Window winners

THE Armed Forces’ Day window-dressing competition winner has been revealed.

AFTER some fierce but friendly competition, the public made their choice.

No, this was nothing to do with the general election - but was far more important than that.

For a few days in early summer, Lochgilphead town centre became a brighter place for the Lochgilphead Armed Forces’ Day window-dressing competition.

Shops all over town competed for a handsome trophy, getting into the spirit of a theme marking 50 years since the Aden conflict. The winner was decided by public vote, and in the end – unlike the general election – there was a landslide victory for Mary’s Meals shop on Argyll Street.

Betty Rhodick, of the Lochgilphead Armed Forces Day committee, said: ‘We had an excellent response and 165 voting forms were submitted.

‘In the end Mary’s Meals was well ahead on votes.

‘Congratulations to them, and thanks to everyone who took part and voted this year.’

Wine

Voting slips for the eventual winners went into a hat, and the first name drawn was that of Lochgilphead’s Ian Langdon, who was presented with a bottle of wine by the committee.

Mary’s Meals shop manager Marina Campbell said: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled, not only for us but for the children we support through Mary’s Meals. Thanks to everyone who voted for us.’

The centrepiece of the winning window display was a handsewn Union flag made from recycled fabrics including a faded quilt cover and bobbled cardigan.

The flag took two weeks to complete.

06_a24ArmedforWindows01 Flanked by shop volunteers Margaret Walker, left, and Fiona Wallace, Marina Campbell, centre, receives the trophy from Betty Rhodick and her husband Geordie, who is Armed Forces Day chairman.

06_a24ArmedforWindows05 The winning Mary’s Meals display.