In which G.M. Norton sees his periodical crowned the best vintage blog in Manchester.
Well gentle reader, I cannot lie. I am afraid that I need
to confess behaviour that is unbefitting of a gentleman – I arrived late for
the Vintage Manchester awards ceremony where I was a finalist in the Best Vintage Lifestyle Blog category. And not just by a few paltry minutes,
it was by a good thirty of the things.
I will not bore you with the reason for my poor punctuality
but needless to say, it involved a fateful wrong turn, being trapped amongst
a throng of football supporters, a thirty mile dash and an unofficial world
record attempt to change into full evening garb.
Despite this timekeeping travesty, my beloved and I arrived at the plush Manchester 235 casino before any of the vintage shenanigans had got underway. I am not so egotistical to think that the whole event was delayed on account of my failure to turn up on time, it was more of a happy coincidence. Lord and Lady Luck must have been smiling down on your favourite protagonist it seems.
Doesn’t my beloved look ravishing with her Bethany Jane Davies-style ‘do and monochrome frock?
All dressed up |
So, after sailing close to the wind and veering so dangerously to missing the vintage highlight event of the year, I must confess to feeling more than a little flustered.
Thankfully, the famed mixologist, The Drinks Enthusiast
greeted our arrival with a specially concocted Sprizzato cocktail. It tasted
just the ticket and certainly assisted in the elimination of those pre-award
nerves.
Cocktail anyone? |
After looking adversity in the eye, we were soon seated
and looking a room full of glamorous ladies and gentlemen in the eye instead.
Before the awards were announced, we were entertained by
the hostess with the mostess, Miss Kiki deVille who appeared on stage and to
rapturous applause wearing just a dressing gown. Teasing the mesmerised
audience as a raunchy tune played out, she revealed a fabulous dress underneath,
which struggled to contain her ample charms. A most charming lady indeed.
Ladies and gentleman, Miss Kiki deVille! |
This was followed by the first dose of Burlesque of the
evening, in the shapely form of Miss Suzie Sequin. It was a wonderful way to
spend a Wednesday evening, it certainly makes a dashing alternative to my usual
midweek ‘escapades’.
Your favourite protagonist with Helen off of Mancunian Vintage and Adele from My Last Dollar Dress |
The event provided me with a glorious opportunity to meet
lots of lovely people – some who I have already had the pleasure of meeting before,
a number of people that I have previously conversed with on the Twittering
Device and a collection of stunning strangers. It was particularly pleasing to have
a chance to chinwag with the two finalists sharing my Best Vintage Lifestyle
Blog category, the lovely Helen off of Mancunian Vintage and Miss Bamboo
herself.
Quenching one’s parched throat with a cocktail and
scoffing delicious Drop Dead Chocolates glamorously given out by sultry showgirl,
Laura Norrey, the event was quickly turning into the kind of party that Gatsby would
have been proud of.
Laura the Vegas Showgirl with Planet Vintage Girl |
By the time the awards were announced, it was the icing
on a truly delectable cake. When my category was up, it was a real hand in
heart moment so I was humbled to discover that this very periodical had snatched
victory to be crowned the best vintage blog in Manchester.
My trophy perched on a delicious box of chocolates |
Seated at the back of the Vega Lounge, I made my way to
the stage to receive my award. As the kind of chap who has previous form for
holding a microphone, I took full advantage while I had the floor and gave a
special thank you to my amazing beloved. Without the support, encouragement and
advice that I receive on a daily basis, this periodical would never see the
light of day.
The evening’s entertainment ended with a steamy
performance by Burlesque sensation, Ginger La Rouge, which culminated in her
writhing inside a giant glass of champagne. Simply wonderful!
Ding dong |
Bravo to Susan Earlam (of Old Fashioned Susie
fame and Editor of VintageManchester.com) and Rachael Adams (The Social Butterfly) for organising such a sensational soiree.
The dynamic duo of Susan and Rachael |
It was an honour to be among the thirty finalists, all of
whom are magnificent. Hearty congratulations to the winners of the other nine
categories. The list of finalists and the eventual winners are listed below for
your viewing pleasure.
Best
Vintage Fair
- Winner: Vintage Village at Stockport Market
- Finalist: Vibrant Vintage Fair at Haigh Hall
- Finalist: The Vintage Home Show at Victoria Baths
Best Vintage Photography
- Winner: HMS Vintage
- Finalist: Leah Henson
- Finalist: Alt Studio
Best Vintage Entertainment
- Winner: Dr Sid
- Finalist: Bexi Owen
- Finalist: Vintage 78 DJs
Best Vintage Beauty & Grooming
- Winner: Bethany Jane Davies - The Vintage Beauty Parlour
- Finalist: Gladstone Grooming
- Finalist: HMS Vintage
Best Vintage Venue
- Winner: Sugar Junction
- Finalist: The Whim Wham Cafe
- Finalist: Stockport Plaza cinema and tea rooms
Best Vintage Event Supplier
- Winner: Vintage Afternoon Teas
- Finalist: For The Love Of Vintage
- Finalist: Alice’s Vintage Pantry
Best Vintage Furniture/Home Shop
- Winner: Rose & Lee Vintage Living
- Finalist: Planet Vintage Girl
- Finalist: All Mod Cons
Best Vintage Attire
- Winner: Miss Bamboo
- Finalist: Kiku Corserty
- Finalist: J’adore Vintage
Best Vintage Lifestyle Blog
- Winner: Norton of Morton
- Finalist: Mancunian Vintage
- Finalist: The Adventures of Miss Bamboo
Best
Vintage Newcomer
- Winner: HMS Vintage
- Finalist: The Showroom Online
- Finalist: Vintage Lane Bridal Boutique
The winners take it all |
A
heartfelt thanks to everybody that both nominated and voted for Norton of
Morton. It is quite surreal to have won an award and I am an extremely proud protagonist. If you did vote for my periodical then it was a vote for chivalry, moustaches and tweed so thank you.
All pictorials (except one) courtesy of the super talented Gareth Davies Photography. Sir, I tip my hat to you for capturing an unforgettable evening.
G.M. Norton
Protagonist of ‘Norton of Morton’
Protagonist of ‘Norton of Morton’
Wonderful to see you with your beloved, it does sound rather a fluster to get there but fashionably late is always a good thing in my book :)
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