Former Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Helen Nellis is auctioning her hats for charity

Hats off to former Bedfordshire Lord-Lieutenant Helen Nellis who is auctioning her impressive collection of 30 titfers in aid of the MS Therapy Centre in Bedford.

The first woman to hold the post in 500 years, this much-loved pillar of the community started wearing designer millinery after her appointment to honour the contributions of the local heroes she was meeting.

"Each hat bears witness to many human stories,” she explains, “of people going the extra mile, being innovative, being kind, pushing boundaries, reaching out to those in need, warmly embracing different cultures, taking pride in our towns and villages – some even laying down their lives to protect others.”

Her signature headgear has welcomed many VIPs to Bedfordshire including the late Queen, Prince Philip, King Charles, the Prince and Princess of Wales.

She says: “At Helen’s Tea Party – on Friday July 4, from 2pm to 4.30pm in The State Room at the Bedford Swan Hotel – I’ll be recounting some of the tales that made us smile.

"I wore them to show respect to the people I was meeting in my role as HM the late Queen’s representative and to highlight the proud international tradition of Luton milliners.

"When I learned about their history, I thought that would be an amazing way to represent this significant part of the development of the town.

"As the first woman in the post I needed to create an appropriate way to stand out a little, so I could effectively shine a light on those who make such a difference.”

The highlights of Helen’s 10-year tenure include the Queen’s visit to Whipsnade to meet the elephants, King Charles officially opening the new Gurdwara and the Prince and Princess of Wales at Youthscape.

But she admits: “Some of my happiest and proudest times were spent with local stars such as Colette McKeaveney and her colleagues and volunteers at Age Concern Luton, with Luton Irish Forum, at NOAH, working with Love Luton businesses, with Lloyd Denny at Luton in Harmony, Keech Hospice Care, with Jonnie David at Grassroots, Joan Bailey at The Safer Luton Partnership, as well as those manning our foodbank, education, police, fire and health services – in fact too many extraordinary people to list, who enrich all our lives every day and who make each of us realise we all have something to offer.”

And she adds: “When I look at my hats, I’m transported back into a period of deep meaning and purpose in my life, where I learned about the power of service, friendship and love from the people of Bedfordshire.”

Helen has been patron of the MS Therapy Centre for eight years. She has personal experience of the condition – her mother lived with it in the days when there was no help available.

The charity is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and Helen hopes the auction will benefit the 1,000 people it serves.

She says: “I’ll miss my hats but it will make me happy to think they’re being enjoyed by others who will make new memories with them.”

Husband Jo is also delighted – he will once again have cupboard space for his clothes.

Tickets for Helen’s Tea Party are £35 each from [email protected] or donate at www.mscentrebedsandnorthants.com