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RED HAT SOCIETY

NEW ZEALAND STYLE

Monthly Roundup, October 2012.

Greetings Red Hatters, in this struggling spring weather. Of course, typical spring weather – 4

seasons in a day. Well, in Auckland, anyway. And I do not mention next month’s name! Far too

close to Christmas. I haven’t found the Christmas cake recipe yet… Moving house a good excuse! The articles as always are fascinating and fun to read. Welcome to the “Tuitti

Fruitti” Chapter; Enjoy the fun of red hatting.

WAITAKERE FERNS

September’s outing was to the Westgate Cinema, but it didn’t quite work out! Because the various

movies didn’t coordinate well with their finish times, the expected joint lunch became a staggered

episode, even to the extent of being in a different venue than originally planned! But anyway, the

small number who went still had another good time red-hatting in the spirit of Red Hats!

October saw us at The Brigham in Hobsonville, with Raewyn and her delectable food and of course

good company with us all. The birthday girls were able to strut in their red garb and purple top-knots.

(Sadly one less October birthday this year.) The Brigham had done some improvements to the car

parking area, so it was much smoother and nicer to drive in and out of than previously with their

rough gravel surface. Must be making money? Yes, for sure!

Can you believe it’s Spring??????? We are all hoping for a brighter outlook, especially warmer

nights, in the coming weeks, and months.

Cheers!

Red Wine of course!

Lady Ginger, Royal News Reporter

Crimson Kiwis

A pretty quiet month with not much to write about really....we all enjoy it but it doesn't make

exciting reading...

October has almost ended and we are just weeks away from Christmas . Once again, we met at

Hollywood for our monthly catch up ,with a few unable to be there with us this time due to

other engagements but still, a Merry gathering of up to a dozen of us chatted and laughed our way through the couple of hours that pass so quickly.

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Our Best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to Maureen who is unwell in Middlemore Hospital at present.

Get well soon Maureen .

Wiki Beek...

Waiheke Flames

Our first gathering for the month was held at the Beachfront Cafe in Onetangi on Tuesday 2nd October 2012 at 11.30am with the sand and sea right in front of us. A beautiful spot.

We had a good attendance of 10 Red Hat Ladies. After our meeting we tucked in to a hearty

lunch with lots of talking laughter and friendship. Its good that we get together and have a meal with lots of fun.

During the month Alison ,one of the Red Hat ladies suggested we me either at Vino Vino for lunch one week. Some of us went and had an enjoyable time and a lovely lunch. Alison once again

invited us out to the Red Crab for another lunch. Four people went along and really enjoyed the

Thai meal.

This Monday the 29th October 4 of us Red Hatters are off to the Bruce Mason theatre in

Takapuna to enjoy "Morning Melodies. "Each month this is held for $5.00 entry and on Monday

the Navy band will be playing. From what I have heard this is wonderful entertainment so we are looking forward to Monday.

See you all next month,

with love and blessings Lady Juniper Jenny

From Precious Pukekos

We have had a fairly quite month, meeting as we normally do at the lovely Howick Club; it

is so nice to see so many friends turn up every month. There was time to sit

and chat and make plans for the next few weeks . One very important thing to do was to

elect or select or brow beat someone into becoming a new Vice Queen or

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Queen of Vice, and as only Cheryl put her name forward it was very quickly accepted she

was to be the “ONE”, So congratulations Cheryl from us all .

WE are looking forward to going to Working Westies Wenches Bring and buy sale on the

21st November. If you came to our Trivia a couple of months ago and saw some of

Bernice’s “BLING “ that was just a tip of the ice berg ( as the saying goes ) we really

would need a truck to get everything there, no-one can imagine just how much jewellery

Bernice had. So come along a grab a few bargain’s even - a few Christmas presents for

your Red Hat friends. Look out for Christine’s Crazy Table.

We are also looking forward to the wonderful. Christmas lunch next month at the

Waipuna Lodge. Oh!!! my goodness only 8 short weeks to Christmas. !!!!

Till next month .

Hugs and best wishes .

Christine

B.O.I. Tuitti Fruitti Red Hats

At last I am able to send in our roundup happenings -

In February we started our group of three and the first meeting was at my home, the

following months we gradually went up in numbers and now we have twentyfive

although not everyone can attend the monthly meetings for some reason or other.

We have had great support from Patsy in Mangonui and I found her very helpfull

getting our little group running smoothly. Last month we had the pleasure of meeting

the Mangonui Red Hats as they were dining in Kerikeri and Patsy has kindly invited us

all up to Coopers Beach Bowling Club in December where we hope to join them for

Christmas lunch.

Most of our monthly meeting we have dined somewhere in Kerikeri with one special

occassion at a members home where we dined and had a fantastic view of the Inlet

nearby. Our Christmas outing will be at the"Pear Tree" which has another view of the

Kerikeri Inlet.

In the New Year we have a list of interesting arty people to visit one of the first will be

someone who does Glass Art and the next maybe a little ride to Paihia to look around at

the great Art places or Dine at Darryl's Diner ( a Restaurant on a boat)

I look forward to reading all about other Chapters outing each month and hopefully

send in something from us also.

Bye for now

(Merlot Maiden)

Esta

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Thames Ruby Redz

have been a bit slack of late, one of our members has been to the Sydney convention and we are

awaiting her report on the things she got up to. We are looking forward to next years NZ

Convention, what a great idea to have everything at the one venue, Waipuna Lodge is a great

place, suitable for all gatherings, thank you for Cherry Ripes for putting so much thought into

this convention, it will be something to remember for years to come, I am sure. We need to

confirm bookings by January, it will be then advertised overseas so NZers make your booking

now! Thames Ruby Redz plan to support the P & O Cruisers at their annual Miranda Hot Pool

Swim 5th November at Miranda Hot Pools, ask for a Senior VIP ticket and get in for $6. Shared

lunch I believe. On the 6th we are planning to win the best hat competition at the gentlemens

club in Thames for their Melbourne Cup afternoon, plus our usual fun. $10 meal option.

Ravishing Rubies are hosting the Auckland Queens Council Meeting on the 13th

November, a

great chance to get to meet other queens and swap ideas. On the 21st we are travelling to Te

Atatu to join the Westy Working Wenches for their Market Day, looking forward to buying

Christmas Presents etc. 28th November Waihi Pussies are holding their Christmas Function at

Corogate Café, $32 per head some of us may join them, not sure yet. They are also going to

join us for our Christmas/Birthday Function at the Grahamstown Hall on 1st December, we are

planning a three course meal for $20 per head plus we will be holding a Swishing (google

swishing) event. All Red Hatters are invited, RSVP by 23rd

November please. Christmas gift to

the value of $5, if you put one in you get one out and the theme is purple/red suitable for a Red

Hat Lady.

How many sleeps till Christmas, not sure, but not long. In January we will be hosting the

Waikato Queens Council (2nd

Meeting) this will be open to all members (Just for a change and

because we have no rules in Red Hatting) followed by a progressive dinner in many parts. On

the Sunday Thames Trotting Club have invited us to this annual event, prizes to win, plus all

the fun of the racing. RSVP to these events by 5th January 2013 please.

In March there is to be a Pamper Weekend in Rotorua, the last minute attempt to hold this was

too close to Christmas, so here is another opportunity, email for more details if interested.

Lots more information on our website

http://thamesrubyredz.yolasite.com

.

Queen Izzie

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Rosetown Red Hatterz

October Happenings:

Starting with a late September Market Day in the little town of Pirongia, such a crowd of

people with some Red Hatters amongst them, visiting the stalls, enjoying the sunshine

and fun, coffee and scones as well as lots of shopping for almost anything.

The 200 stalls had just what you had been looking for as well as lots of other stuff you

never wanted but just had to have - a great day out.

The first Thursday in October saw a gathering of Hatterz for lunch, a bunch of very

glamorous ladies out and about with pizzaz.

A jaunt to Auckland by two intrepid Rosetown Hatterz attended a cancer fund

raising High Tea arranged by Blockhouse Bay Bloomers at Nostalgia Restaurant in

Ponsonby. What a fabulous day it was; wonderful food, beautifully attired Red Hatters

from many different groups, making friends and getting to know other Red Hatters.

Blockhouse Bay Bloomers along with Nostalgia Restaurant staff you are to be

congratulated on a very successful fund raiser. We loved it so much we plan a further

trip to Auckland with our Hatters just so they can enjoy the restaurant and see for

themselves what a fantastic place it is.

Last but not least, more Red Hatterz took a trip up Mt. Ruapehu. It was a beautiful

day, sunshine and blue skies accompanied us for the day - wonderful vistas to be

enjoyed along with still some snow at the top of 'The Bruce' - our Red Hats made some

brilliant photos backed by snow capped mountain peaks. We did have to hold onto our

hat; the wind was a bit cobweb blowing and blustery.

