2012
2nd January– ‘Hoot’ in Cambridge
Four of us went to Cambridge to meet up with many others for a ‘Hoot’ as Debra (Queen Lady Bug) came to visit having been in London for the New Year’s Day parade. The Fitzwilliam Museum was awash with purple and red and we made a real show when we went shopping later.
30th January – Anglesey Abbey
Five went to Anglesey Abbey to see the snowdrops. It was bitterly cold but a good day none the less. After a wander round it was lunch with a hot drink which was very welcome.
13th February - Afternoon Tea at The White Lion in Wisbech
We had a wonderful afternoon tea with 6 of our ladies after some look around the shops and some seriously good finds! Unfortunately one had a flood in her bathroom so couldn't attend.
27th February - The Luxe
Six of went to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It was absolutely brilliant and the entire audience applauded at the end!!
13th March
Our usual evening meeting gave way to a Chinese luncheon - excellent!
30th March - Pamper Day in Spalding
Three ladies took advantage of a day in aid of 'The Eve Appeal' (Ovarian Cancer research) at the Red Lion Quarter in Spalding. There were quite a few stalls selling various beauty products and jewelry etc. We bought some raffle tickets and won!! We all had a stress test done and were all under the magic number (that's what being a Red Hat does for you, lowers your stress levels!). We wandered around before having coffee, lunch and hitting the (charity) shops, and booked Crystal facials for next month. All in all a brilliant day.
20th April- Crystal facials
Three of us went round to Lady Laugh a Lot's house for a bit of pampering. Jo van Bragt (Natural Vitality) really wound us down. Soothing music, a gentle touch and the magic of crystals left us all extremely relaxed. Kountess Knit 'n' Natter provided some delicious chocolate cake - yummy!!
11th May - Bardwell Batty Bess Jubilee Jolly
Six of us went to the Jubilee Jolly and it was brilliant. We had tea/coffee and biscuits in the marquee, then all walked through the village blowing bubbles, just like we did when we were a lot younger - in some cases a Jubilee lot younger!! We had a super two course meal in the Tithe Barn and watched some intrepid ladies dancing round the maypole. It was hilarious. A scavenger hunt round the village followed, which we didn't win, but then it's the taking part that counts. Delicious birthday cakes in the shapes of red hats, and 60 with bees, rounded up an extremely succesful day. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and made many new friends. Well done the BBBs!
4th June -Downham Market Festival
Three of us joined Sluice Women, Fen Fatales and Swaffham Sparklers on the float in the Carnival procession. QM sat on the float and Lady Laugh a Lot and Kountess Knit 'n' Knatter trundeled alongside to start with, changing to a canter towards the end as the lorry went faster to catch up with the one in front! It was a smashing day and the atmosphere was great. Thank you Sluice Women for inviting us.
8th - 11th June - Red Hat Weekend, Mundesley
Well, what can I say about the best weekend imaginable. It was fantastic, brilliant, superb - I can't praise it enough. It started on the Friday coach trip with the driver being given a dud postcode, so we went through all these little villages and wondered where we were. When we eventually arrived, he having been given the correct postcode, we checked in and went to our chalet. Adequate but not fancy, but then we didn't plan to stay in there much. Friday night we donned our circular skirt dresses and net petticoats and rocked the night away. Saturday was a trip to Sheringham to 'do' the charity shops. Not long there, but we managed to get a bargain or two! Saturday night it was mini-skirts and red pvc boots - fabulous to wear and we got a lot of compliments. Sunday morning was a trip on the 'Southern Comfort' along the river from Horning. It was superb. Music blasting out and us singing and dancing, waving to those on the shore and in passing boats, a sea of red and purple of women having the time of their lives. Sunday night was dressing up time with lots of bling and sparkles. The entertainment the whole weekend had been absolutely great - 50s, 60s and 70s music that we could all singalong to!! Monday morning we said our goodbyes to old friends and new, content in the knowledge that we'd booked in again for next year.
