Chapter Song - to the tune of "The Bees Song", Arthur Askey
Oh. What a glorious thing to be
A red and purple Red Hat Bee
Enjoying life along the way
Meeting other Hatters for a Red Hat day.
I like to be, a Red Hat Bee
Being just as buzzy as a Bee can be
Meeting at the Six Bells
Sailing on a cruise
All dressed in purple
And our bright red shoes.
Chorus
Bzz Bzz Bardwell Red Hat Bee, Red Hat Bee
I’m a Red Hat and it just suits me
Bzz Bzz Bardwell Red Hat Bee, Red Hat Bee
I’m a Red Hat and it just suits me.
We’re having fun, in our purple and red
Aged in body, young in head
Nothing will stop us, we’re out for fun
Live life to the full, it has to be done.
Repeat Chorus
Ending: I’m a Red Hat and it just… suits… me.
New York Convention February 17
Janet and I were lucky enough to be able to go to the Hats in the City convention in New York. What fun we had! Non-stop from start to finish, with events arranged by the Red Hat Society for the whole 72 hours of the convention - if you had the energy to attend them all!
The International Attendees meeting was hosted by Sue Ellen, Linda Murphy, Debra Granich and Emily Youst. Five of us from the UK and many other from Canada and Australia attended. It was interesting to hear that Australia has far more supporting members than UK!
We also sang with the Red Hat Glee Club choir on Broadway, and what more fitting song than "New York, New York". We certainly were a sight to see (and hear) in Times Square.
Mazza's trip to USA September 16
I recently combined a trip to see friends in California and Texas with 2 days at the American Convention in Texas.
Their conventions are organised by Red Hat Headquarters staff rather than a local chapter. There were about 1200 Red Hats attending from various American states. There were also about 9 Australians and 4 Canadians as well as 1 from UK - yours truly. The International meeting was hosted by the 2 ladies who started it all Sue Ellen and her friend Linda, to whom she gave a Red Hat...and the rest is history, with Red Hat chapters around the world now.
There were themed meals with entertainment, such as the Mexican theme on the first day. Masses of Red Hat shops and entertainment all day on both days on a stage in 'Shopping area'. This involved fancy dress competitions, hat, boot competitions. Singers and Red Hat choir and lots more!
Great fun and business cards exchanged with complete strangers along with gifts. A good time was had by all.
Next USA convention is New York next February called Hats in the City.
Mazza - Lady Travelalot
National Stud 29th April 16
On a cold, windy but somewhat sunny day, 14 Red Hat Bees met at the coffee shop of The National Stud, Newmarket, for a tour of the grounds. Our guide, Nigel, was very informative, knowledgable, AND humorous. :) We visited the main buildings where stallions and mares are "introduced"and saw many "results"in lovely foals of varying ages. What magnificent horses these thoroughbreds are! After a 90 minutes tour, we returned to the coffee shop for a light lunch which was efficiently served by the two hard-working ladies there. It was another "play day"as Janet S put it and fun to be out and about, chat, and learn something, as well. In the fall, Newmarket will be opening a newly refurbished building from the 1600's as a Heritage Centre in honour of 350 years in the "horse business." Perhaps that will be an opportunity for a fall outing! Karen
25th April 16
The Bees joined other East Anglian chapters in Ely to celebrate the Red Hat Society 18th birthday. A photo shoot in the Square was missed by the Bees, who were sensibly having a drink in the dry! The charity shops were well prepared for our invasion, dressing their windows in red and purple, and filling their shops with red and purple goods. It was great fun meeting other hatters and grabbing bargains. The shops were happy with the trade they had on a cold and wet day.
22nd April 16
Ten Hatters from Bardwell were joined by two Fen Fatales for a day at the shopping outlet and adjoining landscaped gardens in Spalding. After lunch in the Kitchen, Sandra was treated to a rendition of Happy Birthday as it was her birthday that day.
Norwich Walk November 15
Report from Tish:
A great day in Norwich:
On the 19th of November, the Red Hat Bees of Bardwell joined the Norfolk Broads for a guided tour of the city of Norwich. It was somehow surreal to see Red Hat ladies arriving in the Forum and gathering for coffee before setting out on our tour. But this was not just any tour – this was a Red Hat tour! Red Hat Queen, Jude (also a Blue Badge Guide) led us on a tour of investigation and intrigue as she told us stories of the amazing women who formed an important part of Norwich’s history. The hour and a half or so flew by as we learnt of people such as Edith Cavell, Jenny Lind, and many others, including the woman who invented the soh-fal scale of reading music, and not forgetting Emma, who held Norwich Castle against Cromwell.
