Colchester's mayoress is on a mission to bring a touch more class to the town's oyster feast.

Setting an example - mayoress Shelagh Bouckley with fashion accessory.Picture: STEVE BRADING (38300-c)

Shelagh Bouckley has requested all women to wear hats at the annual event, a tradition dating back to at least the reign of Charles II.

The oyster feast, on October 29 at Moot Hall, is a highlight in Colchester's social calendar. Guests are invited, although a ballot is held where residents can apply for one of 30 £60-a-head reserved tickets.

Mrs Bouckley said: "I've been going for 15 years and I've always worn a hat. I just thought it would be nice to bring it back and people seem to like the idea."

But the suggestion has added fuel to the fire of Labour councillor Tim Young, who has always openly expressed his disgust at the "pompous and ostentatious" event. The St Andrew's ward representative said: "It just adds to the ridicule of the oyster feast, in my opinion."

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Published Tuesday, September 14, 2004

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