As this goes to print, Rosetown Hatterz are hard into conjuring up purple and red

decorations for the annual Santa Parade float happening early December. Watch this

space, we plan to Wow the locals of Te Awamutu with a red and purple surprise.

Cheers

Rosetown Red Hatterz

Strawberry D'Lites

of Palmerston North have had very social month as we visited 2 other chapters

for lunch and had our usual lunch and supper get-togethers AND a Grand Roast

in a food mall today 28th October. I gave all my ladies a lollipop wrapped in a tissue with eyes drawn on to celebrate halloween!

No Strawberry D'Lites celebrate a birthday in October BUT Six have November birthdays and

our chapter turns 8!

Red Hat Hugs, Josie aka Empress Josephine

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CRIMSON CRAZIE WITCHES DINED IN THE

DARK, SERVED BY THE WITCH DOCTOR!

Ever had the daylight savings scared outta yer? Well the Crimson Crazies did, when they celebrated with an early Halloween Witches Dinner.....with one big catch! The gels were all blindfolded for the experience.....Eating was Challenging and creeping fingers and hands delicately picked At the unidentified provender. A guessing game ensued as to What the dishes were and who had made them. In between Courses a quick game of Fact or Crap kept our Witches guessing Until the next mystery course was ready and the blindfolds put back on. Scrumptious

savouries, whitebait puffs, ratatouille, rice and a very Sophisticated polenta salad were

woofed down. Finally dessert....whiskey Oranges with Athol Brose Cream stopped em

in their tracks. It was served In paper cups,

and Jan gave us the low down ho down on the famous Scottish Story of the giant Athol

and the meaning of Athol Brose Cream... There was a brief

silence...interrupted only by The scraping of spoons in cups....during which I

Thunked and hoped that my Prince Phillip would not notice a few wee drams of his best Glenlivett evaporating due to The daylight saving and the bright

sunny day which it just happened to go missing on. Finally tea and coffee and a variety of

delicious goodies were taken in the lounge. The servers being blindfolded

and the guests serving up the goodies.

The Crazies had a vote for the best dressed Witch & Saucy Sue was

presented With the golden Witch on a plinth, to be recycled next year. Have fun Red Hatters and be careful as

we go skidding down the calendar into Christmas. Cheers Helen

Queen of the Dames For The Crimson Crazies of South Auckland

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RAVISHING RUBIES -

A fairly quiet time for us this month with people away, sick and doing other things. Our

outing was to Brick Lane and we all had a lovely lunch and lots of laughs. It is great to

catch up with like-minded friends and have a good time and hear what they have all

been doing. Well, with Labour weekend over, Christmas is just around the corner with

lots of parties coming up and time to do the Christmas shopping, make the cake etc.

Another busy time but wonderful to spend time with family and friends (and especially

little grandies) and just enjoy some quality time. Signing off till next month, take care

and be well.

Queen Ruby.

Waiuku Red Hatters

Greetings from the Southern most town on the Manukau Harbour. Waiuku Red Hatters had a

great get-together in October.

We had a good turn out, and lots of notices about up-coming events were discussed.

One could be out just about every day, from now until Christmas. We have the Parade early

December, which we will enter. The theme is Story Book, so I am sure we will have plenty of

scope, Little Red Riding Hood comes to mind quite easily.

Some of us are planning to go to Miranda to the hot pools the first Monday in November with

P & O Cruisers, an annual event.

We usually go to the Strawberry Fair in lower Queen Street, (Auckland that is) also in

November. Lots more fun and friendship coming up.

Fuchsia Queen Elaine

HAMILTON RED HAT LADIES

October was a much more sedate month for our chapter. We had our usual monthly luncheon

with a couple of escapades thrown in.

First off a few of us did a 'drive by' Hospice to surprise (shock) one of our ladies there. The

'shock' bit was that we arrived dressed up. (some as the Topp Twins, 1 in a yellow polka dot

bikini & 1 as a sumo wrestler). We certainly put a smile on Noelene's face (shrieks of laughter &

an expletive of O.M.G). Word soon filtered around that we were there & the staff wanted us to

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visit (entertain) a few other residents. Even the CEO & his 2.I.C. 'ferreted' us out & ended up

having their photos taken with us. (We must have behaved as we were asked to call again)

Next was a most enjoyable evening at a Fashion Show presented by a local fashion store at the

Hamilton RSA. One of our ladies (Lady Valentine) went from a bridesmaid last month to a

'future' N.Z Top Model contestant for 2013 (at above said fashion show) to a 'gun 10 pin

bowler' all in a few weeks.

