When you can't change the direction of the wind - adjust your sails.

A great morning was enjoyed at Jamaica Blue when the Sisters with a Twist of Canberra laughed their way through their tea/coffee.  The Gathering was made up of both new and regular members who were thrilled when Marchioness Maureen (now requesting to also be known as Lady Lunch-a-lot) arrived in her Red Hatmobile all decked out in regalia with her red and purple flags attached the handle bars.  Maureen explained that she has been grounded for a few months now after a very uncomfortable foot operation, and needed the motorised assistance at the Mall to be able to get around.  As usual quite a few ladies enquired about Red Hatting, and a “business card” was eagerly offered and accepted.  The morning tea was followed with stop in to see the movie  Bonneville. Special thanks was extended to Ellen who took a major role in the “dis”organised double event.

Members from five chapters in the Hunter region gathered at historical Tomago House for High Tea where they shared in the fellowship of each other, as well as the performance by two very talented Tupperware sellers.  (Gay guys who also do a mean act to keep you entertained).  The guys had dressed accordingly in “the colours’ and it made for a very interesting afternoon.

Queen Varelle (Honey Bees) was suitably dressed in her Elvis gear together with VQ Valda. Queens Margaret (Rat Bags) Helen (Purple Feathers), Beth (Hunter Red Bloomers) and Annette (M’Ladies of the Lake) were a bit more sedate in their attire.  VQ Valda took the opportunity to “annoint” Queen Beth during the afternoon gathering.

Email Female (aka Kaye) sends her latest news of the Scarlet Women of Camden Haven relaying news of the Congratulations extended to the Birthday Girls and on their selection of the venue, which was excellent,  as well as the food. “One of the best meals we have had. Mind you, I can't really remember one month that wasn't good. Just like we have not had an activity that has not excelled. Plus I am sure that we are becoming more beautiful every month....there has to be something good about getting older!”

Ladies from Alstonville and Casino joined in the celebrations of The Ballina Belles first birthday party. The theme was “Babies First Birthday”, so bibs were worn along with red and purple crepe paper hats. It was indeed very colorful. During the party Lady Jill was renamed Lady Jill the Party Princess as she had worked so hard to make it all a success.

“Games from our childhood were played and most of us had our hankies pinned on and we all brought along our favourite Teddy or Doll. Our next outing will be a more sedate lunch”,  recounts Queen Isabella (Norma).  

Armed with knitting needles and completed squares, members of the M’Ladies of the Lake and the Raving Red Ratbags (Newcastle area), gathered at the Art Gallery to support the “Wrap with Love” program.  Birthday girl Marilyn and Queenie Annette reminisced about their recent attendance at the Townsville G/Giggle (where they were often mistaken for each other!!)

Then for the M’Ladies it was off for a bit of pampering where they enjoyed some face packs and hot rock massaging.  All in all….. Lots of FUN!!

After their successful English Garden Party at the Royal abode, the Blue Mountains Red Hots planned for further adventures and are heading off on a  tour of Fort Denison and a picnic lunch.  Queen Maureen and her ladies were taking the train to Sydney and catching the ferry, so that was sure to be another great day out. And Morning Melodies at the Joan Theatre was completing the August run. Dancing, fun and games at a fund raising night (for Prostrate cancer) at the Gaels Club at Penrith, being hosted by member – Gabrielle, was listed for September with a lunch and movie day at the Cremorne Orpheum added to the months activities. The Blaxland group were going to support  Lady Glitter Gwenivieve who is taking her red hat ladies from Constitution Hill, (convalescent home) on their first outing for lunch at Seven Hills RSL and to complete that months outings a picnic and walk along the riverwalk at Penrith would be making the most of the warmer weather.

The Outback Desert Dames (Broken Hill) have celebrated their first birthday!  Thanks was extended to Countessa Marianne for organising the function and to Rainbow (Ingrid) who was stepping down from her role as Vice Queen. Her Majesty Queen Barb, presented the members in attendance with a commemorative bottle of White Shiraz (which was pink) and two lovely purple flutes from which to sip the beverage. Attached to each bottle was a red or purple balloon which made the table look very festive. During the evening Rainbow  presented all with suggested outings for the coming year as well as  some information regarding procedures used by other Red Hat Chapters. Marquess de Silver (Pat), two prospective ‘hatters’ Shirley and Wendy, and of course, Marianne plus some consorts, all had a wonderful time at the Astra.

The Moruya Red Hatters Hive came up with some amazing creations when they held their "2008 Haute Couture Op Shop Fashion Parade". “It was a fun night with the ‘show stopper’ being the bride and bridesmaid ensembles. As you can see the ladies outdid themselves in style and sophistication.  It is truly amazing what you can put together from the op shops and have such fun doing it and parading, or wearing the results”, relays Queen Bee Lyn

And Lyn’s SPECIAL news: I am the Queen of the chapter and my daughter is also a member (a pink hatter) called  ‘Crown Princess’. On many occasions my 7 year old grand daughter has joined us for events like when we march in the jazz festival parade etc. She is ‘Precious Princess Royal’. My daughter recently gave birth to another little girl who has already joined us at just 2 weeks of age and she is ‘Special Tiny Princess Royal’.  We take the responsibility of raising future generations of hatters very seriously as you can see.  The ladies have already adorned her in shades of lilac pink and purple. She is adorable Ha! Ha! I just wanted to share my Nana News.” 

And so we have.