Fascinating Ascot

I loved this outing. Fascinating hats, like black and red on blond hair, or a pink rose on black, or lime green net. My favourite hat was two pink carnations, with a white and a yellow rose and white feathers. The most fascinating fascinator was a nest of pink down, with pink plumes and surrounded by flying feathers. Wow! Everyone dressed up. You couldn't be overdressed. If you went feeling silly because you have a silly hat on and you don't usually wear hats, when you get there you wonder if your hat is silly enough for the event.

The party atmosphere began on the train from Waterloo with champagne corks popping, laughter as the train swayed, and mobile calls to friends who couldn't get on at Richmond but had to wait for the next train.

Strict instructions had been given on what to wear. Most women wore skirts or dresses, and some were really really smart, brilliant colours and coordinated with hats, shoes (high heeled) and bags. In the general enclosure there were a lot of shoulders and backs on display though in the royal enclosure that was not allowed. The men dressed up too, at least in suits, some in morning suits, some in kilts and sporans. One cheeky chap, old enough to be someone's gran'pa sported a badge that announced he was the "Ascot official panty inspector"!

Husband and I won on two of the six races. We bet each way on Free Agent, the Queen's horse. When it won, you could see her thumbs up "Done it!".

Would I go again? Yes, but racing has to be either a social event or a betting event. I'm not too bothered about the betting so I'd like to go with friends too. Any friends near London who fancy coming to Ascot next year with us?