BOATERS, bowlers, mob-caps and head scarves are just some of the headgear remembered by clients of Harewood Day Centre in their latest project.

After delving into many memories earlier this year, resulting in the publication of the Harvest of the Years book, there was subsequently much talk of fashion — in particular of hats. Many ladies still had examples going back several decades, when hats were as much a fashion accessory as a pair of shoes, rather than the largely functional items of today.

A selection of the hats which were brought in to the centre was chosen, spanning the twentieth century, and their history was compiled and associated memorabilia gathered. These will be incorporated into a fashion show at the day centre on Sunday, November 18, in conjunction with Tilly Whims.

Six ladies who attend the centre — Jo Cowell, Grace Cramp, Hilda Frost, Doris Hadgkiss, Dorothy Souter and Phyllis Valance — were involved in the project, assisted by staff member Jo Cowell and volunteer Louise Wilson.

Grace Cramp spent her first wage packet on a hat costing fourteen shillings and elevenpence threefarthings. Her wage was only ten shillings and sixpence and her mother supplied the extra.

Dorothy Souter's pink feather hat made from chicken feather from 1981 — one of the latest in the collection — was bought for her daughter's wedding. Also featured is a boater from 1962 worn by her daughter at school.

Mrs Souter also supplied a hat mould from a WI project in 1952 and fabric hats from the second world war. Also from wartime is a headscarf, worn under her tin hat whilst fire watching.

l Pictured, back row, staff member Jo Cowell, Hilda Frost, Dorothy Souter, Doris Hodgkiss and voluntary worker Louise Wilson; front row Grace Cramp and Phyllis Vallance.