4 minute read
Seaford u3a News
by Fran Tegg
Recently new members and group leaders enjoyed an afternoon tea at the Con Club when questions were asked and answered about Seaford u3a. The chairman took the opportunity to thank the committee and group leaders who help to make the u3a enjoyable. It was very successful and enjoyed by all. The Con Club at Crouch Lane, Seaford, is also the venue for the monthly coffee morning – now free! This time it will be on Wednesday 18th May from 10am to noon, when coffee, light snacks and friendly chat will be dispensed. This is open to non-members as well as to members, and is often the first introduction to u3a for nonmembers.
One of the attractions of Seaford u3a is the outings, and the organiser writes about the latest one to the company that makes costumes for Strictly Come Dancing. She said: ‘The coach deposited us in Croydon for the much anticipated Behind The Seams tour of DSI, the company that makes costumes for anything dance, or show biz-related. We met Carole who dazzled us with facts, figures and stories, plus a glass of champagne before our tour to see the production process. Supplying the costumes for Strictly Come Dancing is only a small portion of their turnover; they make costumes for worldwide dance competitions, films, shows and cruise ship productions. ‘We saw swatches in different colours and fabrics from voiles to velvet, saw boxes of fringing, rolls of laces, ribbons, beads and feathers, all sourced from abroad because of scarcity of UK manufacturing capability. Each fabric order can cost up to £10,000 and is ordered from abroad six months ahead. forming the patterns with dots of glue then attaching the stones with a sticky bees wax tipped pencil, turning the ordinary into the stunning.
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‘We saw eight layers of fabric being cut at once by a dangerous looking electric blade for a film outfit, but we were not allowed to take photos of the design – top secret! We saw dance trousers being cut using huge scissors and a revolving blade. We peeped into many workshops, rooms with sewing machines, fabric and accessory storerooms with rolls and boxes, some tidy, some not...
‘It was clear it was more than “the place that makes pretty dresses”. DSI is a complex, global operation, which had taken us on a journey via design, styling, making, embellishing, along with astounding skills in logistics, storage and organisation, ending with racks of the sensational, stunning, shimmery dresses. Sadly no souvenirs, much as we coveted one of those gorgeous gowns!’ For more information about Seaford u3a see the website www.u3asites.org.uk/seaford. To find out about membership email seafordu3a@gmail.com sending your postal address for a welcome pack. Phot:o A costume workshop
‘Tailor dummies are covered in bubble wrap which can be removed as contestants lose weight or tone up, and each outfit is sewn onto a stretchy leotard, which also helps with size fluctuations. Vicky Gill, the designer, meets each contestant beforehand to discuss their preferred styles, and although they can’t choose what they wear, the aim is to help them feel comfortable. We were impressed by the embellisher who fixes the rhinestones onto the dresses. Packets contain 10 gross – it takes 50 minutes to glue one packet, with up to eight packets on a dress. He made it look so easy,
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