RICHARD BATSON One loves shoes, the other bags and jewellery. Now they are teaming up to organise indulgent evenings for women which will give a high-heeled, sparkling lift for charity too.

RICHARD BATSON

One loves shoes, the other bags and jewellery. Now they are teaming up to organise indulgent evenings for women which will give a high-heeled, sparkling lift for charity too.

Businesswomen Jemma Nettleton and Lynne Baker met on the front room product party circuit, and decided there was a gap in the market for bigger events which could move pampering and fund-raising to another level.

Jemma has been running her Mima Lee designer shoe company for two years, Lynne her Milly In Pink accessories venture for a year.

Now they are joining forces, and adding hats, clothes, hair, beauty and make-up to create a series of larger Passion4Fashion “ladies' evenings”, which give women a chance to shop, chat and indulge themselves while helping a good cause into the bargain.

The first one will be held at Byfords of Holt on November 1, with another one planned for March as the new season's collections come on stream.

Lynne explained: “We had both been to party events and felt we could bring other companies together to do something a bit bigger.

“There are lots of lovely boutiques out there, but we can offer a chance for ladies to relax over a glass of wine and sample shoes, jewellery, bags, or a beauty therapist and get a make-over,” she added.

The single mother from Coxford near Fakenham switched careers from the civil service after raising her family to further her own passion for fashion. Milly In Pink is named after her nine-year-old daughter, and features handmade bags, costume and silver jewellery.

She is set to add men's accessories under the Sam in Blue banner, named after her 13-year old son, giving women the chance to buy gifts such as wallets, briefcases and hip flasks for their menfolk.

Jemma, whose shoe business majors in sleek and sexy high heels for day and evening wear, said the Passion4Fashion evenings were aimed for audiences numbering more than 50. A £700 take at the event could raise £400 for the cause, which was chosen by a democratic vote among those attending.

“It is great way for ladies to have a night out with their friends that doesn't involve going to the pub or cinema” said the 30-year-old from Melton Constable.

Tickets for the 7.30-10.30pm Byfords event cost £8 and are redeemable against purchase on the evening. Contact Jemma on 01263 861970 or Lynne on 01485 528042.