and
Rudimental
Friday 31st May
The evening started off in style as Henry Conway, Lilah Parsons, Pips Taylor and I sped out of London in a red Porsche destined for sunny Sussex and marvellous Goodwood.
I had never been to Goodwood before but had heard lots about the amazing Georgian house and its famous interiors. I had heard little about the history of the actual racecourse, which turns out to be Georgian too and claims to be the only one in the country where one can take in the whole course from one view. Our view was a spectacular one from a box high above the ground where we were served champagne, umpteen courses of delicious food and generally spoilt rotten.
Pips Taylor and Lilah Parsons
Lilah gives a lesson in pouting...
The staff were absolutely charming and we were all made to feel very much at home. Our box was full of interesting people including the brilliant James Brown, looking dapper in a royal blue hat.
Goodwood is a thriving modern estate and has amongst other things the largest low lying organic farm in Britain, a great palace of a house, a racecourse, a motor racing circuit and various other exciting enterprises. Jules Robinson, who oversees Group Public Relations at Goodwood, was fascinating to talk to and so very welcoming to us.
At the various point to points and other race meets I've attended I very rarely see a horse as I end up chatting, eating and drinking too much to notice. In this case I did and Lilah was asked to present an award, so the four of us were ushered in to the paddock amidst the horses, jockeys, breeders and owners. Lilah, who is a vivacious and clever MTV presenter did a marvellous job and was then interviewed about the band we were soon to hear, Rudimental.
After more champagne, chocolate mousses and Eton Mess (yes, Harrovians can eat this too, although I had the mousse) we went to join the throng of well-dressed boppers at this, my first 'raav'!
Oliver Gerrish and Lilah Parsons
I am excited about one day exploring Goodwood House itself, though in this case it was the horses, champagne and shimmying to electro music that predominated!
For more information on this legendary place see:-
www.goodwood.co.uk
all images on this blog are under the copyright ownership of Oliver Gerrish
