A distinguished group of charity fundraisers turned out in all their finery for an afternoon at the races as the committee of the Falmouth support group of Cornwall Hospice Care pulled out all the stops for their latest event.

Sixty guests bought tickets and attended the Royal Ascot fundraiser held at the Penmere Manor Hotel last Thursday afternoon. On arrival, the ladies, in dresses and hats or fascinators, and the gents in suits, were offered a glass of sparkling wine served up by the seven ladies of the committee.

They were then invited to take their places at tables in the royal enclosure, otherwise known as the dining room, to watch the 2.30pm race beamed live from Royal Ascot onto a big screen. Then, while the guests waited for the Gold Cup, which was delayed for 20 minutes, they enjoyed strawberries and cream with a coffee or tea, with many taking the chance to escape out onto the terrace to enjoy the sunshine.

Christine Morris, chair of the support group, said: “We had a fantastic afternoon and the weather was perfect. Everybody had such a good time - there was so much noise during the Gold Cup, with everyone shouting for their horse. It was really good.”

By the end of the afternoon, the event had raised £895.86 through ticket and raffle sales and donations. “I really didn’t expect to raise that much,” said Christine, “it made all the hard work worthwhile.”

The committee has expressed its appreciation to the Penmere Manor Hotel who provided the venue, the wine, tea and coffee and set up the room, free of charge. Roddas also provided the clotted cream meaning the only expense to the support group was the cost of the strawberries.

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet: