Q.                          Who are we?       

 The Holbeach Official Chapter of the Red Hat Society. A group of mature ladies, over the age of 50, who want to meet on a regular basis with others of a similar age and interest, and who want to chat, have a cup of tea/coffee, take days out to interesting places, do things we wouldn't normally do.   

 

Q.                          Are only women allowed to be part of our Chapter?

 Yes, we  have all looked after our families throughout the earlier years, and now we deserve a break. The Red Hat Society is a haven for us to join together, let our hair down,  be silly.  We do not include husbands, partners, significant-others or children in our events (except when they take place at our own homes), and we have the most well-behaved children and grandchildren imaginable, but now is the time purely for us. Husbands, partners and significant-others are quite capable of looking after themselves for a few hours.

 

Q.                          When did the Chapter start?

 Our first get-together was 5 April 2006, and 12 "girls" arrived at our venue.  At our first anniversary we had 31, and are still growing.

 

Q.                          When and where do we meet?

 We get together on the first Wednesday of each month at 3pm at the Silverwood Tea Rooms, Browngate, Long Sutton.  Here we can enjoy light refreshments, have a chat, get the latest Chapter and Society news, but most important of all, have a laugh.

 

Q.                          Do we do anything else?

 Yes, of course.  In April 2008 we celebrated not only Red Hat Day (which is celebrated worldwide) but also our second anniversary. We, as a group, have grown from strength to strength, and have tried to arrange a variety of events to suit all, including museum visits, afternoon tea, talks, belly dancing, etc.  If you click here, you will be able to see our Calendar of Events for the rest of the year..

 

Q.                          Are guests welcome?

 Yes, but always check with Queen Junerose by completing our Enquiry Form on this site before assuming you can  come along to an event. Guests are welcome to attend one monthly get-together to see if they like us (and we them) and would like to join us, thereafter they can be included in all the events we plan.  .

 

Q.                          Do we have to pay anything to join?

 There is no subscription, but a small contribution to the planning of events, phone calls, and postage is suggested, to keep us up to date with what is going on.

 

Q.                          What other expenses are there?

 Everything we do is at our own expense. If we get together,  we pay for whatever we eat or drink. If we go out on Play Days, we pay our own expenses such as entrance fees, tickets, etc. If any "girls" share cars, we are encouraged to contribute to the cost of fuel and car parking fees.

 

Q.                          What topics aren't mentioned?

 We talk about most things, and for women in our age group, that's a wide range of subjects. However, three specific topics are strongly discouraged: politics, religion and ailments. 

 

Q.                          Do we have to wear any specific clothing or colours?

 The Red Hat Society started in America when Sue Ellen Cooper bought a friend a red hat which she wore when they went out together. The group increased, and each wore a red hat, hence the name of the Society.  If you refer to the poem by Jenny Joseph, "Warning"©, which starts "When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple and a red hat which doesn't go.......", you will get an idea of how we dress.   (Have a look at some of our photographs on the site). We like to wear purple outfits and red hats to all our events, and although it isn't necessary for anyone to do so for their initial attendance, it is essential on any Play Days, and it soon becomes quite obvious who is the "odd one out".