Hats off to the ladies for charity race day

Reporter: Jan Harwood
Date online: 19 June 2008

The Rochdale NSPCC's Ascot Ladies' Day enjoyed a fourth sucessful event today (Thursday 19 June).

Posh frocks and fancy hats were donned by 170 guests at Nutters restaurant and the event raised in the region of £5,000 for the children's charity.

Debbie Sefton, of the north west NSPCC, said: "The Ascot Ladies' Lunch is a fantastic event for the NSPCC because it helps raise the profile of the charity in Rochdale, it raises a fantastic amount of money, it increases our numbers of supporters in the area and most importantly it makes a real difference to children."

Andrew Nutter and his team of chefs and staff contributed to a superb afternoon by providing a delicious three course meal for the guests before the horses came under starters orders for the first race at 2.30pm. The event took in four races, which were shown on plasma screens provided by Wigwam Acoustics, and between the races there was a raffle and the judging of the now infamous 'Most Exotic Hat' competition.

This year's top hat was Barbara Fletcher, who said: "It's absolutely fabulous. We always have a great time here every year and we had a beautiful meal. Now it's just fingers crossed for my husband, he's had three race winners so far!"

Toni Fletcher did not disappoint as he went on to win the race card, picking up a magnum of champagne in the process.

Event organiser Lis Kay also had an enjoyable afternoon, coming third in the race winners competition and also picking up a free meal at Nutters in the raffle. She said: "It's been another great year. We were fully booked by the end of April and we had to put 40 people on a waiting list because we couldn't fit them in so it really is going from strength to strength. We'll be here again next year so get your hats ready ladies!"

The closing address was provided by branch chairman and lifetime president of Rochdale NSPCC Jack Howorth, who thanked the staff at Nutters and all of the people who had given up their time and effort and contributed prizes to another successful event.