The scene was set for an evening of racing fun here at St Peter's Church on the longest day of 2013..

Some had risen early to clear the church and set out the course, tables and chairs and tables. Others had spent most of the day selecting their costumes for this most prestigious event in the parishes social calendar... The ladies arrived resplendent in their crafted headgear of varying shades, shapes and appearances,  Anne E however missed the mark – according to Fr Richard – and took on a "francophilian" look that might have been better appreciated at the Chasse-de-Paris. But that might have been influenced by the fact that she was given the task to procure the wine, soft drinks and cheese – which I have to say the wine was very well received be all.

The men on the other-hand had resisted the temptation to go that extra mile and adorn a sparkling waistcoat, that is with one exception that is and that will become evident later...

The volunteer bookmakers/tellers for the evening (the DiMarco Mafia) were ready and waiting to fleece all those who attend, whilst Miss Egan did her part in fiddling the odds..

The Chief Steward Meg took the floor to explain the rules...

The racing programme involved six preliminary races where each winner would be invited back to the grand finale where the winners' winner would be decided, the betting rules and application of odds were explained and rules regarding the throwing the die for each race were explained...

There had to be money involved because everyone gave their full attention, see the photos below... Well that is apart from Lyn, that is, who relived from her normal bar duty on these events, was "regally" savouring every moment.

And so to the first race where experienced jockeys took to their steeds.... These were in reverse order left to right "nice waistcoat" Nick on No 6, Babs's friend??? on No 5, "distracted Arthur" on No 4, "pockets" Paul No 3, Hair-do-Babs on No 2 and Jolly-hat Jane on No 1...

Old hands winner Jane on No1

We missed a photo opportunity for the novices race or the old Greys... But the winners were Annette on No 6 and  Megs mum on No 4.

The next race was the Apprentice race where huddled together were the jockies  James (the only apprentice of the evening) Fiona on five, Carolyn on 4, "nice waistcoat Nick" on 3,  the other Nick on No2, and all on his lonesome John on No1.

Apprentice Winner Carolyn on No 4

The little fillies race with Helen on No6, Chris on No5, Sue on No4, Catherine No3, Julia on No 2 and ???? on No 1. After an extremely eventful race, seeing two of the contenders fall at the last furlong the four remaining horses shared the last two places and the spectators wondered will we ever see this race end.... However after what seemed like an age Helen having stalled for a while,  eventually won through by a neck to win the fillies race....

Winner Helen on No 6 very close race won by just a neck from the rest of the field.

Fr Richard judges the ladies' hats... A very difficult task with some wonderful entries...


But there had to be a winner and that was Jane's masterpiece bonnet....

	Anne awards a bottle of rose - without even an hint of envy... or for that her beret

The next race Stallions with Niel on No6, Phil on No5, Paul on No4, Nick on No3, James on 2 and Fr Richard on No 1...

won by pockets Paul on No 4

Not to be outdone, the judging of the men's jazziest waistcoat was awarded to  Nick...

Seen here styling front and rear and flaunting his prize!

And so to the winners' winner race which this time was across various hurdles. The contestants Helen No6, Annette No5, Carolyn No4, Megs Mum No 3, Paul No 2, and Jane No1.  This race was hotly contested with the lead passing backward and forward at times, however a convincing lead was taken by Jane on horse No 1 flying to the front only to fall with in a furlong of the finish, even before Meg's got out of the starting blocks... Jane's early departure left the race wide open for the other jockeys following well behind.  Annette became so enthusiastic about the race that she managed to jump the hurdles without her horse.
It wasn't too long before Megs-mum exited the starting blocks with the sound of great cheers around the course, but she rolled a one and those cheers changed to laughter.  Not to be out done the dice continued to select No1 and she soon caught up with the field, taking the hurdles with easy steps....

The tension was almost nail-biting, initially favouring Carolyn on No 4 who shot to the front, but then she got held up on the miss a turn square on the final furlong. The lead passed to and fro and the field all caught up again. This all added to the excitement, but not to be put off Carolyn eventually cast the final four to take her to victory...


The evening finished with the raffle with what seemed to be an never ending supply of presents. A super fun filled evening bringing in some £458 (before the costs of wine and cheese). The proceeds will go toward the new parish Kitchen.

Many thanks to Clare, Meg, Anne E, the bookmakers and all who helped in whatever way to make this a great value fun evening.