Greenwood Park residents stepped back into the glamour of the 1920s this month when vintage cars, Art Deco fashion, pottery and music transformed the retirement village into a celebration of a bygone era.

The event at Greenwood Park in Hairini was organised by resident experience manager Mica Nomell, with resident Judith Prattley bringing her personal passion for the Art Deco era to life.

Prattley has collected 1920s and Art Deco clothing and accessories for more than 20 years, including pieces inspired by her visits to the Art Deco celebrations in Napier.

Eight female residents modelled garments from her collection August 12, strolling among the vintage vehicles brought along by the Tauranga Vintage Car Club.

Prattley said the clothes were a particular highlight for her. “I’ve got all these magnificent outfits,” she said. “They are beautiful clothes and accessories as well.”

The vintage cars provided the perfect backdrop as residents admired the vehicles and models in their period clothing.

Nomell said the Tauranga Vintage Car Club visits Greenwood Park each year, normally bringing about 15 vehicles and staying for two to three hours.

Inside the village’s refurbished Kaimai Cafe, residents enjoyed a free morning tea while the models continued the 1920s theme.

The 1920s event at Greenwood Park also featured a display of Art Deco-era pottery and crockery. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

A display of Art Deco-era pottery and crockery also featured, including pottery associated with Dolly Cliff, the lesser-known sister of renowned British ceramic artist Clarice Cliff.

Prattley said she had prepared information about Dolly Cliff to accompany the pottery display, describing it as a “quite cute” addition to the event.

For Nomell, the event was about more than vintage cars and fashion. “It’s about our community and getting our residents out and about. It’s about social awareness, enjoying something different and a great chance to reminisce. With 112 people attending it was a truly great event,” she said.

The morning gave Greenwood Park residents an opportunity to socialise, enjoy the vintage displays and share in Prattley’s enthusiasm for an era renowned for its distinctive fashion, design and style, she said.