12th June - Birds of a Feather
Five of us went up to Norwich to the Theatre Royal to see the play with Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph. It was hilarious. It seemed as though we were watching an episode of the much-loved series, and they have such a way with words. At one point the house just fell about at one of the phrases! We had arrived early and
been in the shops, and had had a lovely meal before the performance and it was a brilliant way to end a great day.
4th July - Olympic Torch
Three of us joined with three Fen Fatales to see the Olympic Torch carried at Long Sutton. We were lucky enough to be just at the point of handover 'the kiss', so had a brilliant view. There were lots of people supporting the event and we ourselves had our photos taken by many people. We were all able to actually hold the torch. It was surprising how top heavy it was. My admiration for the Torch Bearers increased no end because it's a fairly unwieldy item to walk with, never mind carry. We then went on to Tydd St Giles Golf Club where we had the most fabulous meal. All in all a very memorable day.
25th July - Sandringham
Five of us went to Sandringham Flower Show. It was extremely hot, but with a gentle breeze. We met other Red Hatters there and had our photos taken by lots of people. We managed to drink our Pimms in the shade and watch the parachutists display. Chattiing to other Red Hatters we missed the Dog Display and the Shire Horses, but there's always another year. Prince Charles and Camilla were there of course but all we saw was the tops of their heads! All in all a lovely day.
4th August - Peckover House
Six of us went to Peckover House - Music for a Summer Evening - but there was precious little summer about it. It rained most of the time but our intrepid Kountess
Knit 'n' Knatter bagged the summer house before anyone else so we at least kept dry. We had brought a picnic and drink and spread it all in front of us and just enjoyed the music. We sympathised with those who had to huddle under umbrellas when the heavens opened. There were some bright patches so we could leave our haven and dance but not many. We were joined by our two Pinkies and it was a really lovely evening despite of or maybe because of the weather!
14th August - 1st Birthday Party
This took the form of a barbeque at the home of Princess Patterpaws. Only five of us could make it but with Pat's husband chief cook and bottlewasher, the least we could do was make him and Honorary 'Wacky Woman' for the night. He had a purple apron and red chefs hat and really looked the part. The company was brilliant, the food cooked to perfection and there was lots of it. The conversation flowed nearly as much as the wine. A smashing evening all round, and it stayed dry!
3rd September - Dolly Mixtures
We were invited by the Fen Fatales to join them in an afternoon of various projects, from paintings to jewelery, indian head massages to cakes. There was a red and purple rail where many items were purchased. It was brilliant to meet so many friends and have a chat round a cup of coffee. Well done Queen Pat and the Fen Fatales.
6th September - Black Bear
It was lovely to welcome a new Queen Sharman from the '50 shades of red and purple' in King's Lynn. we are all looking forward to being at her coronation next weeek.
12th September - Coronation Day '50 Shades of Red and Purple'
Seven of us joined many other Chapters to witness the crowning of Queen Sharman by Queen Ros of the Sluice Women. It was a truly fabulous night and we were lucky enough to have Queen Pat of the Fen Fatales join us. Queen Sharman really looked the part in her crown of red and purple, holding her sceptres high including a purple feather duster presented by Queen Pat. Congratulations Queen Sharman and long may you reign!
4th October - Baytree Clothes Show
Twelve of us went to join the Fen Fatales at the Baytree Clothes Show in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. There was a brilliant buffet and a welcome drink and along with other chapters had a great evening.
