Stylish Ossie couple on track for a winner
They win posh train's fashion stakes
Oswaldtwistle couple Carl and Victoria Janeczko were on a winner when they travelled to Royal Ascot on Thursday aboard one of the world’s poshest trains.
For they were voted the best-dressed couple on the 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle, which actor Bill Nighy once described as “the Grand Dame of luxury travel”.
And that meant even more champagne as they tucked into a slap-up six-course banquet during the journey back to Manchester in the evening.
“It was an absolutely fabulous day out,” said mum-of-four Victoria, who runs a beauty salon in the town, and arranged the trip as a surprise 50th birthday present for Carl.
“Everything was fantastic – the food, the service, the staff, the weather and the other passengers. We made loads of new friends.
“Even better, we also managed to pick the winners in a couple of the races.
“But being named the best-dressed couple on the train was the icing on the cake!”
Mum-of-four Victoria, 48, bought her blue dress at a high-class boutique during a winter holiday in the Canary Islands and saved it specially for the Ascot trip.
But she hired her matching hat from Get Ahead Hats in Great Harwood.
Carl, meanwhile, was looking dapper in a checkered Boss suit, with a shirt and tie specially bought to match his wife’s dress.
“We’re already planning to take the Northern Belle to Royal Ascot again next year,” said Victoria. “And it was so good, we’re hoping to take four friends with us.”
Victoria Station in Manchester resembled a fashion parade as passengers boarded the train for Ladies Day at Ascot.
Director of food and beverages Brian Clark said: “It was an absolutely fantastic start to the day, nothing short of brilliant.
“The atmosphere on board was buzzing – truly a great vibe with so much positivity all around.
“Everyone was in high spirits, dressed to the nines, and ready for a spectacular day of racing, fashion and fun.
“As for Carl and Victoria, they looked sensational – a vision of co-ordinated chic, perfectly embodying the spirit of Ascot with their sartorial splendour!
“From head to toe, they complemented each other flawlessly, setting the bar sky-high for couple's fashion during our journey.”
The Northern Belle operates from various stations in the North-West. It will head from Manchester to Bath, with the chance to visit the historic Roman baths, next Friday.
Then in July there will be an excursion to Edinburgh and a steam-hauled journey over the spectacular Settle-Carlisle line.
Among the year’s other trips will be a special Bonfire Night dinner from Manchester and Preston in November, followed by a slap-up Christmas Lunch in December.