St Joseph’s P&F Debutante Ball 2023

The annual St Joseph P&F Debutante Ball was held at the Gilgandra Shire Hall on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Five young ladies made their debut, Sarah Temple, Molly Wilson, Layney Godber, Jade Elsom and Kate Woollams, ably escorted by their partners Rye Heffer, Darcy Neeves, Kyzack Corcoran, Blair Keogh and Luke Nalder.

The young ladies looked beautiful displaying a bouquet of fresh flowers created by Amy Naef at Pinto Posy. They were presented to Parish Priest Father Greg Kennedy and Matron of Honour Mrs Zeny Manks.

Accompanying the debutantes and their partners were the adorable page boy Alfie Mudford, and flower girl Claire Barry. The night was compered by Mrs Alison Newstead. At the completion of speeches, the beautiful cake generously made and donated by Rochelle Easman was cut.

The ball this year was headed by a new ball committee, Tracey Riley, Rebekah Howard and Sarah Adams. It was a challenging task but with the guidance and knowledge from outgoing committee Mandy Musgrave, Merilyn King and Melissa Welsh a successful Debutante Ball was put together. The Debutante Ball is one of the P&F’s major fundraisers for St Joseph’s school. Funds raised will be returned to the school.

This could not happen without the help from volunteers, their time and effort was very much appreciated. Special thanks are extended to Lloyd and Rosemary Duncan and Brianna Murray who gave up their time for six weeks to teach the debutantes and their partners the dances for the night.

They all danced wonderfully and did their teachers proud. Thanks also to Lib and Ash Walker who arranged the bar and the catering. Wes and Simone Sandry who helped man the bar all night.

Geremy Ryan and Zac Ferguson who helped create and dismantle the backdrop for the stage and to The Gilgandra Weekly who kindly donated the palettes. To the parents and grandparents from the school community that gave up their time to help set up and clean up the hall, donate slices, work the bar on the night, man the ticket sales at the door and assemble many a decoration.

Thankyou also to the Gilgandra High school students that volunteered their time to help in the kitchen and serve the food. The night was beautifully captured by the super talented and lovely photographer Kirsty Fisher from Kirsty Fisher Photography.

We look forward to next year!

Any young ladies turning 16 or in Year 11 in 2024 and are interested in making their debut keep an eye on Facebook and in The Gilgandra Weekly for expressions of interest.