5th - 8th October - Convention
Five of us were joined by the brilliant Mustang Sally from Fareham Scarlet Fedoras at Centre Parcs for the weekend. We had two great lodges surrounded by wildlife and forest. We had a welcome box from the Bardwell Batty Bees in each lodge which set the tone for the weekend. Friday night saw us in mini skirts or rock and roll dresses, dancing the night away.Saturday was mufti time when we had a choice of going to the spa or a swim, or just doing nothing which was great!Saturday evening was a masked ball and the ballgowns and masks were really creative. As there was a bit of a walk from our lodges to the Venue, we decided to don our trainers and carry our heels - it was hilarious! We had a fabulous time.We had a vast breakfast delivered to our lodge on Saturday for breakfast in our lodge on Sunday morning prior to a trip
to Bury St Edmunds. We all boarded three red double-decker buses and on the way were given a scavenger quiz to complete. The weird and wonderful items found or created to fit the list were absolutely priceless. Our lower deck of Bus No 2 won and we celebrated with a tin of chocolate sweets on the way home. Princess
Patterpaws had her few moments of fame by appearing in the Norfolk Broads record of the day! The guided tour round Bury was very informative and we ended it with
afternoon tea at the Atheneaum, a very beautiful building. The Mayor of Bury St Edmunds welcomed us before we tucked into huge amounts of sandwiches, cakes and
copious amounts of tea and coffee. We really turned the town purple and red. On the way back we stopped at Wycken gardens to enjoy a stroll and a cup of tea.
Sunday evening was a casual indoor barbeque and a sing song which was brilliant and a superb way to end a fabulous weekend. Monday morning we said our goodbyes and all had smiles on our faces as having experienced so much hospitality and friendship during the weekend. Very well done Batty Bees, you will be a hard act to follow!!
10th October - The Luxe
Eleven of us including some Fen Fatales went to the Luxe to see 'Hope Springs' with Meryl Streep. A mixed review of the film but never the less a good night out.
11th October - Black Bear
Our monthly meeting where a lot of talking was done over brilliant food and we were joined by two new ladies who hopefully will join us.
18th October - Calendar Girls
Eight Wacky Women, three Fen Fatales and two friends all donned our purple and red and went to the Angles Theatre in Wisbech for a performance of 'Calendar Girls'. It was hilarious and a brilliant production. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and also caused a stir ourselves, at one point a lady in the audience starting quoting the poem to me
which I thought was fantastic!
12th November - Femme Fatales
Queen Margaret (just back from holiday) and Lady Laugh a Lot joined the Fen Fatales at their fancy dress meeting. Lady Laugh a Lot was stunning as a Femme Fatale and Queen Margaret, less bravely, went as a Flapper! It was a great afternoon and we were made thoroughly welcome.
4th December - Arbuckles
Countess Knit 'n' Knatter, Duchess Free Spirit and a new lady went to Arbuckles for a coffee morning at the invitation of the Sluice Women. It was a brilliant morning, made even more so with ladies from Swaffham Sparklers and 50 Shades of Red and Purple aswell. Thank you Queen Ros!
6th December - Christmas Tree
Kountess Knit 'n' Knatter (she does get around, you know!), Princess Patterpaws and Countess Cruise a Lot decorates a Christmas Tree for the Peckover House Tree Festival. It looks super and we are very proud of the way it has turned out. Many thanks to all who decorated and made the trimmings.
6th December - Fen Fatales
Queen Margaret and Vice Queen Sandra (Lady Laugh a Lot) were invited to join the Fen Fatales at their Christmas party at Toft House Hotel. We went by coach and it was lovely to see the other chapterettes again. The meal was fantastic and the afternoon was absolutely fabulous ending with a sketch by four 'fairies'. It was hilarious!! Father Christmas gave out the pressies ably assisted by his 'Elf'. Thank you everyone for making us feel so welcome.
8th December - Christmas Tree Festival
Queen Margaret went to Peckover House to see the Christmas tree decorated by Kountess Knit 'n' Knatter, Princess Patterpaws and Countess Cruise a Lot. It was fabulous. Well done ladies for flying the flag for the Wacky Women.
13th December - Christmas Party
We all went to the home of Lady Sew and So and took a plate, and it was absolutely brilliant. The array of food and drink was superb and we had a marvellous time. Even Santa came to call! Thank you Lady Sew and So for hosting us.
