A few years ago a lady named Jenny Joseph wrote a poem called “Warning”. This poem starts off with:
“When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat that doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit”
This poem started a revolution “of sorts”! You now see ladies around town sporting their purple outfits and their, somewhat subdued, but mostly outlandish, red hats. The founder of the RED HAT SOCIETY, Sue Ellen Cooper took the inspiration from the poem which is about embracing life and fun, rather than being held back by age and what everyone expects and old lady to be and do.
It is all about fun and friendship. The fun starts with naming
the chapters, and its members. The Raspberry Tarts, The Red Hat Mamas. The Scarlett O’Hatters, Breezy Sassy Sisters, This is just to name a few. The idea quickly spread and now there are chapters all over the world. Look on the web under Red Hat Society and you will understand. There are over 41,000 chapters with groups in Canada, Japan, Mexico, etc. Seems all ladies just want to have fun.
To be a “RED HATTER” you must be over 50 years of age. “Over fifty and fabulous” that is what we say about ourselves. But that does not mean you cannot join the RED HATS if you are under fifty. You may join the PINK HATTERS. they are our Ladies in waiting and support group. They dress in Lavender or lilac and wear pink hats. We welcome all ladies to do what we do “LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH” That is the motto of the RED HATS.
We are ladies with “HATTITUDE”!!! It is so much fun for us to don our purple outfits and Red Hats and go to lunch, the movies, picnic on the beach, the zoo or just wherever our hearts decide to go and watch the people watch us. If you went out and saw a group of men, the thought would not enter your mind that the Rotary Club had a meeting. But see a group of ladies in purple and Red Hats and you point, laugh and say ”Look the Red Hatters are out today”.
If you are thinking about becoming a member, don’t hesitate! We welcome new members with open arms. However, there are some things you need to know before becoming a member and it is call the “Do’s and Don’ts”.
“THE RED HAT SOCIETY DO’S”
• Do join a chapter if you are looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy life. The women of the RED HAT SOCIETY are known for throwing fabulous parties.
• Do buy a stunning RED HAT and a purple outfit once you are ready to become a RED HATTER. The more elaborate and beautiful the better.
• Do join in the fun if you are under the age of fifty. Join as one of our PINK HATTERS and wear a crazy lavender outfit with a pink hat until you reach the wonderful age of FIFTY.
• Do know that when you join the RED HAT SOCIETY, you will make lasting friendship that you will treasure for a lifetime.
• Do remember each chapter of the RED HAT SOCIETY is free to plan any type of activity that they so desire.
“THE RED HAT SOCIETY DON’TS”
• Don’t join a chapter of the RED HATS if you don’t want to meet new and interesting people
• Don’t bother becoming a member if you don’t plan on having a lot of fun and trying out new and exciting adventures.
• Don’t bother joining if you don’t want to wear the most gorgeous RED HATS and purple outfits you can possible find.
• Don’t join if you are looking for structure and rules, the rule is to not have any rules, just have fun.
• Don’t miss out on an opportunity to become part of the best group in the world where friendly, caring women come together for fun and friendship. Remember the RED HAT motto: LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH.
