Hats off to NSPCC fundraisers

Ascot Ladies’ Day at Nutters Restaurant

21 More Image(s) In Gallery

Ladies from across the borough and beyond joined together on Thursday (16 June) for a special Ascot Ladies’ Day at Nutters restaurant in Norden, to raise money for charity.

The event, hosted by the Rochdale Branch of the NSPCC, is now in its seventh year and saw the ladies don their most fabulous hats and dresses, for a good cause.

Guests to the event enjoyed a three course meal, watched the races and took part in a raffle. All of the money raised from the day will go to the NSPCC.

The day’s funds were boosted by a very generous donation of £4,695 from Fisherfield Farm Nurseries. Nicky MacGill and Liz Jackson from the business presented a cheque for the amount to Janette Drew, Community Fundraising Manager for the NSPCC.

The nurseries raised the money in a series of events throughout the year. Ms Jackson said: “I came to this event five years ago and I could see it was for a really good cause and because I worked in a children’s nursery it brought home some of the things I see on a daily basis so I suggested to Nicky and David that we made the NSPCC our favoured charity within the nursery.”

This year’s donation topped what the nurseries raised last year.

Janette Drew described the Ladies Day as “absolutely magnificent.” She added: “It is a fantastic event and it is nice to see people from outside the branch and the district taking part, it’s fantastic to have young people here too and the fact it has been going for 7 years is incredible.”

John Kay of the Littleborough NSPCC, and a director of Rochdale Online, said: “The cheque from Fisherfield Farm is superb, with that and what we raise from the day we should raise around £10,000.

“We want everyone to enjoy themselves and looking around there isn’t one person not enjoying themselves – and that is what it is all about.”

Littleborough NSPCC Treasurer, Lis Kay, added: “There is such a good, friendly atmosphere. We have had some of the same people coming for seven years because they know what they are getting.

“Next year is already booked!”

Among the guests was Councillor Ann Metcalfe, she said: “There is always a lovely atmosphere, it is for such a worthy cause. People are so generous and the sponsors are generous. It’s wonderful.”

The event’s main sponsor was Hillendale Range Rover and Land Rover, two high spec Range Rovers were parked in the restaurant’s grounds.

Lee Collins from the firm, said: “As a business we usually sponsor local charities but it’s for the NSPCC ant there’s not realty a better cause.

“It is a pleasure to sponsor the event.”

The winner of the 'most exotic hat' competition was Maureen Astley. (Photo 15 in the gallery opposite - lady on the left in pink).