A DAY at the races was thoroughly enjoyed during the second Royal Ascot ladies day charity event held in Holsworthy in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

Kerry Smith owns the Hat Shop, formerly of Holsworthy now located in West Clawton, and each year she organises a coach trip to Royal Ascot.

The ladies wore their best frocks for the occasion
The ladies wore their best frocks for the occasion (Kerry Smith)

However, for the second year running, Kerry has done something different — putting her own twist on the traditional ladies day outing.

She told the Post: “With the help and support of my mum Maralyn, Carol Palmer, Linda Goodman, Karen Dodd from Weddings and Events by Karen and many wonderful helpers and customers, we hosted a second Royal Ascot ladies day event.

Guests enjoyed a special cream tea in a wonderfully decorated Clawton parish hall
Guests enjoyed a special cream tea in a wonderfully decorated Clawton parish hall (Kerry Smith)

“Our local parish hall at Clawton was decorated to look like the bandstand which takes centre stage at the end of the day at Royal Ascot. Along with seating for our guests, all co ordinated in blue and featuring a home made gin bar, winners table and gold floral hoop for photo opportunities, it was the perfect setting.

There was a gold floral hoop for photograph opportunities
There was a gold floral hoop for photograph opportunities (Kerry Smith)

“We encouraged everyone to dress in Ascot-style outfits and hats and greeted them with fizz and Pimms. We then provided a light lunch, with desserts donated by all the guests, followed by a 'Gold Cup' cream tea, with scones, jam and cream.”

Rosettes were presented to the best dressed men and women
Rosettes were presented to the best dressed men and women (Kerry Smith)

During the event, on Thursday, June 20, the live racing was shown on a big screen and guests were able to bet on each race. The winner’s would receive a rosette and gold cup and the winner of the major race of the day received a gold cup to keep. This was presented in memory of the late Fanny Cole, one of the 'Ascot gang', who won it during a garden party held after lockdown. There was also rosettes for the 'best dressed' lady and gentleman of the day.

After all the races had finished and the prizes had been awarded, those in attendance sang around the bandstand and waved their flags — a tradition that brought everyone together at the end of the racing day.

Guests enjoyed their 'day at the races'
Guests enjoyed their 'day at the races' (Kerry Smith)

Last year Kerry chose to support Breast Cancer Now, a charity close to her heart. For 2024 she continued her fundraising efforts, this time in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

Kerry added: “We had a draw with lots of prizes kindly donated by guests, friends and family. We raised an amazing £850 for Prostate Cancer UK and I cannot thank everyone enough for this. The kind donations and generosity towards the day was incredible.

Big smiles from all the guests
Big smiles from all the guests (Kerry Smith)

“I chose Prostate Cancer UK as close family members have had it and received treatment and many men and their families are affected by it. It is such a worthwhile cause. We truly hope our fundraising has made a difference.”