From tragedy to exotic fashion
Tragedy sometimes brings positive outcomes. Former model and fashion entrepreneur Judy Dodwell had just left New Zealand for a new life in Bahrain with her husband and two sons when she received a phone call she has never forgotten.
Her beautiful daughter had been tragically killed in a car accident near Queenstown.
The news shocked the family. Nicola, who excelled at school and was deputy head prefect, was travelling to Queenstown with a friend for a holiday job when the car spun out of control. Nicola was flung to her death on the roadside.
In a new country, in a new culture, Judy admits she did not cope with her loss. Paralysed with grief she found it impossible to complete even the smallest tasks. Her two sons needed their mother and parenting them both seemed to be all she could do.
Five years passed until one day she read in a magazine, "Success only comes by a change of attitude."
This sentence stayed in her mind, reminding her of previous success in life as an international model and the positive outlook she had at that time.
Judy determined to change her attitude, use her knowledge and skills and start her own modelling school, ignoring Bahrain's ban on expatriate women working.
After one year she was shut down. Judy would not close without a fight however so she appealed, was granted an audience with the highest government officials and finally her licence was granted by the king.
Judy's company Visual Image, Academy of Modelling expanded rapidly and before long Judy provided models for Formula 1 and Jewellery Arabia.
At the same time she amassed an exotic and amazing wardrobe of garments.
This spectacular Arabic fashion, which has been stored for over two decades, will be shown to the public for the first time this month at St Barnabas Church.
This is a first for the earthquake damaged newly restored and reopened church. Judy hopes to raise the final amount of money owing to pay for the earthquake repairs. She will install her cat walk down the centre isle and make use of the state of the art new sound system in the church.
All models are local and trained by Judy.
DETAILS
WHEN: November 24, 8pm.
WHERE: St Barnabas Church, Fendalton, Christchurch.
ENTRY: Tickets are $30 and available from the St Barnabas church office from 9am-3pm and the Ballantynes Department Store customer service desk.
- Words by Olive Lawson and Judy Dodwell. Photo - Amanda Dodwell.
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Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64.2% Yes
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33.4% No
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2.4% Other - I'll share below
Paddy Gower seeks ‘bloody great Cantab’
The Kiwi journalist drilling deep into the country’s biggest issues is on a mission to find the local greats.
Paddy Gower is looking for the Good Kiwi in every region to feature in his show, The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour.
To nominate a Good Kiwi, email reporters@press.co.nz with the name and a description of why your nominee should win. You an also share the local issues you think Paddy needs to tackle in the comments below.
It could be the woman whose knitting circle has made 3800 items for victims of domestic violence, the guy running the length of Aotearoa for mental health, or the woman with terminal cancer who spends her time campaigning to raise awareness and save lives.
“Basically I am looking for ... a bloody great Cantab who just gets on and gets things done. The criteria is somebody who has a positive attitude and makes the community a better place," Gower said.
“I will give this person the 'Big Ups' they deserve, and the community can celebrate them with me.”
A Good Kiwi will feature in each of Gower’s live shows in 14 centres through November and December. He will name the Cantabrian Good Kiwi at his Christchurch show on the evening of Friday, November 22, at St Margaret’s College.
The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour is a sort of book tour, sort of stand-up comedy, some journalistic yarns and memoir, and some motivational speaking - with a fair bit of local in each show.
Gower also wants to know about topics of interest in the region.
“I’m ... going to be taking on a big issue facing Canterbury and offering up solutions.”
A stinky suburb, a neighbourhood needing a round-about or a cathedral in disrepair - “I will make your views count”, he said.
“I'm touring the nation to spread positivity, optimism and good vibes.”
*For tickets to the The F@#$ing News - Paddy Gower Live on Tour visit paddygower.co.nz
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