This month's luncheon was hosted by the '3 J's' (Lady Betty Op Shop, Lady Pink Frachie & Lady

Jonnie Come Lately) at SKYCITY in a lovely Asian restaurant called Silks. Upon entering the

'private room' (which was specially set aside for us), we were greeted by a really homely &

inviting venue with big circular tables adorned with lovely fresh flowers picked from Lady Pink

Frachie's garden. The venue was perfect for a group like ours, (excellent for intimate

conversations), the scrummy food was served by a couple of very pleasant young waiters -

overall it was a most enjoyable couple of hours. A few of us adjourned to the 10 pin bowling

upstairs where a number of our ladies showed their potential !?!?!?!?!. Some really starred &

some really bombed but it was a lot of fun & laughter.

(Good for the soul). Lady Valentine (mentioned above as a 'gun bowler') also showed us how

'not to bowl' by landing flat on the deck. (I'm not actually sure if she got her fingers stuck in the

holes & tried to follow the ball down the alley – face down - or not). But the rescuer's (plus

Shon), were laughing so much they had trouble retrieving her 'elegantly' up off the floor. No 1

team of Shon, Gail & Hazel showed No 2 team of Lynne, Pauline & Jan how to play. Our cheer

leading team really enjoyed the spectacle.

Lots of Red Hat Hugs.

Lady Betty Op shop

Botany Babes

Rainbow Queen loves her clacker, and she certainly needed it

today to quieten the noisy mob. We are a lively bunch. John

our friendly Café owner wasn’t around as he was in hospital

having a heart operation. Paul has taken over the reins for the time being and the poor fellow

was given a hard time by the red hatters, being told he was the floor show for the session; he

couldn’t get back to the counter quick enough.

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Our baby photos were on display, and it was a difficult task to determine who was who. I know

I’m not very good at this game, as I only managed to guess one.

Lady Butterfly’s jokes went down well but Mistress Majik topped it with the tale of her black

nightie and black satin negligee!

Baroness Bubbly read a ‘tarty poem’ – 50 shades of grey, which had us all laughing out loud and

admitted to hiding the cover of the book whist she was reading ’50 Shades of Grey’ on the train

A Senior momentI’m not going to say who had the senior moment but she is as close to Royalty

as Red Hatters get, and has just moved house. After having a spend up at Bunnings our Senior

Citizen paid for her items and made her way towards the exit door which didn’t open for her.

So she decided to help it along a bit and held out her car key remote to open it. She was madly

pressing away when her daughter arrived and couldn’t believe what her mother was doing. An

embarrassed couple finally made their way to the waiting car. Has any one else ever tried to

open automatic opening doors with car keys ?

Botanic Gardens Jill promised us a sunny day as she didn’t

organise this event, and guess what – it couldn’t have been better

– well done Lady Butterfly.

The weather was perfect and the company was great. Dressed

for the occasion in our purple and red outfits we certainly turned

heads and had many favourable comments. One I liked was being

told we looking “spiffing”. The roses put on a fragrant show for us and the differing colours

were amazing. The gardens are looking great, it’s hard to believe that no sprays are used. It

was great to see so many sculptures around and we enjoyed warming our bums on the tiled

seats.

P & O Cruisers

Hi all. It seems many months since I last contributed to the newsletters, but our group has

just been plodding along over the winter months.

We have been having a monthly lunch at the "Edinburgh Street restaurant" with an average of

20 women every month.

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In early October the town of Pukekohe hosted "The Age Expo" which is a day when all

community groups are in the one place so the over 60's can access clubs, health care etc. For

the last few years Queen Fushia Elaine of Waiuku and us have had a table promoting Red Hat. I

had a very successful day, taking seven names, and Elaine

took quite a few, and we also spoke to a couple of ladies

about starting a group in a small country area. This

month 3 of the ladies that spoke to us came and joined

us for lunch and they said that they really enjoyed

themselves.

Also in October Janet, Lynn, and I went and sat for a

local art group with our red hat and regalia on. What a

laugh. It was very interesting to see how a group of

people approached drawing. Some started with a pencil

sketch and others went straight into the use of crayon.