After the tour we invaded (ooops!) went to Cosmos for lunch – an amazing place with food from all over the world – if you haven’t been there already do give it a try. A great time to chat and mingle and lovely to meet and compare notes with other Red Hatters. After lunch we had free time to shop, explore further sites or just head home. Being a bit of an Imelda Marcus, my free time included a visit to an amazing shoe shop, where I just managed to stop myself from buying a fabulous pair of shoes (red, of course) with heels in the shape of a Teddy Bear – well, what else for a Red Hatter?! Finally groups of us met up in various locations for tea and cake – in my case it was tea at Biddy’s and the biggest tea individual tea pot I have ever seen - another must for a visit to Norwich! And so to the return journey home with us all saying a big thank you to Sandra for organising such a great day out! Here’s to the next time!
A great day in Norwich:
On the 19th of November, the Red Hat Bees of Bardwell joined the Norfolk Broads for a guided tour of the city of Norwich. It was somehow surreal to see Red Hat ladies arriving in the Forum and gathering for coffee before setting out on our tour. But this was not just any tour – this was a Red Hat tour! Red Hat Queen, Jude (also a Blue Badge Guide) led us on a tour of investigation and intrigue as she told us stories of the amazing women who formed an important part of Norwich’s history. The hour and a half or so flew by as we learnt of people such as Edith Cavell, Jenny Lind, and many others, including the woman who invented the soh-fal scale of reading music, and not forgetting Emma, who held Norwich Castle against Cromwell.
After the tour we invaded (ooops!) went to Cosmos for lunch – an amazing place with food from all over the world – if you haven’t been there already do give it a try. A great time to chat and mingle and lovely to meet and compare notes with other Red Hatters. After lunch we had free time to shop, explore further sites or just head home. Being a bit of an Imelda Marcus, my free time included a visit to an amazing shoe shop, where I just managed to stop myself from buying a fabulous pair of shoes (red, of course) with heels in the shape of a Teddy Bear – well, what else for a Red Hatter?! Finally groups of us met up in various locations for tea and cake – in my case it was tea at Biddy’s and the biggest tea individual tea pot I have ever seen - another must for a visit to Norwich! And so to the return journey home with us all saying a big thank you to Sandra for organising such a great day out! Here’s to the next time!
June Newsletter
For those of you that were unlucky enough to miss lunch at Rushbrooke Arms it was a real corker . The venue itself was excellent , again we had our own private space which was charming, the staff attentive and I can only speak for myself here but my lunch was delicious .
The weather was unkind , very wet but no matter , once inside we were directed up stairs by our hosts May birthday girls Tish and Mazza . Then we were settled with drinks, quiz sheets handed out and asked to get into groups of five? The idea was to see how well we knew each other? Tish had previously asked if we could tell her a little know fact about ourselves. The quiz sheet suggested that we subtly chat to each other and find the owners of the little know facts, you know how well hatters do subtle!!!!! With howls of laughter questions and answers were flying around the room. Who would ever have guessed that within our chapter we had not only a RHBee with a private pilots licence but another that had flown with Sir Cliff Richard? One attended college with Stephen Fry. A Lollipop Lady. Two sang at The Royal Albert Hall, another attended the Queens Diamond Jubilee at Buckingham Palace, while another revealed she was married at Lambeth Palace? In all 26 secret facts unfolded, I can't go through them all but will mention a famous murderer went on a date with a fellow RHBee !!!!! You couldn't make it up, truth is stranger than fiction .
Our birthday lunches are such a success, they reinforce to me how lucky we are to live in this lovely area with its abundance of great eaterie , but most of all what an outstanding group of ladies you ar , always such fun, unbelievably interesting and wonderfully caring.
On June 3rd over a dozen of the RHBees are off to London, meeting up with other hatters from across the country to see "Sunny Afternoon " the musical tribute to the Kinks, a group many of us would have seen in their hay day.
June is a busy month for us as a chapter with many different things on the cards . If you check out our website you will find details of them plus other plans that have been made for later in the yea .
Happy Hatting to you all Vivxx
For those of you that were unlucky enough to miss lunch at Rushbrooke Arms it was a real corker . The venue itself was excellent , again we had our own private space which was charming, the staff attentive and I can only speak for myself here but my lunch was delicious .
The weather was unkind , very wet but no matter , once inside we were directed up stairs by our hosts May birthday girls Tish and Mazza . Then we were settled with drinks, quiz sheets handed out and asked to get into groups of five? The idea was to see how well we knew each other? Tish had previously asked if we could tell her a little know fact about ourselves. The quiz sheet suggested that we subtly chat to each other and find the owners of the little know facts, you know how well hatters do subtle!!!!! With howls of laughter questions and answers were flying around the room. Who would ever have guessed that within our chapter we had not only a RHBee with a private pilots licence but another that had flown with Sir Cliff Richard? One attended college with Stephen Fry. A Lollipop Lady. Two sang at The Royal Albert Hall, another attended the Queens Diamond Jubilee at Buckingham Palace, while another revealed she was married at Lambeth Palace? In all 26 secret facts unfolded, I can't go through them all but will mention a famous murderer went on a date with a fellow RHBee !!!!! You couldn't make it up, truth is stranger than fiction .
