IT IS not every day that one gets an invitation to attend a village hall function wearing smart clothes. But Audrey Bewes and Sheila Cholwill, organisers of the Bridgerule Coffee Club, did just that in order to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Each guest had been requested to be smartly dressed with the ladies to wear a hat or fascinator and the gents to wear a buttonhole and a tie.

Every guest entered into the spirit of the occasion with the hall looking like a Royal Ascot enclosure.

The hall was appropriately decorated in red, white and blue with ‘Her Majesty the Queen’ welcoming each guest — well, full size card board cut out anyway.

Guests then sat down to a home baked high tea.

Keeping with the theme of hats, Rosie Wedlake from Chulmleigh, known as ‘The Hat Lady’ then entertained everyone by wearing and talking about some of her many hats that she owns. Her banter caused much amusement.

Every guest was then presented with a small gift. These were china commemorative mugs to the ladies and coasters to the gentlemen with Bridgerule 2016 printed on them. The gifts had been kindly sponsored by Bridgerule Parish Council and Bridgerule Revel Week Committee.

Everyone agreed it had been a great afternoon and thanks were expressed on behalf of the guests by Chris Hitchings to Audrey and Sheila.