The Red Hat Society is an international social group for women who are 50 years or older. The group was founded in 1998 by Sue Ellen Cooper. The Red Hatters, as they are more affectionately known, encourages women to break out of their shell and have some fun and laughter. You can recognise them by their red hats! A Red Hat Society member wears red hats and purple clothes to meetings and events.
The first Australian Red Hat Society group was the Rose City Red Hatters in Warwick Queensland in July 2001. Florence Slattery, who became known as the Supreme Matriarch, discovered the Red Hatters on a trip to the US and decided to start a chapter here in Australia on her return. Florence celebrated her 100th birthday in June 2016 and passed away the following year.
Why do Red hatters wear red and purple clothes?
The distinctive colours that the red hatters wear are an important part of their identity. It comes from the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph. It begins with the words “When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple, with a red hat which doesn’t go and doesn’t suit me”, which has become the motto of the Red Hat Ladies. It is to remind members to not be invisible, to have fun and to not “act your age”.
What do the Red Hat Ladies do?
Red Hat Ladies Groups are a great way to get out and meet new people. The groups meet regularly for social outings such as lunches, walks, and coffees. The groups are a great opportunity to learn new things, make friends, and have fun.
What is the Pink Hat Society?
Although the Red Hatters is a social group for women over the age of 50, women under that age have been permitted to join as a ‘Pink Hatter’ since 2000. While women over 50 wear a red hat and a purple outfit, younger women wear pink hats with lilac or lavender outfit. Once a Pink Hatter reaches the age of 50 they can ‘REDuate’ and wear the traditional colours of the Red Hatter. Pink Hatters can enjoy all the same benefits as Red Hatters.
For women in their thirties and forties, Hatting can help them see that growing older is not a sign of insignificance. The fun and joy of life certainly do not stop!
What is a Red Hat Society Chapter?
A chapter is a name given to a small group of hatters. Membership is usually capped at 20 members per chapter to keep the group manageable and personal. Chapters are known by the fun tongue in cheek names such as Menopausal Muppets or Gorgeous Goddesses and the person who has founders the chapter is known as ‘The Queen’.
The various Chapters have different membership rules. Some may charge a small yearly membership fee to cover expenses and insurance. Others may ask for donations or do fundraising to cover expenses.
What are the benefits of being a Red Hat Lady?
There are many benefits to being a Red Hat Lady. For starters, it’s a great way to make new friends. The ladies who participate in this group are supportive and welcoming, and they love getting together to chat and just have fun. Being part of a Red Hat Lady group can also give you opportunities to travel and meet new people from all over the world. Plus, membership often comes with discounts on hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. And finally, being a Red Hat Lady is a great way to show your support for women’s empowerment.
How can you join the Red Hat Society?
The Red Hat Society is a social group for women over the age of 50. Membership is open to any woman who wants to join and have fun. There are no rules or regulations, just have a good time! The group meets regularly to eat, drink, and socialize. They also participate in charity work and community events. If you’re interested in joining the Red Hat Society, just search for a chapter near you online or ask around at your local senior centre.
How much does it cost to join the Red Hat Society?
The Red Hat Society is a social club that is open to women of all ages. It’s a great way to make new friends and have fun. The cost of membership is $30 USD per year and you can sign up and pay online by visiting the official Red Hat Society website. If you wish to set up your own Red Hat Society Chapter you can do so by taking out Queen membership at $49 USD per year.
Once you have paid the yearly membership fee you will officially be a member of the Red Hat Society and you will receive a membership card. Some chapters will ask for your membership number when you join them.
Find a Red Hat Society Near You
Western Australia
There are approximately 80 Red Hatters groups located across Western Australia. Visit red-hatters-wa.net to find a group near you and then email info@red-hatters-wa.net to get the contact information of the Chapter that you wish to join.
Victoria
To find a Red Hatters group in Victoria visit redhatsvictoria.com and view their Chapter Contact list which will give you the contact details of the active groups located in your suburb.
Queensland
The Queensland Red Hatters have a private Facebook group which you can join here to find Chapters operating in your area.
There is also an Australia and New Zealand wide private Red Hatting Facebook group with over 1200 members.
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