Our birthday lunches are such a success, they reinforce to me how lucky we are to live in this lovely area with its abundance of great eaterie , but most of all what an outstanding group of ladies you ar , always such fun, unbelievably interesting and wonderfully caring.
On June 3rd over a dozen of the RHBees are off to London, meeting up with other hatters from across the country to see "Sunny Afternoon " the musical tribute to the Kinks, a group many of us would have seen in their hay day.
June is a busy month for us as a chapter with many different things on the cards . If you check out our website you will find details of them plus other plans that have been made for later in the yea .
Happy Hatting to you all Vivxx
10th April Tea
Hi All
For those of you unable to make the T you missed a very buzzy one; not much business but full of fun !!!!! We were welcomed with Buck's Fizz then moved swiftly onto a super birthday cake courtesy of the April birthday trio Karen, Ros & Sandra , last but by no means least Mavis ran a sweep for the Grand National , she also made chocolate egg nest to go with our coffee before we made our way into the gardens, that are looking beautiful at this time of year, for an egg hunt, arranged by our own " Outdoor Girl " Sandra .....why are you not surprised?
It was really nice to welcome Sandra's sister Linda once again , who many of you will know is a Hatter in Canada . Mazza has returned safely from her solo travels in Burma with plenty of tales to tell , also nice to see Liz back, we have so many travellers amongst the chapter, isn't it fantastic.
Paul was very helpful as always , serving the Bucks Fizz then coffee. After speaking to other chapters I've realised how lucky we are to have The Six Bells as a base " for free " to meet up at each month.
As a show of our appreciation and to mark Paul's birthday next week a "Red Hat Lady" rose plant is being sent to him from the chapter. A small mark of our appreciation to Paul and his family .
Sorry that I'm going to miss out on St Georges Day with you also our 17th Birthday celebrations in Bury , almost 100 Hatters expected so I understand .
Wishing a speedy recovery to those RHBees who are unwell .
Catch up with you soon .
Love Vivxx
Hi All
For those of you unable to make the T you missed a very buzzy one; not much business but full of fun !!!!! We were welcomed with Buck's Fizz then moved swiftly onto a super birthday cake courtesy of the April birthday trio Karen, Ros & Sandra , last but by no means least Mavis ran a sweep for the Grand National , she also made chocolate egg nest to go with our coffee before we made our way into the gardens, that are looking beautiful at this time of year, for an egg hunt, arranged by our own " Outdoor Girl " Sandra .....why are you not surprised?
It was really nice to welcome Sandra's sister Linda once again , who many of you will know is a Hatter in Canada . Mazza has returned safely from her solo travels in Burma with plenty of tales to tell , also nice to see Liz back, we have so many travellers amongst the chapter, isn't it fantastic.
Paul was very helpful as always , serving the Bucks Fizz then coffee. After speaking to other chapters I've realised how lucky we are to have The Six Bells as a base " for free " to meet up at each month.
As a show of our appreciation and to mark Paul's birthday next week a "Red Hat Lady" rose plant is being sent to him from the chapter. A small mark of our appreciation to Paul and his family .
Sorry that I'm going to miss out on St Georges Day with you also our 17th Birthday celebrations in Bury , almost 100 Hatters expected so I understand .
Wishing a speedy recovery to those RHBees who are unwell .
Catch up with you soon .
Love Vivxx
April 2105 London Hat Walk
Viv, Rosemarie and myself boarded the Train at Stowmarket joining Janet Smith and Anne from the Vixens. We travelled together to London in Red and Purple to support London Hat Week.
Meeting up with other Chapters and having Brunch at Jamie Oliver's Hatton Kitchen before commencing the walk from Soho.
Red Hatters out numbered the Milliners in the Parade resulting in a spectacular sight as we walked through the Streets via Piccadilly Circus and Pall Mall with views of Buck House. Heavy Rain and strong winds halted the walk under cover beside Trafalgar Square.
Another memorable day of fun and friendship.
Ruthie
Viv, Rosemarie and myself boarded the Train at Stowmarket joining Janet Smith and Anne from the Vixens. We travelled together to London in Red and Purple to support London Hat Week.
Meeting up with other Chapters and having Brunch at Jamie Oliver's Hatton Kitchen before commencing the walk from Soho.
Red Hatters out numbered the Milliners in the Parade resulting in a spectacular sight as we walked through the Streets via Piccadilly Circus and Pall Mall with views of Buck House. Heavy Rain and strong winds halted the walk under cover beside Trafalgar Square.
Another memorable day of fun and friendship.
