Red Hatters Converge on Oakham for Day of Sunshine and Sisterhood

Red Hatters Converge on Oakham for Day of Sunshine and Sisterhood

Over 50 vibrant Red Hatters descended upon Oakham today, filling the town with their distinctive purple and red regalia and an infectious spirit of camaraderie. Under the glorious Rutland sunshine, members from various chapters across the region, including the local Rutland Red Hatters, the Fen Fetales from Holbeach, Lincolnshire, and the Torksey Tipplers, joined forces with the Red Hat Bees of Bardwell, Suffolk, who are enjoying a stay at the nearby "In The Stix" accommodation.

https://inthestix.co.uk/

The gathering was a testament to the enduring appeal of the Red Hat Society, a global friendship organisation that empowers women to embrace fun, friendship, fitness, and fulfillment. Today's event saw the ladies enjoying the pleasant weather, exploring Oakham's streets, and undoubtedly sharing laughter and conversation, exemplifying the core tenets of the society.

A Brief History of the Red Hat Society

The Red Hat Society began in America in 1998, when Sue Ellen Cooper bought a red hat at a thrift store and, inspired by the poem "Warning" by Jenny Joseph, gifted it to a friend for her 55th birthday. The poem begins, "When I am an old woman I shall wear purple, with a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me." This simple act sparked a phenomenon. Other friends joined in, wearing red hats and purple attire, and soon, word spread. The society officially launched, encouraging women over 50 to don red hats and purple clothing (those under 50 wear pink hats and lavender attire, often referred to as "Pink Hatters" or "Pinkie Winkies") and embrace a playful, non-conformist approach to aging.

The Red Hat Society is not a sorority, a service organisation, or a political group. Its primary purpose is to provide a supportive and social environment for women to connect, make new friends, and enjoy life's adventures together. Members, affectionately known as "Red Hatters," engage in a wide variety of activities, from simple lunches and coffee mornings to theatre trips, crafting sessions, garden visits, and even international travel. The emphasis is always on fun, fostering sisterhood, and stepping out of daily routines to enjoy life to the fullest.

The Rutland Red Hatters: A Local Hub of Friendship

The Rutland Red Hatters chapter plays a vital role in bringing this spirit of friendship to the local community. While the exact founding date isn't readily available, the presence of such a strong local contingent at today's event highlights their active and thriving membership.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/415552560554974

The Rutland Red Hatters, like their counterparts worldwide, organise regular gatherings and outings for their members. These events provide opportunities for women in the area to socialise, share experiences, and form lasting bonds. Whether it's exploring local attractions, enjoying meals together, or simply meeting for a chat, the Rutland Red Hatters embody the society's mission of promoting joy and connection among women in their golden years.

Today's vibrant gathering in Oakham served as a colourful reminder of the enduring power of friendship and the unique spirit of the Red Hat Society. With laughter echoing through the streets and bright hats bobbing in the sunshine, the Red Hatters certainly made their mark on Oakham, proving that age is truly just a number when it comes to having fun and forging meaningful connections.

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple

With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves

And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired

And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells

And run my stick along the public railings

And make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain

And pick the flowers in other people’s gardens

And learn to spit.

from Warning:When I am an Old Woman I shall wear purple (Profile 2021)
© Jenny Joseph