Under a virtually clear blue sky, the Master’s 2013 Charity Day at Ascot got underway with a welcoming Champagne reception in the Ascot pavilion bar, where Livery members and their guests, some 319 in all, were liberally refreshed and able to enjoy the glorious sunshine and the superb variety of ladies’ hats, most elegantly displayed by our Livery Members and their guests.

Peter Rhys-Evans, Chairman of Oracle Cancer Trust with The Master

Not just a perfect start to the day but also, hopefully, to the summer in prospect.Thus suitably primed we were invited into lunch where, following the Master’s welcome, we sat down to a mouth-watering three course meal, accompanied by impressive wines, kindly donated by Patricia Atkinson of Clos d’Yvigne.

Mike Cattermole

During lunch, the Master introduced Mike Cattermole, a well known racing correspondent, who gave us a short talk offering advice and tips for the afternoon’s racing.Your humble author, being unversed in the ways of the turf, listened to other, louder, advice thus suffering a predictable outcome.Note to self: always listen to the expert.

The Master, Anthony Phillips

Charlie Ross

Towards the end of lunch, it was time for the Auction and Charlie Ross, both an Antiques expert and Charity Auctioneer, worked the room with great energy and skill, disposing of the 11 lots on offer with great success. These included a helicopter ride donated by the Master, holiday accommodations various, a day aboard HMS Lancaster, and others to raise a sum in excess of £23,000.A superb result with the raffle and silent auction yet to come.

Lunch and the auction over, it was now time for the racing, a time for smiles and frowns, anticipation and reality but always a joy on a sunny day, simply to be at Ascot in the warm sunshine watching the world and the horses go by. I was informed that Mike Cattermole managed four results out of six races; well done Mike.

As the day’s racing drew to a close, afternoon tea was served, during which the raffle was drawn and the first prize, a luxury eight days’ cruise on the Black Watch, donated by Fred Olsen cruise line, was won by a guest of our past Master Eda Rose Lawson.The raffle raised £4,500 and the silent auction, which followed, raised a further £10,000. The net total including donations was in excess of £50,000 which will be divided between the Spinal Injuries Association, Oracle Cancer Trust and the Feltmakers Charitable Foundation.Truly a successful and enjoyable day was had by all.

Michelle Howard, vice chair of the Board of trustees of the SIA, picks a winning raffle ticket

At the beginning of his year, our Master, Anthony Philips, committed himself to the Livery enjoying his year. I think we can all agree he is well on his way to achieving his ambition.

Bill Gammell

All photos by Photocall Events. Copies of these and many other photos taken at the event can be purchased online from them, see http://www.photocallevents.co.uk/lightboxeslogin