I took photos of all the drawings so my ladies could have

a laugh. They kindly paid us for sitting for them, and I

said that we would donate it to the Breast Cancer. This

is really dear to our hearts as one of our ladies was diagnosed a few months ago with breast

cancer. She is now on the mend. So ladies please do remember to have your regular

mammograms.

Like most of us I am sure that we are looking forward to Summer. Some days I am ready to get

out of my winter clothes and then the next day we need them.

Queen Witchy Poo Ann

P & O Cruisers.

Red Hot Flashes – Napier

With the queen and the royal scribe both returning from holidays, it was all on again for

the Flashes. Our little core group of fun seekers are gearing up for an exciting summer.

Our Tuesday evening out consisted of a meal at Breaker’s restaurant and a visit from

Napier’s own Art Deco Dude, the infamous Bertie, who regaled us with tales of being the

ambassador of all things deco. We laughed until tears ran down our legs. Bertie was

very entertaining and such good company. We heard stories that would knock your little

purple socks off. But we won’t tell!

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Condolences sent to our lovely sister Lady Di on the passing of her mother. We missed

you and send you our love.

Next month the ladies will be getting their freak on at an exclusive 80s party. Blackmail

photos will be published.

Have a great Halloween my witchy friends!

Her Royal Behindness

Queen Heather

GREETINGS FROM THE QUEEN CITY JAVA

BELLES in Auckland City Central.

THE BELLES INVITE ALL CHAPTERS TO A RED HAT FLASHMOB EVENT on Saturday Dec 1st to celebrate the switching on of the FRANKIN RD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS EVENT! Come along and make this the Red Hat ramble of the Festive Season - wearing your red hat is the only essential! Meet at the Red Hat banner near the Christmas tree in Victoria Park by 8pm. Our plan is to walk up one side of Franklin Rd and down the other . Then we plan to have supper under the Christmas tree. Bring a flask of tea/coffee and a packet of your favorite bix ..for supper - the Belles will have a table set up - coffee stalls are usually set up on Frankln Rd. but queues are always long ( please telephone Queen Belle ph 09 620 4523 for more details )

I enjoyed the Picton Convention, such fun was had at the masked evening!!!

Congratulations to Queen Tania and her Chapter. The conference and accommodation

costs at Waipuna Lodge will rule out any of the Belles attending including Moi - on

principal - as we live so close to the venue ...but holding the annual convention in

Auckland City was always going to be problematic for Auckland Chapters. As some of

you know I personally and the Belles as a chapter, do not support FUND RAISING for

other organizations at RED HAT events - even one as worthwhile as Breast Cancer - so I

would not have been attending the Sunday auction.

The Belles continue on their merry globe trotting ways - but fun was had in Auckland too

...we are not a `project driven ' chapter ... and a definite NO, no to an activities

scrapbook - but we do enjoy such events as a weekly movie date , a weekly luncheon

cafe venue and a quarterly shared luncheon at a member's home.

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Some fun highlights of the year: Our Autumn home event was a `scarf swapping party'

held at Countess Raemabelle's new home in New Lynn and Moi hosted our Mid Winter

Christmas luncheon with Baroness Valeriebelle as musical director - songs by Cole

Porter ( see photo below) Spring shared lunch was held at Baroness Valeriebelle's home

who now has two grand pianos in her lounge to entertain us. Our guessing game `who

who's baby photo contest was a hoot with on-one picking MOI as a certain cuddly, bald

entrant in the yellow dress !!! We are going to display photos from our teenage years at

our next home event!

Auckland arts scene continues to fascinate with Belles attending orchestral concerts,

opera, theater , movies ,art exhibitions and the wonderful NZ Ballet events .There is so

much to do when one lives in the central city - passing over the parking fees of course..

We thank WINNIE ( you know who ) each time we use public transport for our gold

cards!

Hope to see you Saturday Dec. 1st in Victoria Park at the bottem of Franklin Rd 8pm!!!

Kindest Red Hat regards,

Queen Belle - Dame Rosabelle.

Queen City Java Belles.

The end of another record of fun, friendship, red hatting, caring.

I hope you enjoy the read – I did.

And I found this verse –no doubt some have read before – with which to finish…

If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills

If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains

If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles

If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time

If you can face the world without lies and deceit

If you can sleep without the aid of drug, then –

You are probably a dog.

Til the next......

Country bird, aka Barbara