The Alternative Ascot Day by The Wellbeing Project

Yesterday Mum and I were delighted to be guests at The Wellbeing project Alternative Ascot Day.
http://www.wellbeingproject.co.uk/aadf.htm

We both dressed up, as requested, and Dad took us to the Haydock Thistle hotel
http://www.thistle.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/haydock/thistle_haydock/index.html

The Wellbeing Project is a social enterprise based in St. Helens and have developed pioneering and ground-breaking work within the area of mental health. Ann and I delivered some mental health sessions for young families recently with them. The event yesterday was to raise funds for the Wellbeing Choir.

Over 20 years ago, Dr. Paula Gamester one of the founders of The Wellbeing Project and www.connectormedia.co.uk was going to Ascot with friends but missed the train from Liverpool Lime st station! Instead they went back to her home; set up their own book and gave the proceeds to charity; had a picnic and champagne and still had a great day! A tradition was born and has escalated into the amazing event yesterday!

After a drinks reception and mutual people watching by the mainly female 'race-goers' we went into a gloriously decorated marquee in the courtyard of the hotel. Catering was wonderful, staff very attentive and brilliant company. Paula (pictured) is the best organiser and hostess I have ever come across! She was the epitome of elegance and attentiveness from our arrival until the end.

After lunch we were entertained by Dave Ashley singing Frank Sinatra hits http://www.davidashley.co.uk/; the energy of Bernie Whelan who will front the choir and racing from Ascot via TV. Each race we could buy £1 tickets which had the runners. All those with the winning horse were then placed in a draw for prizes from sponsors.

These included
Nicole Photography  http://www.nicolephotography.co.uk/
SELNET  http://www.selnet-uk.com/
IceBerg jewellery
Ashton Dental Practice http://www.wecareforyoursmile.com/
Virgin trains http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/
Haydock Thistle Hotel  http://www.thistle.com/en/hotels/united_kingdom/haydock/thistle_haydock/index.html

Before we knew it all the races and raffle were done, followed by the freshest sandwiches I have ever tasted for afternoon tea.
Finally we were entertained by Robbie Williams (Tony Lewis) who did a great job and getting everyone up and moving (some more than others!!!).

Mum, Dominic and I remembered meeting him a few years ago as audience members for the BBC 1 programme 'The One and Only' for which he deservedly reached the final. http://www.tonyasrobbie.co.uk/

Dom will not be impressed at this photo taken back then! How he has grown since then!

What a wonderful day - same time next year? We hope so! Our wellbeing was excellent!

Thanks and congratulations on a wonderful event to Paula, Mark and all the Wellbeing Project team.

Elaine Hanzak

www.hanzak.com