History, Hats & Horses

Ruth Shepley

When I was down in London on holiday on this day in the seventies, in the month of June, I wandered into a rather smart dress shop, with the intention of browsing, and passing a few minutes. I needed some respite from the busy streets, traffic, and the general exhaustion which I used to experience after more than two days in 'the smoke.'

To get back to the dress shop, (and girls, let's face it, that's what we were put on this earth for!) Did I mention that this was Knightsbridge?

An elegant, slim, attractive lady assistant approached me, as they do, and I happened to say that it was rather quiet in this shop today?

'Madam' she deigned to reply, 'all our customers are at Ascot... ' Being from the far north, Edinburgh that is, and knowing next to nothing about horses, horse racing, bookies or bets, I was very firmly put in my place. (She had probably assessed my wallet potential, my figure - non existent - and my general lack of seriousness in the fancy frock department!)

However I managed to overcome this little put-down and proceeded to admire the fantastic stock. I don't know if the legendary Mary Portas had had anything to do with the layout of Knightsbridge boutiques in those days, but this was one smart place. The sort that makes you write a pleading letter to HBOS... SOS! Sort out the overdraft, pronto!

I started this wee story meaning to talk about Ascot, seeing that it featured on the box, not so long ago, and it triggered some memories. So I had better get on with it. They had to issue a new set of rules (Ascot etiquette) for the ladies this year, as some fillies had been showing too much flesh on previous years. And her MAJ did not like it! She was NOT amused. And quite right too.

Well, those ladies who were lucky enough to enjoy a day at the races, did not let us down... There were plenty of stunning hats, the more outrageous the better. I personally have a preference for a pale shade of pink straw, with a touch of flowers on the side, and a demure dress in the same shade...

Let's face it, when the country is in the doldrums, racing into a recession, fuel prices are stratospheric, a high percentage of the Army is in the Middle East, a restorative day 'at the races' seems just what the proverbial doctor ordered.

As I said before, I know zilch about placing bets, but I did overhear some racing pundit on the radio naming 'Henry the Navigator' as a prospective winner.

Carol, the breakfast weather-girl was looking great, in the pink one minute, then she did a quick change... she must have gone through quite a few bunnets... perhaps the BBC's wardrobe department had been in my Knightsbridge shop? And that's why it was all quiet on the Western front?