This is a placeholder for an event we plan for the Spring of 2012, or later. We are doing our research and planning work now. Look for more details as they become available...
In tribute to our ladies and as the commencement to a season of outdoor events, the brethren of Sir Winston Churchill Lodge will gather in June, date TBD, to celebrate the running of the Royal Ascot, a series of horse races attended by the Queen herself. Well, her Majesty probably won't be here - she'll be at Ascot, in England. But we'll have loads of fun nevertheless.
As a formal garden party, the Royal Ascot brings ladies and their gentlemen together in fine style. Whilst the men will be in formal morning suits or tails, the ladies are encouraged to wear a dress appropriate for a summer outdoor wedding.
Hats are a must: men should wear a top hat, and the ladies a suitable hat or 'fascinator,' as is their preference. The examples on this page and on the links below will provide photos of similar British events we wish to exemplify.
The race series in 2010 will be held in the UK on June 15-19 - look up the dates for 2011. At this stage we are planning to do this either Sat/Sun just prior to race week, or Sat/Sun for the closing days. Need to make fit with the simulcast option.
Cost will be _______. Dinner and drinks will be provided [?], as will a simulcast of the races. If at Canterbury, we will arrange for a pre- or post-race tour of the paddock area to meet the jockeys and admire the horses. Alternate arrangements are being reviewed at Brit's Pub or at Jake O'Connor's in Excelsior, either of these as outdoor simulcast events if we opt to have the party there. Jackson or Berger will contact the two pubs and Canterbury soon to begin pre-planning.
Apparently, the Royal Ascot Downs has three levels of seating. The Royal Box, which we will exemplify, is the most poshly decorated, with security and special lanyards and badges. General patrons may want to pay to enter the mid-level club for the day. For members, we should produce custom lanyards for this, with a box pass, to add to the fun. If this becomes, as I suspect, an annual event these could be a collectors item for members. Special etched high-ball glasses? A series of punters bets for charity? Special betting cards? Flowers or gifts for the ladies? A prize for the best-coordinated couple, or most outrageous hat/fascinator? A swag bag? Surprise appearance by a royal look-alike? Valets, servers set up as butlers for the day? Hmmm... Staff from the venue could really have some fun with this, if they opt to participate by more than just a simple booking. We expect there will be plenty of opportunities for volunteers to help decorate, etc.
We think this event can grow each year to become a social and charitable highlight of the year. The first year will be essential in setting the right theme and culture.
Long-term we could aim to develop an influential charitable engine out of this event, with groups vying to be Prince and Princess of the Western Downs by the level of money they bring in. We may even re-name our 501(c)3 as the Churchill Trust - Berger's idea - and adopt another charitable aim. Members of Churchill Lodge will discuss this at our coming meetings.
One brother suggested we develop a series of collectable items for sale to members and the public. These would include those sold by the venue, by us, and jointly. Money to charity, after expenses.
We're looking into sponsors from key merchants who can help outfit participants in proper clothing, hats for the ladies, and help with promotion.
See you at the regular monthly Churchill Lodge meeting if you wish to get involved in the planning. We're looking for volunteers to coordinate key parts of this event.
According to the Ascot website, a typical UK raceday package looks like this:
Converting to our time zone, it will be 9:30AM Central Standard Time, here, at the running of the first race, and the last race of the day could be shown here at 12:30PM, according to the standard UK race times above. Early, but not insurmountable.
We'll have to determine if we wish to make this a morning event, with early tea, or utilize a delay to bring it into the afternoon.