Ruthie
March Birthday Lunch,
"A Good Time Was Had By All"
On March 20th The Red Hat Bees of Bardwell met for the March Birthday Lunch in Bury St Edmunds at The Regency Hotel. Birthday Girls were Mavis, Lynne, Jeanne, Mary, Becca, and Jill, resplendent in "reverse"purple and red for the occasion. A lovely lunch was followed by "pass the parcel" organized by Mavis....one big parcel turned into many small ones, all gaily wrapped in purple and red paper, courtesy of Home Base :), including a quiz along with the way. It was amazing how much we all knew about sweets!
Thank you so much for organizing such a fun day. The waitress commented to me upon leaving how much fun we were to serve and it was lovely to see so many "mature"ladies out enjoying themselves. Go Girls! That is what Red Hat is all about. Karen, Texan Tottie.
"A Good Time Was Had By All"
On March 20th The Red Hat Bees of Bardwell met for the March Birthday Lunch in Bury St Edmunds at The Regency Hotel. Birthday Girls were Mavis, Lynne, Jeanne, Mary, Becca, and Jill, resplendent in "reverse"purple and red for the occasion. A lovely lunch was followed by "pass the parcel" organized by Mavis....one big parcel turned into many small ones, all gaily wrapped in purple and red paper, courtesy of Home Base :), including a quiz along with the way. It was amazing how much we all knew about sweets!
Thank you so much for organizing such a fun day. The waitress commented to me upon leaving how much fun we were to serve and it was lovely to see so many "mature"ladies out enjoying themselves. Go Girls! That is what Red Hat is all about. Karen, Texan Tottie.
RHBees 1st Birthday Celebration Lunch
February 27th andJane and Rosemarie chose for their birthday lunch, which happened to coincide with our chapters 1st anniversary, so a joint celebration it was . Sadly Jane, aka Lady Chatalot, sporting a rotten cold felt anything like celebrating which left Radiating Rosie solo to host the lunch.
The Blue Boar, Walsham Le Willows was chosen by the birthday girls and what an excellent chose of venue. The staff were very welcoming, food tasty, with our own private room which Rosemarie decorated beautifully, Purple and Red of course. Fresh flowers, bunting, tinsel - it looked gorgeous. We had a delicious number "1" cake lovingly made by The Duchess of Ickworth ........Jo. Although Karen, Lady Texan Tottie, was also unable to make the lunch due to ill health her husband Chris came along as our official photographer to mark RHBees 1st year.
What a year it has been; our Purple Empress Jeanne winning 1st prize with her Peacock hat on the Isle of Wight, lunches, dinners, theatre trips, weekend away, fundraising Macmillan day, building snowmen , oh so many things and all such good fun, while caring and supporting each other with the ups and downs life throws at us all.
It's a real pleasure to be part of your chapter, looking forward to sharing our second year together.
Thank you so much for the card and thoughtful gift, I was truly touched.
Luv to every RHBee
Queen Bee Vivy V
February 27th andJane and Rosemarie chose for their birthday lunch, which happened to coincide with our chapters 1st anniversary, so a joint celebration it was . Sadly Jane, aka Lady Chatalot, sporting a rotten cold felt anything like celebrating which left Radiating Rosie solo to host the lunch.
The Blue Boar, Walsham Le Willows was chosen by the birthday girls and what an excellent chose of venue. The staff were very welcoming, food tasty, with our own private room which Rosemarie decorated beautifully, Purple and Red of course. Fresh flowers, bunting, tinsel - it looked gorgeous. We had a delicious number "1" cake lovingly made by The Duchess of Ickworth ........Jo. Although Karen, Lady Texan Tottie, was also unable to make the lunch due to ill health her husband Chris came along as our official photographer to mark RHBees 1st year.
What a year it has been; our Purple Empress Jeanne winning 1st prize with her Peacock hat on the Isle of Wight, lunches, dinners, theatre trips, weekend away, fundraising Macmillan day, building snowmen , oh so many things and all such good fun, while caring and supporting each other with the ups and downs life throws at us all.
It's a real pleasure to be part of your chapter, looking forward to sharing our second year together.
Thank you so much for the card and thoughtful gift, I was truly touched.
Luv to every RHBee
Queen Bee Vivy V
BBC Tour 22nd February 2015
Team;- Mavis. Mazza, Janet.S, Ruthie, Wendy, Rosemarie, Janet.B ,Jo
Eight Red Hatters went out one Sunday Morn to see what fun could be had and thanks to Mavis they came upon the BBC television and Broadcasting studios in Norwich
Once they had all gathered, and after a Danish pastry and coffee they went off to see behind the scenes at the TV studio.
A brief video presentation gave Mazza the opportunity to melt into the mood or bean bag, entering into the spirit of the relaxed day, then it was off to the studio.
The studio was a dark room with a wall of television screens all flickering with different images and banks of switches and buttons, the tour guide patiently went through the many functions necessary to make the programmes they create, it highlighted the exacting precision that’s needed to produce the News.
