Archived News - Karlene Vardy
Search is on for the new Miss Bedfordshire
It's time to slap on your make-up and dig out your favourite party frock as Miss England launch their search for a Bedfordshire beauty to represent her county.
Emma Allan, Miss England's regional beauty pageant co-ordinator, is searching for 17 to 24-year-old confident and intelligent women to compete for the title.
Emma said: "I'd like girls from all over Bedfordshire to apply not simply from the area where the contest is being held.
"I'm also looking for small local businesses who would like to take advantage of promoting their products and services free in return for prizes for the winners.
"I'm especially looking for health and beauty, travel prizes, and an overall event sponsor."
This is the third successive year for Miss Beds; in 2006, Karlene Vardy took the title at Bellow's Mill in Eaton Bray and last year's winner was Anna Lovato.
The contestants this year will model evening gowns, eco friendly outfits to promote fashion re-cycling and perform a short talent spot or presentation.
Chapel 29 nightclub in Bedford will be hosting this year's competition in May and the event promises to be a spectacular show with local celebrity judges and health and beauty experts.
The Bedford Eagles will be meeting all the contestants and taking part in a professional photo shoot at their ground.
The girls will learn how to catwalk, learn interview technique and have a hair, make-up and gown consultation.
Beauty pageants are often a model's first stepping stone into the industry and are great fun.
Example success stories are Chantelle Houghton and Danielle Lloyd who are now national celebrities after competing in beauty pageants.
To apply you can download an application form from Chiltern F.M ; http://www.bedfordschilternfm.co.uk/article.asp?id=569209 .
The closing date for applicants is March 1.
Get the Leighton Buzzard Observer every Tuesday.
Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 19 February 2008
Make Miss Beds Miss England!
Bedfordshire's top beauty is set to be among 70 stunners competing for the title of Miss England today and tomorrow.
Karlene Vardy, 21, of Grange Way, Houghton Regis, was crowned Miss Bedfordshire after beating 17 other contestants at a ceremony in Eaton Bray.
Now the budding R&B singer is donning her riara once more to take part in the national beauty contest in Leicester, whose winner will go on to represent England at Miss World in September.
Miss England will win £5,000 worth of jewellery, with six regional runners-up receiving a £300 bracelet each. To support Karlene, text Miss Bedfordshire to 84205.
Each vote will cost £1 and the two contestants who receive the most text votes will be fast-tracked to the Miss England grand finale tomorrow.
Source: Herald & Post, 13 July 2006
Ice maiden melts hearts of judges!
A bevy of beauties from Luton, Dunstable and beyond have gathered at a hotel near Luton to find out who would be crowned Miss Bedfordshire 2006.
The top tiara was awarded to Karlene Vardy, of Grange Way, Houghton Regis, who beat 17 other contestants to win the chance to compete in the Miss England finals next week.
Karlene, who was sponsored by Earth Productions and Promotions, was presented on Monday with a bouquet and the winner's sash and will also enjoy a test photo shoot, a chauffeur-driver car ride, exclusive couture dress hire and a fashion shoot with Herald & Post sister paper the Biggleswade Chronicle.
Second place was claimed by Hayley Sams, from Swansholme Gardens, Sandy, sponsored by Urban Kutz, while third went to Jenna Harrington, of London Road, Luton, who was sponsored by the Holiday Inn at Luton Airport. They were presented with sashes, bouqets and champagne, and the chance to enjoy a test shoot with the official Miss Bedfordshire photographer and fashion shoot with the Biggleswade Chronicle.
The Miss Beds finals, held at Eaton Bray's Bellows Mill Hotel, saw entertainment provided by solo artist James Rooney, a cousin of football hero Wayne.
Singer James recently got through to the second round of popular TV show The X Factor.
After Monday's excitement, Miss Bedfordshire Karlene will go on to compete against more than 60 other regional finalists at Miss England 2006 in Leicester on Thursday, July 13 and Friday, July 14.
Source: Herald & Post, 6 July 2006