AGE WITH STYLE AND GLAMOUR

Tuesday evening at the Artichoke in Brentwood brought the fabulous Red Hatters from around Essex (England)and what a splash they made in their gorgeous purple dresses and jackets topped with scarlet hats. The occasion was a 'reduation' for the lovely Sheila Hines (aka Princess Sparkle) who had reached her 50th birthday, the time when she left her 'pinkie' status and flew up to become a fully fledged Red Hatter. The super, energetic Carol Crosbie (aka Queen Cass of Warley) who leads the 'Top Totties', invited around 30 of the Red Hatters from around Essex to celebrate this extra-special event. Everything connected with the evening bore a purple and red hue and the ladies' ingenuity with clothes, jewellery, shoes, pens, even the birthday cake-knife were linked to their amazing colour theme. What fun we had and what a privilege to meet every one of those fabulous Red Hatters.

FABULOUS RED HATTERS

What a super group of ladies to brighten up the dullest of November afternoons! Just enjoyed a great lunch with these "Red Hatters" from this part of Essex. They embody everything that is fun and delightful about growing older. Their 'Queen' Pat is in the front row, second from left with Janet (last year's Queen) next to her. Princess Philippa stands out in her customary 'pink' just behind. You see, you have to reach the grand old age of 50 before you can wear the famous red hat and purple outfit. Actually, I love the combination. See also Geraldine who looks stunning in another permutation. Huge coincidence that last week in London I met the poet Jenny Joseph at Somerset House at the Royal Society of Literature lecture. It was her poem written in 1961 entitled "WHEN I GROW OLD, I WILL WEAR PURPLE" which is the inspiration and philosophy behind this local Red Hat Society chapter and thousands of other groups around the globe. More on this at a later date.