Royal Ascot Ladies' Day lunch

It may not have been Ladies Day at Royal Ascot but it was certainly a ladies' day to be remembered.

Once cars and taxis arrived at the entrance to the school the ladies were transported to the event either by horse and carriage or in an open top Royale limousine identical to the one the Queen uses. The driveway was donned with flags of all the nations and horses were grazing on the field.

The lunch was held in the marquee which was decorated throughout in a pink and black colour theme - every finer detail had been thought of right down to the colours of the candles and place mats.

The afternoon began with Bucks Fizz and canapés and a colourful performance of Dance Fever by the Junior School girls. Just before everyone sat down for their lunch the Year 1 pupils entertained the ladies with some hand bell ringing.

When the ladies did reach their seats they found a gift awaiting them supplied by Marc Cain of Southport. Throughout the four course lunch the ladies were looked after by their waiters / waitresses, all Year 9 and 10 pupils - once again dressed in the pink / black colour scheme.

The next surprise of the day was a visit from an old boy, Scott Chapman, who sang his heart out for over ½ hour and had all the ladies swinging along with him. He was certainly a hit and a real highlight of the afternoon.

A Dressage event then took place on the field in front of the marquee. Several Prep School girls showed what skills they have on horse back - even bare back riding! It was certainly spectacular.

TV screens had been positioned around the marquee so that everyone could follow each of the races and have a little flutter.

After a little more to eat and drink everyone was ready for the next event - this time a Fashion Show put on by Year 9 / 10 girls and sponsored by Tatters of Longton. The girls had spent the morning at the hairdressers by courtesy of Neil Josephs of Ormskirk and once they put on their make up and designer label clothes it was hard to believe that they were only 14 / 15 years of age. They walked along the catwalk in a very professional manner putting on a show they had correographed themselves.

Once the next race was over the cast of Oliver arrived to give the guests a taste of what is to come in their full production on 25^th / 26^th June. Several of the work house boys brought tears to ladies' eyes when they presented them all with red roses whilst Oliver was singing 'Where is love?' Another moment of excitement for several ladies was when boys sat on their knees during Umpah pah. Oh what a show it was!

Many local businesses had donated prizes for the main raffle but an additional and different raffle was for a designer label dress. After an exciting game of Heads and Tails the last few ladies paraded along the cat walk before the final toss of the coin declared a winner.

After all the excitement a period of calm allowed the ladies to relax over strawberries and cream and champagne.

At the end of the day several taxis drew up to take the ladies home or, as in the case of many, to their next party.

Posted 30/06/08