A unique collection of hats, worn by the former Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire during her time in the role, is going under the hammer next month in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Therapy Centre in Bedford.
Helen Nellis was Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire for over ten years and in that time travelled the county attending thousands of events on behalf of the royal family.
As the monarch’s representative Helen wore a hat at those occasions where the Queen would have worn a hat – generally events taking place before 6.30pm.
Whether it was a jamboree with Brownies, visiting a building site or meeting with HM The Queen, Helen and one of her 30 hats would be in attendance.
And although Helen – and her hats – may have retired, she is giving them one final outing at a unique event on 7 July as part of the MS Therapy Centre’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
As patron on the MS Therapy Centre in Bedford, Helen is hosting an afternoon tea at the Swan Hotel where she will tell some of the stories behind the hats, including where they went, who they met and even how many trees they planted.
Some of the hats will then be auctioned by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Russell Beard, and the others will be raffled to raise money for the charity.
The former Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis with a group of Brownies. Image: MS Therapy Centre 
The former Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis in one of her less glamorous hats! Image: MS Therapy Centre 
The former Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis with members of Age Concern. Image: MS Therapy Centre 
The former Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis with veterans on Armistice Day. Image: MS Therapy Centre 
The former Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis with Kids in Action charity. Image: MS Therapy Centre 
The former Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis presents the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to Youthscape. Image: MS Therapy Centre
“This is an unrepeatable event not only because the hat collection is unique, but also because Helen went everywhere and met everyone in the county,” said Russell.
“She shone a light on all the good things we do and all the amazing people who do them. Now come and hear her stories about that special time in her life.”
Speaking about the event, Helen said: “In my role as HM Lord-Lieutenant for over a decade, hats played a big part in helping me to honour the wonderful people of Bedfordshire who help this beautifully diverse county flourish.
“As Patron of the MS Therapy Centre, it will be my pleasure to share some stories of my extraordinary experiences to raise funds for this important organisation.
“My mother lived with MS, and I have deep admiration for the professional and compassionate care offered at the MS Centre.”
The current Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, will also be present at the event.
Tickets are priced at £35 which covers the afternoon tea and a donation to the MS Therapy Centre. They are available from liz@elizabethtoogood.com. If you cannot come but wish to donate, you can do so at the MS Therapy Centre website here.
