creative with online and virtual possibilities. Suddenly we are able to “attend” events, competitions and classes all from the comfort of home. In a way, it’s actually broadened our outlook. Toowoomba folks have jumped on board this brave new online world and one organisation leading the charge is the ever resourceful Toowoomba Hospital Foundation. The Foundation’s recent online champagne tasting fundraiser highlighted the fun of online events and proved that you can still be connected ... even when you’re apart.

THE FUNDRAISER

Toowoomba Hospital Foundation is masterful at creating events that bring the community together whilst raising money for medical equipment and services at Toowoomba Base Hospital.

around Toowoomba recently sat at home in front of their computers with a bottle of Royal Riviera, French Champagne, a bottle of Wearing Memories Prosecco and a delicious antipasto platter from Wellbean Co. So easy! No deciding what to wear, no transport to consider, no locking the house and leaving the dog behind. All the participants had to do was log on to their computer and link up with Toowoomba Hospital Foundation’s Alison Kennedy who was joined by Kiron Barui and Kiron’s business partner Sara who all the way from her home in France. Amidst the giggles and nibbles there was some serious conversation and a lot of useful champagne information to take away. “We’d like to do another one,” said Kiron. “Maybe about pairing food with champagne.” Sounds great to us!

THE CREATIVE

Kiron Barui is one of Toowoomba’s quiet achievers. She is eternally loyal to the city she calls home, a great advocate for “buy local” and a generous benefactor.

Born in Ghan and raised in Rockhampton, Kiron Barui studied teaching at uni in Brisbane before pursuing a career in special education. She furthered her knowledge with a Masters Degree but had a career break to raise her own children. It was during this break that she found another calling: one that she had never dreamt of.

THE JEWELLERY

Wearing Memories

Cocktail rings, luscious pearl necklaces, charms and bracelets. How mementos from special occasions found their way from Toowoomba to haute couture.

“Ever since my wedding day I have loved champagne,” said Kiron. “Perhaps because it brings back the happy memories of that day. “After that, I would collect the caps from happy bottles popped and write the occasion and memory on the back and would wear the wire muselet on my finger to help me remember the taste of the champagne and the life of the memory as it unfolds.

“But Wearing Memories actually came out of the floods in 2011 when my friend and I decided that life was too short to cellar all our champagne so we started to pop the bottles instead of keeping them for special occasions. It was in Toowoomba in 2011 that Wearing Memories was born.”

Kiron likes to support local businesses so she worked with a Toowoomba jeweller to create the first prototype; the Wearing Memories signature piece. She is currently working with Ewan from Ryley Jewellery

Creations (in The Chronicle Arcade) on her ready-to-wear range. “I believe in artisan manufacturing, heirloom quality and pieces that will last so they can be passed down from mother to daughter,” she said. Now worn by celebrities and sold throughout the world, including in Harrod’s London store, Wearing Memories pieces can be purchased online or made to order.

Wearing Memories

THE CHAMPAGNE

Kiron Barui and Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez and Kiron Barui are two champagne sisters who came together through their love of bubbles and the ocean – both Mediterranean and Pacific. “We met at a wine show in Milan. I was there with my Wearing Memories jewellery and Sara, who lives in Monaco, was there with her brand of champagne. “Sara and I clicked immediately and she asked me to join her in making our own champagne.” There was no way that Kiron had expected that to happen! But before she knew it, Royal Riviera was born. Kiron is completing Level 3 of the internationally recognised course offered by the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, but back then she it was her connoisseur’s palate that was recognised as a valuable asset in the partnership.

“We developed the recipe to create a champagne that we know is the perfect mix,”

she said. “It’s dry, with beautiful mouth feel and full of flavour to complement the food we love, especially cake.” Royal Riviera is a true Brut Supreme Champagne made in France from 50% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Meunier. Made by dedicated chefs de cave in the Champagne region of France, it is aged for three years to create a well-balanced, non-vintage, artisan product. The eye-catching blue label takes us to the seaside and the beauty of the Mediterranean – or the Pacific – Ocean. You can buy Royal Riviera online or at Mackenzie Row Cellars in Toowoomba.

Royal Riviera Champagne