When you tell the truth, you never have to worry about

your lousy memory.

“Here it is.. September!!!  So we had all best hurry and enjoy the rest of this year, before it is gone forever”, relays Countess Colleen in her latest Damely Natterings. And what better way to enjoy the company of others than with a Belly Dancing activity.

The Red Hat Dames (Adelaide SA) had a great time at Sandy’s home where she and Kymme wooed the Dames into costume upon their arrival for the demonstration and from then onwards everyone truly did enjoy dancing, laughing and eating.  Sandy’s home was beautifully decorated to set the mood, and she and Kymme entertained the guests with some “real” belly dancing. It was obvious that this is truly a wonderful way to celebrate and enjoy being a woman! Lady la Sheik was also thanked for her contribution to the terrific morning. Future plans for the chapter to visit to The Australian Museum of Childhood will be slotted in around the regular morning coffee gatherings at Billy Baxter’s. A special treat will be the Girls' night out - "She Shines"  - at Blackwood Hills Baptist Church, organised by Trish who hopes to fill the beautiful auditorium with 500 girls (all ages from teen to 100).  It is a fund-raiser for children with autism.  “It will be a fun night out with your girl-friends with first-class entertainment, fun, inspiration, many give-aways, wedding gown parade down through the decades, glamorous, gourmet interval supper, a couple of interviews on the couch,  a make-over for one deserving girl, and much more.  We will have some charming men in dinner suits to escort the girls to their seats and also to serve the delicious supper.  The evening is coming together famously.  We have marvellous Linda McCarthy (professional singer) to entertain us and magnificent Narelle Jones (from Noarlunga Theatre Company) to sing as well. And much more.....”, the Countess advises and adds her simple message …..

“This is my simple religion.  There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy.  Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”                     (Dalai Lama)

What a wonderful time was had by all of the Murray Darlings of Mannum that attended the Christmas in July held who at Carol and Ron’s abode. “The tables looked divine, the food was wonderful and of course the company was just perfect!” recounts Queen Karyn (Puss in Boots).  “The highlight for me would have to be my mum ‘flashing’ her tiny AA cup red lacy bra during our (new) version of our “12 Days of Xmas” (a poem created by Karyn and her Mum Diane (Marshioness of Mirth)and  initially performed at the Perth Convention in 2006)

  We also filled in some time participating in the ‘Right Family Christmas story’ which was very entertaining as well. Then for another day a happy group of M/Darlings met at Wallis theatre for a film activity hosted by Anne, starting with cake and coffee. We adjourned to luncheon at Auchendarroch House after the viewing.” Upcoming events include the regular Morning Teas at Mannum café, which is a grate opportunity to relax, chat, and keep in touch.  Also included in these gatherings is a Swap and Sell section where they share each other’s “treasures”.  And “High Tea” – with Chips! Sounds like an interesting affair being organised by the Murray Community Support Service. Add a day at the shopping outlets and attendance to the spring Races, that should keep them all busy during September.  The Mannum group are hoping to attend the Victor Harbour Retreat organised by Queen Maureen for the SA chapters. This year they will celebrate Halloween at their weekend gathering.

Activities during cooler weather usually result in finding somewhere cosy and warm away from the winter chills, especially down south!!  So for their latest event, 20 Elegant Eyres (SA) gathered at the home of Lady Knitwit to enjoy another wonderful "sister time"....  The theme was “Bling, Bingo & Balloons” ...The Bling was absolutely dazzling and the creative adornments were an inspiration... The Bingo again proved to be a favourite and to follow this … Balloon Time....well, tying balloons in animal shapes, even with instructions proved to be a "challenge" and produced some weird and wonderful creatures, only identifiable after their creators explanation.  “The returnees from the GG at Townsville held everyone's interest with their tales of experiences and treasure's found.  A sumptuous afternoon tea completed another wonderful time together!.

To celebrate the birthday of the original HRH Queen Adelaide, after whom the fair city of Adelaide was named, the Lord Mayor of Adelaide invites anyone with the name of “Adelaide” to a Civic Reception in the Town Hall. Family and friends are also invited to this wonderful celebration of the city's history. Along with the Mayor's own daughter Adelaide, several  Red Hatters also receive  invitations. The youngest “Adelaide” being six months old and the oldest being in her nineties. After speeches and a champagne toast to Queen Adelaide and all the “Adelaide’s” present, a yummy cake was cut and shared with all.  Seen here is HRH Queen Adelaide (Lisa - Queentessential Adelaide Red Hats) and the statue of Queen Adelaide in the main entrance to the Adelaide Town Hall. “The nice young security guard kindly agreed to accompany we two Queen Adelaide’s for the photo. I always try to find a handsome young man to have my photo with to take home to my husband so he can see what I've been up to”, conveys Lisa.

It is great to hear that the new group - The Crimson Rosellas of Corryong VIC have had their first gathering. Baroness Brenda (with support from her Mum, who is a member of the chapter) was quite excited by it all and looks forward to having lots of fun as membership grows.  The attendees at the first event were a little shy but are sure to be wearing their “colours” for future meets.  Meanwhile they have a very cute mascot in the gorgeous “Ruby Redhat" who should set the pace.

Riverland Redhatters of Waikerie continue to share lots of laughs and fellowships which keeps the group strong.  The gals in SA support each other and keep in touch with activities organised by other chapters. Queen Maureen gives regular run-downs from other Adelaide groups. At their last gathering they held a “Show and Tell” which was a great way to gain insight into individual girls and gave a further closeness to the Group.  “As is the case with so many of our Red Hat Sisters, a number of the Riverland chapter have had several health scares and it’s been good to offer support. That is what it is all about,” relays Queen Nan. Our next Gathering is an ‘Olympic Games’ outing which the new Cadell members are organizing.  They are great girls, very innovative so we will probably end up in joggers and singlets!!” Q Nan is shouting herself a 75th birthday trip to Canada and is hoping to catch up with some Redhatters during her travels.