It was interesting to learn that every program, in all BBC studios, is physically counted down using Ceefax timing and we discovered that the weather is the only unscripted program, and this is because it is used as a buffer slot. So if the weather is brief the studio is running short of time if its detailed and they show viewers photographs they need to fill a gap, something’s gone wrong!!
The Look East news desk shattered a few illusions…it’s a very small, not very smart room with a false backdrop and a desk that hides a million wires and ‘stuff’ like hair spray and makeup, they make it look much better on the telly
As you will see, from the photos Mavis took, several of us had a go at presenting the weather and pretty good we were too
In the broadcasting studio we had some fun of our own ; Mazza presented a special food program with great professionalism and flare to a special studio guest Janet S, an eloquent speaker who was unimpressed by any and all of the food suggestions, this was followed by weather girl Jo, who brilliantly brought a bit of sun to a damp day
The tour ended in the Tardis as we took the controls to bring us safely back to the present time and home A very successful and interesting tour
Thank you Mavis, another winner………. Rosemarie (Radiating Rosie)
Team;- Mavis. Mazza, Janet.S, Ruthie, Wendy, Rosemarie, Janet.B ,Jo
Eight Red Hatters went out one Sunday Morn to see what fun could be had and thanks to Mavis they came upon the BBC television and Broadcasting studios in Norwich
Once they had all gathered, and after a Danish pastry and coffee they went off to see behind the scenes at the TV studio.
A brief video presentation gave Mazza the opportunity to melt into the mood or bean bag, entering into the spirit of the relaxed day, then it was off to the studio.
The studio was a dark room with a wall of television screens all flickering with different images and banks of switches and buttons, the tour guide patiently went through the many functions necessary to make the programmes they create, it highlighted the exacting precision that’s needed to produce the News.
It was interesting to learn that every program, in all BBC studios, is physically counted down using Ceefax timing and we discovered that the weather is the only unscripted program, and this is because it is used as a buffer slot. So if the weather is brief the studio is running short of time if its detailed and they show viewers photographs they need to fill a gap, something’s gone wrong!!
The Look East news desk shattered a few illusions…it’s a very small, not very smart room with a false backdrop and a desk that hides a million wires and ‘stuff’ like hair spray and makeup, they make it look much better on the telly
As you will see, from the photos Mavis took, several of us had a go at presenting the weather and pretty good we were too
In the broadcasting studio we had some fun of our own ; Mazza presented a special food program with great professionalism and flare to a special studio guest Janet S, an eloquent speaker who was unimpressed by any and all of the food suggestions, this was followed by weather girl Jo, who brilliantly brought a bit of sun to a damp day
The tour ended in the Tardis as we took the controls to bring us safely back to the present time and home A very successful and interesting tour
Thank you Mavis, another winner………. Rosemarie (Radiating Rosie)
Liverpool Convention 2014
A fun filled weekend for around 230 ladies. We stayed at the Adelphi hotel in the centre of Liverpool, once a very grand hotel, but sadly in need of updating and improving-still this did not stop us from enjoying ourselves.
The entertainment each night included tribute acts to The Supremes, The Beatles, Tom Jones and Cliff Richard and the Shadows. Mazza excelled herself on the dance floor and her dance outfit complete with leg warmers was a sight to behold!
Saturday was the highlight of the weekend when Viv, Jeannie, Mazza & I took a 3 hour Fab Four taxi tour with our guide Terry. He really brought the story of The Beatles to life, taking us on a journey through the group’s history, and visiting the places which inspired the lyrics to their songs.
Nothing was too much trouble for Terry, and so a 3 hour tour became 6 hours. He also took us to Crosby beach to see the Antony Gormley sculptures entitled “Another Place”- 100 sculptures of his own body set in the sand all facing towards the sea.
Sunday morning we visited the Albert Docks where there are shops and cafes, and also The Beatles museum.
In the afternoon the whole group boarded the ferry for a trip across the Mersey, and yes we all sang that song.
On Monday we just had time to walk to Matthew Street, home to the Cavern Club, which was a well known venue for The Beatles, before catching the train home in the afternoon.
A fun filled weekend for around 230 ladies. We stayed at the Adelphi hotel in the centre of Liverpool, once a very grand hotel, but sadly in need of updating and improving-still this did not stop us from enjoying ourselves.
The entertainment each night included tribute acts to The Supremes, The Beatles, Tom Jones and Cliff Richard and the Shadows. Mazza excelled herself on the dance floor and her dance outfit complete with leg warmers was a sight to behold!
Saturday was the highlight of the weekend when Viv, Jeannie, Mazza & I took a 3 hour Fab Four taxi tour with our guide Terry. He really brought the story of The Beatles to life, taking us on a journey through the group’s history, and visiting the places which inspired the lyrics to their songs.
