STRATFORD'S War Memorial Centre rocked to the sound of the inaugural Stratford and District Service Awards - The Romeos last Friday night and all who attended raved about the event.
The 325 guests or 'Stars' as they were for the evening, walked up the red carpet in style, including being photographed by the paparazzi.
As they entered the venue they were instantly greeted by an astonishing display, centring round beautiful table arrangements and the stage itself, adorned and framed perfectly by two huge 'Romeo' statues at either side - just like the Oscars.
With bubbly in hand guests were treated to beautiful music by Leon Gray-Lockhart, who is an accomplished and talented pianist. He entertained the guests as they mingled and found their seats before the awards began.
The event kicked off with a welcome by John Sandford, chairman of the Stratford Business Association who expressed the importance of shopping locally and the value and loyalty of a small community.
John also made a well-deserved thank you to Raewyn Gordon and Gordon Gray-Lockhart for organising the evening.
Then came the main event, the awards themselves.
A rousing introduction track brought compere Gordon Gray-Lockhart to the stage and he quipped with the audience and explained the order of the evening.
Honours were quickly despatched by 'celebrity guest' presenters Brian Jeffares (aka Tom Cruise), Waggs from More FM, Mary Bourke (ex South Taranaki Mayor), deputy mayor Neil Volzke (who officially started his campaign for mayor) and New Plymouth District councillor and television star John 'Horse' McLeod.
Awards were announced in the five categories and were as follows:
Best Presented Business - Paper Plus; runner up Colonel Malones
Best Service Person Female - Maudette Brown (In Stitches); runner up Robyn Watson (TSB Bank)
Best Service Person Male - Kevan Old (G&I Automotive); runner up Gordon Astwood (Astwood Electricials)
Best Service Business Non Retail - B Creative Print & Graphics; runner up Mountain Motors Workshop
Best Service Business Retail - Cottage Lane; runner up Taranaki Farmers
All winners received a miniature Romeo statue, certificate, bouquet of flowers and a enormous bottle of champagne.
In between the presentations were two outrageously funny skits performed by numerous and very talented Stratford On Stage members.
The evening finished with great dancing and entertainment by Auckland band Rezin (ex-Toko boys) who performed a great mix of songs.
The entire evening was an absolute success from the delicious catering to the amazing lighting and sounds effects - to simply the fact the many locals businesses were acknowledged for just being themselves and providing outstanding service that they do on a daily basis.
It didn't matter if you won just being nominated was an honour. For more details please see our four-page feature starting from page 6 in this Press.
For photos orders or if you would like to see the photos taken from the disposable cameras please send Raewyn an email rgordon@stratford.govt.nz.
Stratford votes Romeos tops!
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