Saturday, September 26, 2009

Uh Oh: what have I let myself in for?

To say ‘Melbourne Cup is a horse race’ is probably a bit like saying ‘Shakespeare was a writer.’ I don’t mean to enrage any Australian readers (*waves*) I just happen to think horses are for riding and not watching… However, that doesn’t stop me from booking a place at the Anzwg (Australian and New Zealand Women’s Group) organised Melbourne Cup each November.

I used to go to point-to-points when I lived in Kent. It’s a form of amateur horse racing over fences for hunters but I’m only a teensy bit ashamed to say that for me it was a social event: beer tents and flirting with boys (it was a long time ago.) I rarely saw a horse.

I’m sorry; I know I’m a disgrace. As I say I like horses enormously, I just prefer riding them to watching them run.

Melbourne Cup is a bit like Ascot – that’s how seriously it’s taken – except I don’t think bizarre costumes are ever worn at Ascot (unless you count some of those outfits!) For Melbourne Cup, everyone dresses up either in formal race attire or in fantastic costumes. I think this year is my fourth time. I’ve always gone with the BWG and most years a costume theme is organised but I don’t take part in costumes. I make them; I don’t wear them. (Shhh: This is because I don’t like anyone looking at me!)

However, last week I found myself sitting next to costume queen, CD, and we cooked up an idea for a team costume. And now it’s happening and because I’m helping to organize it…I’m going to have to wear it. I hadn't even had a drink when I agreed to it!

Take a deep breath: yesterday I went to Sampeng Lane in Chinatown to source materials…

7 comments:

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Sounds like great fun. I'm sure you'll have a ball.

Jenny Beattie said...

Thanks Debs, I shall of course share all the details of costumes in due course.

Carol said...

So you have finally succumbed to the lure of the themed table!! I can't wait to see what you come up with...and the drunken photo's after the event (cause you know there will be...I have some very funny photo of you from last year!!)

Have a few for me will you

C x

Jen said...

Ooh, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

K.M. Saint James said...

Okay, there have to be photos of this event. Not the horse racing. The costume.

Don't tease us. Do deliver.

Have a lovely weekend.

BTW: How's the WIP?

Chris Stovell said...

Whoop whoop! Lots of photos, please!

Jenny Beattie said...

Carol, that rotten woman LB emailed me a picture of myself... it was horrible, absolutely horrible. I am going to be botoxed so that my face no longer moves...

Spiral, I'll share I promise but not til after the event.

Sandra, okay, it's a deal. There'll be photos, though I can't promise quality after a couple of glasses of champagne! WIP's been a bit slow this week. Too much domestica!

Chris, okay, but your eyes might bleed. Don't say I didn't warn you!