Nothing was too much trouble for Terry, and so a 3 hour tour became 6 hours. He also took us to Crosby beach to see the Antony Gormley sculptures entitled “Another Place”- 100 sculptures of his own body set in the sand all facing towards the sea.
Sunday morning we visited the Albert Docks where there are shops and cafes, and also The Beatles museum.
In the afternoon the whole group boarded the ferry for a trip across the Mersey, and yes we all sang that song.
On Monday we just had time to walk to Matthew Street, home to the Cavern Club, which was a well known venue for The Beatles, before catching the train home in the afternoon.
26th September MacMillan Day
Macmillan Day .......Didn't we do well, with the help of The Vermillion Vixens. Lots of hard work for sure, more than enough laughs, amazing cakes, ploughman's - oh so tasty with the home made chutney - yum. Stalls to cover every taste. The whole day had a loverly friendly buzz about it . The compliments keep flowing in from the village . I think we really showed what a great society we are. Thank you one and all for helping to make the day a true success. I feel so very proud being Queen to such a fantastic caring group of ladies. Last but not least an amazing £1356.20 is going to this worthy cause. ( £6.20 of this sum donated to us by Hamish and Freddy, two local boys, profit from their lemonade stall.
Well done all! The grand sum of £1300 has been sent to MacMillan.
Macmillan Day .......Didn't we do well, with the help of The Vermillion Vixens. Lots of hard work for sure, more than enough laughs, amazing cakes, ploughman's - oh so tasty with the home made chutney - yum. Stalls to cover every taste. The whole day had a loverly friendly buzz about it . The compliments keep flowing in from the village . I think we really showed what a great society we are. Thank you one and all for helping to make the day a true success. I feel so very proud being Queen to such a fantastic caring group of ladies. Last but not least an amazing £1356.20 is going to this worthy cause. ( £6.20 of this sum donated to us by Hamish and Freddy, two local boys, profit from their lemonade stall.
Well done all! The grand sum of £1300 has been sent to MacMillan.
14th August 2014
Despite the showers a thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all . Super coach with driver to match finding us an excellent pitch . Then helping with the fun and games putting up Jeanne's gazebo . Pimms flowing, bubbly on tap - we had a feast of food to soak up the booze . Between the showers we were led into a sing song by Dee and then it was off to the races . Most of us enjoyed being chauffeured by shuttle bus to the Premier enclosure . We are not used to such style . Then to be greeted with padded seats .....I sat back and watched most of my horses come in last . Hey ho, no matter it was a really fun day filled with warmth and friendship . What Hatting is all about . Thanks everyone for making the day so special .
Despite the showers a thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all . Super coach with driver to match finding us an excellent pitch . Then helping with the fun and games putting up Jeanne's gazebo . Pimms flowing, bubbly on tap - we had a feast of food to soak up the booze . Between the showers we were led into a sing song by Dee and then it was off to the races . Most of us enjoyed being chauffeured by shuttle bus to the Premier enclosure . We are not used to such style . Then to be greeted with padded seats .....I sat back and watched most of my horses come in last . Hey ho, no matter it was a really fun day filled with warmth and friendship . What Hatting is all about . Thanks everyone for making the day so special .
19th June - See "what we get up to" for pictures
From our one and only Sandra:
Anyone interested? asked our Queen.
I thought 'I would love to see Brussels but it's not really my scene especially if fancy dress is included'!
So NO thanks, I'll do it at another time with Terry.
Three days before they leave - a phone call to see if I could use a spare ticket at such short notice and as I had an unusually quiet weekend and Terry happy for me to go I said YES but was not sure what I was really letting myself in for!
Friday morning and the chauffeur arrives to drive us to Ely, very comfortable start!
Train 1 : out came purple glasses etched with our hatter names, red serviettes, wine, cheese and biscuits for breakfast, thanks to Viv.
Train 2 : glasses, wine and lunch from the buffet car.
Return journey
Train 3 : glasses, wine and sweet biscuits.
Train 4 : glasses, wine and pizza.
What did we do?
1) We experienced the world wide friendship of hatting, 8 countries and almost 200 ladies caring for each other, meeting and sharing experiences. It was good to meet up with our Swedish friends who were so pleased to see us and remember the wonderful time they had at our convention.
2) We smiled and laughed until our faces ached!
I now know what it is like to be famous or royal. 48 hours of constantly being photographed, hugged, complimented, chatted up, wolf whistled at etc....
3) We didn't stop talking, eating, drinking and even some singing and dancing. All this with other Red Hat ladies, total strangers as we promoted 'hatting', 'tractor boys', Norwich men on a golfing weekend, American grandad and local people.
4) We walked and managed to do a little shopping. The beauty and grandeur of Brussels was a sight to behold and the local market and souvenir shops just had to be visited!
