![\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/KXET67JO2BAKPD42J7ABFNG66U.jpg\")
\nA radiant Veronica Miles, with her new husband Noel miles on left, back in March 1947. Photo \/ Kelly O\u2019Hara<\/p>\n
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Very few people could claim at 102 years old that their 80-year-old wedding dress still fits like a glove. Althorp Village resident Veronica Miles can.<\/p>\n
The centenarian this week popped back on her wedding gown for a good cause.<\/p>\n
Her home, Althorp Village at Pyes P\u0101, is again hosting its annual fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust on October 3 from 1pm to 4pm.<\/p>\n
Blossom & Silk High Tea promises to be an afternoon filled with elegance, glamour, fashion, friendship and fun.<\/p>\n
Miles\u2019 wedding dress will be among others on display at the event.<\/p>\n
She said that at 23 she married her husband, the late Noel Miles, at St Stephens Anglican Church in Marton on March 29, 1947.<\/p>\n
\nA radiant Veronica Miles, with her new husband Noel miles on left, back in March 1947. Photo \/ Kelly O\u2019Hara<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was made in Marton by Mrs Taylor, who in those days specialised in making wedding dresses,\u201d Miles said.<\/p>\n
The silky feel material, purchased in Whanganui on a late Friday shopping night, is embossed with lots of delicate small flowers, has lace sleeves and still fits Miles perfectly.<\/p>\n
She no longer has her veil and floral head piece, which she thinks probably perished years ago. The dress was complemented by a set of pearls and pearl earrings on her special day.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy bouquet was huge and heavy, as they were in those days, and contained dahlias, Freesias, carnations and fern.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had two bridesmaids \u2013 my sister-in-law-to-be Elva Miles and my cousin Dorothy White \u2013 they wore sky blue dresses with large bouquets containing lots of red nerine flowers,\u201d Miles reminisced.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe bridesmaids\u2019 hats were heart shaped, made of cardboard and then covered in fabric.\u201d<\/p>\n
Event organiser Claire Keen said Blossom & Silk High Tea guests will enjoy a glamorous, glittering fashion show of formal mother of the Bride and Evening wear from After Hours Boutique, Te Puna.<\/p>\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/AGRFZOMK4BHW7BOATUAJNOMXWY.jpg\")
\nAlthorp Village resident Veronica Miles, aged 102, in her 80-year-old wedding dress. Photo \/ Kelly O\u2019Hara<\/p>\n
\u201cBeautiful wedding dresses dating back many years will be on show alongside today\u2019s modern styles from Tauranga\u2019s Madison Rose Bridal, and there will be a viewing of Status Clothing\u2019s latest summer range.\u201d<\/p>\n
Raffles, prizes, surprises and a silent auction will also entertain.<\/p>\n
Behind the silk, sparkle and celebration, however, is the reason this event matters so much, Keen said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all in support of BCSST \u2013 an organisation that provides invaluable assistance to people in our local community,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cBreast cancer touches the lives of so many people \u2013 not only those who receive a diagnosis, but also their partners, families, friends and wider support networks. BCSST plays an important role in supporting people through what can be an enormously challenging time,\u201d Keen said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor Althorp Village, this annual fundraiser is an opportunity to stand behind that work while creating an occasion the whole community can enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s event also offers another reason to visit Althorp \u2013 guests will have the opportunity to see its recently refurbished lodge.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the perfect chance to step inside, take in the refreshed surroundings and experience the warmth and welcoming spirit that are at the heart of Althorp Village,\u201d Keen said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo gather your friends, choose something fabulous to wear and make an afternoon of it!\u201d<\/p>\n
Blossom & Silk is on Saturday, October 3, at 1pm-4pm at Althorp Village, 9 Grantston Drive, Pyes P\u0101.<\/p>\n