Shropshire Magazine

Not only is Ludlow Charity Race Day an enjoyable social occasion with good-quality racing, but it is also a key fundraiser for the charity involved. This year it is the Shropshire Red Cross and Louise Acton, who is on the fundraising committee, has organised a photo-shoot showcasing one of the brightest lights of British fashion, Katherine Hooker, whose designs have been worn by several high-profile personalities, such as Kate Middleton, at prestigious race days.

Pictures: Jim Stephens

Victoria, Caroline, Sophie and Gill with a backdrop of Longner Hall.

This year’s Ludlow Charity Race Day provides a perfect excuse for the county’s ladies to take a thorough look inside their wardrobe and consider what to wear to the south Shropshire course.

Shropshire branch of the British Red Cross is the excellent cause at the ever popular and prestigious annual charity race day at Ludlow Racecourse, on Thursday March 20, which is being held courtesy of the Ludlow Race Club.

But first, what to wear at such an event?

The modern way is to blur the distinction between dressing up and dressing down so as to create a unique outfit. But striking a casual chord at more formal occasions requires panache.

Katherine Hooker, whose designs are featured on these pages, is a doyenne of British tailoring. She has been quietly making a name for herself, dressing many well known figures, including Lizzy Jagger, Kate Middleton and Jerry Hall, for the races and more.

White crochet dress under chocolate pinstripe waistcoat with hat, all by Day Birger et Mikkelsen, from Katulia.

Working from her boutique, located behind Chelsea Harbour, London, Katherine says: “We’ve recently expanded the collection to offer a ready-to-wear range, comprising a number of our best-loved pieces.

“This includes the short, double-breasted, Tori Coat, in orange speckled Donegal tweed; and the 1940s inspired Rainey Jacket, for poachers and city girls alike, in beige Scottish herringbone tweed and Paisley trim.”

Katherine’s sublime tweed designs, with a twist, afford effortless chic. With jewel coloured linings, contrast piping and belts to tighten around the waist, they are available in a wealth of different fabrics. Mixed up with a dip dye, short, silk dress, or worn with neon-coloured hosiery and sparkling stones, tweed has never been further from a dull English day.

And, of course, it is perfect for ‘Going to the Races’ – specifically Ludlow on March 20.

With a Champagne reception, three-course lunch, promise auction and plenty of racing, the event is expected to attract around 600 guests from around the county and beyond.

It is hoped that profits from the Ludlow Charity Race Day will be sufficient to complete the Shropshire Red Cross/Shrewsbury Chronicle Respond Appeal. This local £100,000 fundraising effort, launched in 2006, will provide a multi-purpose response vehicle to extend services in local emergency situations, such as during floods or major incidents.

Support

Chairman of Shropshire’s committee, Katy Tanner, explains: “Many people will undoubtedly have some knowledge of the scale of the humanitarian work carried out by the Red Cross. However, they may not be aware of the wide range of support it also offers local people.”

Katy adds: “We’ve had a huge response so far from individuals and local businesses, for which I’m very grateful!

“There are many exciting lots in the promises auction, including a day with the BBC’s Vets in Practice presenters, Steve and Tom Leonard, at their local clinic and a six-day adventure camp for 12- to 17-year-olds in the Scottish Highlands. I’m now taking bids from supporters, so please do telephone me for more information.”

The last race of the day will feature amateur competitors, drawn from Shropshire’s equestrian community. Each has been asked to raise sponsorship so as to qualify.

“Supporting the riders, not to mention cheering them on, at the racecourse, will be very much appreciated. Again, please contact me if you’d like to sponsor a rider.” Katy adds.

With luck, the outfits on these pages will provide inspiration and enticement to aid the British Red Cross’s fundraising efforts in connection with the charity race day.

Donations to the British Red Cross may be sent to Ian Musty, Shrewsbury Office, British Red Cross, Freepost NAT 14956, Shrewsbury SY3 7ZB.