Would I go again? YES
Would I recommend it to others? YES
Would I go back with Terry? YES
Thank you Viv, Janet, Christine, Maz, Ruth and Karen for your company and humour over such a good weekend.
And Karen too!
Mazza, Ruthie, and Karen stayed on an extra day in Brussels to experience "the sights" of the city. We used the Hop on Hop off bus on two lines and got to see most of the city during a 5 hour period. The highlight was visiting the Atomium which was built for the World Fair in 1958. We rode to the top (102 m) in an elevator and had an incredible view over the city. Than we explored the other spheres, linked by stairs and escalators. Very interesting. After a sightseeing tour of the Parliament Quarter, the Palace of Justice, and the Place Royale we ended with a quick visit to Manneken Pis. Dinner was mussels and kriek, the Belgian beer made from cherries and a last drink with our American friend, Ron. It was an absolutely lovely weekend filled with fun, singing, laughter, and lots of "photo shoots."
And finally.........Christine!
What a great Weekend ! These outings get better and better. Sandra did a great job with her account of the activities and as she said the feeling of friendship was immense. Everyone was on such a high for most of the weekend.
I was pleased that my parcel was received by Anne Miek Klokgieters from the Hague in Holland, who unwrapped the gift whilst we were having Dinner. Later we met and I was able to explain that it was Honey from Ford Place Nursing Home in Thetford where I work. The Home has a Forgotten Garden and the gardener keeps Bee’s and sells the honey to the public. Included with the gift were photographs of myself with the beekeeper in our study centre used by local schools, and a history of “The Forgotten Garden “.
I managed to get two lovely Photo’s of Anne who was delighted with her gift. These will be on our notice board along with others from “Our Fun Weekend “
I would also like to say a big thank you to Viv our Queen and Janet and Sandra for being such good companions . Joining us later for the fun were Ruth,Karen and Maz.
I think we all felt special during that weekend
From our one and only Sandra:
Anyone interested? asked our Queen.
I thought 'I would love to see Brussels but it's not really my scene especially if fancy dress is included'!
So NO thanks, I'll do it at another time with Terry.
Three days before they leave - a phone call to see if I could use a spare ticket at such short notice and as I had an unusually quiet weekend and Terry happy for me to go I said YES but was not sure what I was really letting myself in for!
Friday morning and the chauffeur arrives to drive us to Ely, very comfortable start!
Train 1 : out came purple glasses etched with our hatter names, red serviettes, wine, cheese and biscuits for breakfast, thanks to Viv.
Train 2 : glasses, wine and lunch from the buffet car.
Return journey
Train 3 : glasses, wine and sweet biscuits.
Train 4 : glasses, wine and pizza.
What did we do?
1) We experienced the world wide friendship of hatting, 8 countries and almost 200 ladies caring for each other, meeting and sharing experiences. It was good to meet up with our Swedish friends who were so pleased to see us and remember the wonderful time they had at our convention.
2) We smiled and laughed until our faces ached!
I now know what it is like to be famous or royal. 48 hours of constantly being photographed, hugged, complimented, chatted up, wolf whistled at etc....
3) We didn't stop talking, eating, drinking and even some singing and dancing. All this with other Red Hat ladies, total strangers as we promoted 'hatting', 'tractor boys', Norwich men on a golfing weekend, American grandad and local people.
4) We walked and managed to do a little shopping. The beauty and grandeur of Brussels was a sight to behold and the local market and souvenir shops just had to be visited!
Would I go again? YES
Would I recommend it to others? YES
Would I go back with Terry? YES
Thank you Viv, Janet, Christine, Maz, Ruth and Karen for your company and humour over such a good weekend.
And Karen too!
Mazza, Ruthie, and Karen stayed on an extra day in Brussels to experience "the sights" of the city. We used the Hop on Hop off bus on two lines and got to see most of the city during a 5 hour period. The highlight was visiting the Atomium which was built for the World Fair in 1958. We rode to the top (102 m) in an elevator and had an incredible view over the city. Than we explored the other spheres, linked by stairs and escalators. Very interesting. After a sightseeing tour of the Parliament Quarter, the Palace of Justice, and the Place Royale we ended with a quick visit to Manneken Pis. Dinner was mussels and kriek, the Belgian beer made from cherries and a last drink with our American friend, Ron. It was an absolutely lovely weekend filled with fun, singing, laughter, and lots of "photo shoots."
And finally.........Christine!
What a great Weekend ! These outings get better and better. Sandra did a great job with her account of the activities and as she said the feeling of friendship was immense. Everyone was on such a high for most of the weekend.
I was pleased that my parcel was received by Anne Miek Klokgieters from the Hague in Holland, who unwrapped the gift whilst we were having Dinner. Later we met and I was able to explain that it was Honey from Ford Place Nursing Home in Thetford where I work. The Home has a Forgotten Garden and the gardener keeps Bee’s and sells the honey to the public. Included with the gift were photographs of myself with the beekeeper in our study centre used by local schools, and a history of “The Forgotten Garden “.
