Ladies, how many of you belong to the Red Hat Society?

I was unaware of it until I started hearing mention of it.

I remember a movie called "Ladies in Lavender" and then...

I went to Cracker Barrel (a restaurant here in the south and maybe further) and they had red hats and lavender and red shirts. Well, I bought a red hat because I liked it. I really don't know if it is an organization or not, but its kinda cute. Plus, I like red hats, but have always felt it was socially incorrect to wear lavender with red. Maybe that is the whole point!. Senior rebellion, so to speak.

Hi: I'm new here, and this is my first post...I had to respond, because of your particular question. Quite a few years ago, I first read the poem, "When I am an old woman" (who was the author?---I can't remember). Anyway, LOVED the poem! Then, they made a 'society' out of the whole idea. Doesn't that defeat the whole idea of individualism? And the rules: older women wear red hats and purple clothes..young women wear pink hats and lavender clothes. Well, to each her own; and you really have to do what your spirit tells you. But for me, the whole point of the poem is lost in the society. People want to have friends, though, so I guess if that's what you're looking for, then the club is as good a place as any. But probably not, if you want to be accepted as you are. Sorry if I stepped on any toes....

I am in the Red Hat in Baytown, TX. It is quit a large group. We have to be split into 3 parts. I think it is sponcered by Lee College. So many ladies groups are into 'doing good deeds'. This is not the Red Hat. Our only mission in life is to have lunch once a month.... and have a big lunch with everyone maybe 2 times a year. We check out any new restarant. We all look lovely and they give out prizes of great items women in the group make. I have a lovely purse crocheted with purple and red saying Red Hat. It is a bright spot in the month.

No, I'm not a member, but used to work at a resturant where the ladies would come to eat. They were all so lovely in their red hats and purple outfits. One day they were all laughing about one of the lady's granddaughters painting her nails purple for her. It seemed like a good way to socialize with other ladies of the same age. I enjoyed talking to them. The pink hat ladies liked the waitress that worked when they were there so much they attended her baby shower.

I have sensitivites to perfume, so I've never joined. I think it would be a lot of fun though. You may want to check with the group nearest you and give it a try. Have fun!

Yes, it's a social organization. They have precious little purpose other than to have fun! I'm considering joining; I'm over 50, and I could use a little more good, clean fun in my life ;-)

It was founded after someone read Jenny Joseph's poem entitled "Warning":

"Warning"

"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 flowers in other people's gardens

And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat

And eat three pounds of sausages at a go

Or only bread and pickle for a week

And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry

And pay our rent and not swear in the street

And set a good example for the children.

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?

So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple."

Jenny Joseph

My only actual experience with this group was in a rather small sandwich shop and they were apparently having one of their "meetings" there. They were so loud and obnoxious and really took over the whole restaurant with their loud behavior. I was embarassed for them. I thought they were just like a group of young teenagers thinking that they were really cute and that everyone in the whole place wanted to hear what they were up to. So...no, I'm not a member of the Red Hat Society nor do I ever plan on being anywhere near them if I can avoid it.

I belong to the Red Hat Society. We are not all rich snobs.

Many of us are hard-working women, who just want to

have a good time outside of work. We meet for teas and

lunches or dinners in restaurants, about once or twice a

month. Many of us do charity work. Many of us are parents and grandparents. We support our members and friends when there is a problem or a need. Our group is always open to new members. An organization for women over 50 is a great idea, especially for those women who

tend to isolation, and we do have a good time. It's a great

way to meet other women in our age group.

Edit--alcaholicdemon. Too bad they are like that there.

They are not that way where I live. I guess it just depends

on who they are. I personally found them very friendly

and open. I hope you don't think we are all like the ones

where you are, because we're not. I guess each group is

different.

We have a very active chapter of the "Red Hat Society" in our town but I don't go to meetings. I don't look like a prune yet, when I do, then I'll join.

I had some friends who were members, but until recently I was not old enough (you have to be 50), so I just painted my hiking boots purple and put red shoelaces in them.They were a common sight in my old town, and they did tend to make sweeping entrances at local eateries, but hey -- everybody gotta be somewhere!

sweetie,here where i live the Red Hatters are a group of wealthy snobby very rude dames.i wouldnt join their little click if they paid me.they all live in a wealthy golf community here and wouldnt think of letting an out sider join.where i live you gotta have the right name and bank account to do eny socializing with that type of crowd.EDIT_-annamae-you dont live in my town you have no idea how snobby those women are.