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British author and editor Justine Picardie is set to deliver a special daytime lecture ahead of the release of her new book, Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture. Justine is the author of six books, including her critically acclaimed memoir, If the Spirit Moves You: Life and Love After Death, and the international bestseller, Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life. She is a contributing editor to Harper’s Bazaar, having previously been its editor in chief. She was formerly a journalist for the Sunday Times, a columnist for the Telegraph, editor of the Observer Magazine, Town & Country, and features director of Vogue. Ms Picardie will be coming to Framsden Hall for a unique event during the of Spring 2022 in aid of Ormiston Families. Her new book tells the story of the enigmatic woman behind Christian Dior: his beloved younger sister Catherine, who inspired his most famous perfume and shaped his vision of femininity. A heroic member of the French Resistance, who was deported to Germany during the Second World War, Catherine Dior was also passionate about gardens – and roses in particular, which she cultivated as a key ingredient for Dior perfumes. She says: “I’m delighted to be able to support the vital work of Ormiston Families, and I’m looking forward to talking about Christian and Catherine Dior in such an enchanting setting. They had a mutual love of creating gardens, and discovered solace in the natural world, so it feels timely to be sharing their story with an audience who appreciates the beauty of Helmingham Hall gardens.” Lady Tollemache, President of Ormiston Families, said: “Securing Justine for our special ‘in conversation with’ event is so exciting for us and we are incredibly grateful that she has decided to share insights into the book with our audience even before its official launch. “Ms Picardie is exceptionally well respected for her work as an author, as an editor in chief, and also as someone who has such incredible knowledge about fashion and society throughout the generations.” Mandy Errington, Owner of DJV Boutique said ‘We are delighted to be sponsoring this event, DJV Boutique encourages women to be more confident and expressive in their personal style, so the theme of Miss Piccardie’s book launch is most fitting and exciting.’ Watch this space for future updates!  

FASHION TO FUNDRAISING: IPSWICH BOUTIQUE IN NEW CHARITY PARTNERSHIP Ormiston Families, who support families in the East of England to become healthy and resilient with services covering family issues from mental health to probation, has partnered with DJV Boutique in Ipswich in a bid to raise vital funds and awareness of its work. DJV Boutique who has been part of Ipswich’s retail scene for nearly a decade will aim to raise awareness of Ormiston Families and their work by inviting customers to add a donation of 50p, £1, £2 or £5 to their bill and by selling Ormiston Families face masks from 21st June. The boutique will also encourage donations via its dedicated Just Giving page and through additional fundraising activities and events. The owner, Mandy Errington was listed as one of the UK’s most inspirational female entrepreneurs by f: entrepreneur in January 2021 and is a well-known small business ambassador and businesswoman. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the charity is seeking to strengthen its ties with the local business community to support them to continue their work with children, young people and families, after a year in which fundraising events and activities were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Vicky Matthews, Philanthropy Manager at Ormiston Families, spoke of her delight at the new partnership and its importance: “It is very exciting to launch this new partnership with Mandy and DJV Boutique. Ormiston Families greatly values their support, and we are looking forward to working together on the activities announced and more exciting plans to come!” Mandy Errington, the owner of DJV Boutique, echoed Ormiston Families’ joy.“We’ve always been keen to support local charities as a means of ‘giving something back'. We are looking forward to fundraising for Ormiston and also seek the support of our shoppers and supporters to help make a difference collectively. Ormiston Families is our nominated charity 2021-22 and we’re proud to be in partnership with them” The partnership represents a fantastic opportunity for Ormiston Families to promote its work to those living within the communities it seeks to support. Ormiston Families services include Breaking Barriers, a support service for young people who are struggling to cope with the imprisonment of a loved one, and YouCanBe, an early intervention service designed to help young women with low self-esteem create bright futures for themselves. You can donate directly via our dedicated JUST GIVING PAGE HERE or call in to purchase some face masks or top up your shopping bill with a donation.