I managed to get two lovely Photo’s of Anne who was delighted with her gift. These will be on our notice board along with others from “Our Fun Weekend “
I would also like to say a big thank you to Viv our Queen and Janet and Sandra for being such good companions . Joining us later for the fun were Ruth,Karen and Maz.
I think we all felt special during that weekend
News from Viv 10th June 2014
Post Box
I've made a little post box for us to use for any monies that are to be paid to Janet S ( treasurer ).
If it could be put in a sealed envelope with your name , how much is in there , what it's for etc.
Once Janet has recorded each payment she will e-mail payee which will act as a receipt .
Hopefully this will make life easier for all, and allow Janet to sort out the monies in a quieter moment.
I can hardly believe we are in a June already .....time flys when you're having fun . And we certainly have had some fun over the past few months don't you think? Joining up with different chapters for all sorts of events . Not to mention things we have been enjoying within our own chapter .
Birthday lunches have to be one of the biggest successes . We certainly are spoilt for choice in this area , so many excellent venues we have frequented and not one of them has disappointed .
Jeanne's craft days are as popular as ever . Now Carol has joined in bringing her jewellery making skills along . Where will we go next , what other talent is yet to be discovered ?
By now you should all have your chapter badges . I hope you are as pleased with them as I am .
Chapter Badges are £6.50 if you care to purchase another one . We also have stick pins & lapel badges with RHBees logo for sale at £2.50 each . Enough of the sales pitch .
For those girls that were not able to join Jules, Ruthie & myself at the June birthday lunch, we now have chapter business cards to hand out . If you would like a few of these please feel free to take some. Mavis will have them at the tea .
July is yet another busy month . Something new for us to try - Paella & Prosecco. There are still places available I believe . If your name isn't down but you would like to come along Janet B is arranging, just get in touch with her . As with all our events the more the merrier .
We have been invited to join Hatters in the annual Wisbeach Rose Fair as yet sad to say no takers, we can't do it all, maybe next year .
A few of us are joining The MK Millys for a day at The Botanic Gardens in Cambridge on July 18th.
At just £3.95 entry (plus £5.00 if you wanted to join in a group tour. )what a great price / place to meet up with other Hatters, all you need to bring is a picnic and comfy shoes . We really are lucky living in such a wonderful part of the country with so much to see and do on our door step .
I can't sign off before thanking each of you for helping to make our chapter a fun and happy group. I know I am speaking for all of us when I extend a warm welcome to our two new members Kay and Lesley.
Happy Hatting
Vivxx
Post Box
I've made a little post box for us to use for any monies that are to be paid to Janet S ( treasurer ).
If it could be put in a sealed envelope with your name , how much is in there , what it's for etc.
Once Janet has recorded each payment she will e-mail payee which will act as a receipt .
Hopefully this will make life easier for all, and allow Janet to sort out the monies in a quieter moment.
I can hardly believe we are in a June already .....time flys when you're having fun . And we certainly have had some fun over the past few months don't you think? Joining up with different chapters for all sorts of events . Not to mention things we have been enjoying within our own chapter .
Birthday lunches have to be one of the biggest successes . We certainly are spoilt for choice in this area , so many excellent venues we have frequented and not one of them has disappointed .
Jeanne's craft days are as popular as ever . Now Carol has joined in bringing her jewellery making skills along . Where will we go next , what other talent is yet to be discovered ?
By now you should all have your chapter badges . I hope you are as pleased with them as I am .
Chapter Badges are £6.50 if you care to purchase another one . We also have stick pins & lapel badges with RHBees logo for sale at £2.50 each . Enough of the sales pitch .
For those girls that were not able to join Jules, Ruthie & myself at the June birthday lunch, we now have chapter business cards to hand out . If you would like a few of these please feel free to take some. Mavis will have them at the tea .
July is yet another busy month . Something new for us to try - Paella & Prosecco. There are still places available I believe . If your name isn't down but you would like to come along Janet B is arranging, just get in touch with her . As with all our events the more the merrier .
We have been invited to join Hatters in the annual Wisbeach Rose Fair as yet sad to say no takers, we can't do it all, maybe next year .
A few of us are joining The MK Millys for a day at The Botanic Gardens in Cambridge on July 18th.
At just £3.95 entry (plus £5.00 if you wanted to join in a group tour. )what a great price / place to meet up with other Hatters, all you need to bring is a picnic and comfy shoes . We really are lucky living in such a wonderful part of the country with so much to see and do on our door step .
I can't sign off before thanking each of you for helping to make our chapter a fun and happy group. I know I am speaking for all of us when I extend a warm welcome to our two new members Kay and Lesley.
Happy Hatting
Vivxx