17th December - Christmas Market
It was a brilliant day - the weather was really mild, not a bit like last year thankfully. We were joined by Red Hatters from the Fen Fatales, Sluice Women, Swaffham Sparklers and 50 Shades of Red and Purple. We had our photo taken with the Mayor and another photo was printed in the local paper under the heading, 'Picture of the Week'! We sampled the hot chocolate with Baileys (just to check the quality you understand) and bought various items from the multitude of stalls. Thank you to the other Chapters for supporting us. It made our day!
2nd January– ‘Hoot’ in Cambridge
Four of us went to Cambridge to meet up with many others for a ‘Hoot’ as Debra (Queen Lady Bug) came to visit having been in London for the New Year’s Day parade. The Fitzwilliam Museum was awash with purple and red and we made a real show when we went shopping later.
30th January – Anglesey Abbey
Five went to Anglesey Abbey to see the snowdrops. It was bitterly cold but a good day none the less. After a wander round it was lunch with a hot drink which was very welcome.
13th February - Afternoon Tea at The White Lion in Wisbech
We had a wonderful afternoon tea with 6 of our ladies after some look around the shops and some seriously good finds! Unfortunately one had a flood in her bathroom so couldn't attend.
27th February - The Luxe
Six of went to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It was absolutely brilliant and the entire audience applauded at the end!!
13th March
Our usual evening meeting gave way to a Chinese luncheon - excellent!
30th March - Pamper Day in Spalding
Three ladies took advantage of a day in aid of 'The Eve Appeal' (Ovarian Cancer research) at the Red Lion Quarter in Spalding. There were quite a few stalls selling various beauty products and jewelry etc. We bought some raffle tickets and won!! We all had a stress test done and were all under the magic number (that's what being a Red Hat does for you, lowers your stress levels!). We wandered around before having coffee, lunch and hitting the (charity) shops, and booked Crystal facials for next month. All in all a brilliant day.
20th April- Crystal facials
Three of us went round to Lady Laugh a Lot's house for a bit of pampering. Jo van Bragt (Natural Vitality) really wound us down. Soothing music, a gentle touch and the magic of crystals left us all extremely relaxed. Kountess Knit 'n' Natter provided some delicious chocolate cake - yummy!!
11th May - Bardwell Batty Bess Jubilee Jolly
Six of us went to the Jubilee Jolly and it was brilliant. We had tea/coffee and biscuits in the marquee, then all walked through the village blowing bubbles, just like we did when we were a lot younger - in some cases a Jubilee lot younger!! We had a super two course meal in the Tithe Barn and watched some intrepid ladies dancing round the maypole. It was hilarious. A scavenger hunt round the village followed, which we didn't win, but then it's the taking part that counts. Delicious birthday cakes in the shapes of red hats, and 60 with bees, rounded up an extremely succesful day. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and made many new friends. Well done the BBBs!
4th June -Downham Market Festival
Three of us joined Sluice Women, Fen Fatales and Swaffham Sparklers on the float in the Carnival procession. QM sat on the float and Lady Laugh a Lot and Kountess Knit 'n' Knatter trundeled alongside to start with, changing to a canter towards the end as the lorry went faster to catch up with the one in front! It was a smashing day and the atmosphere was great. Thank you Sluice Women for inviting us.
8th - 11th June - Red Hat Weekend, Mundesley
Well, what can I say about the best weekend imaginable. It was fantastic, brilliant, superb - I can't praise it enough. It started on the Friday coach trip with the driver being given a dud postcode, so we went through all these little villages and wondered where we were. When we eventually arrived, he having been given the correct postcode, we checked in and went to our chalet. Adequate but not fancy, but then we didn't plan to stay in there much. Friday night we donned our circular skirt dresses and net petticoats and rocked the night away. Saturday was a trip to Sheringham to 'do' the charity shops. Not long there, but we managed to get a bargain or two! Saturday night it was mini-skirts and red pvc boots - fabulous to wear and we got a lot of compliments. Sunday morning was a trip on the 'Southern Comfort' along the river from Horning. It was superb. Music blasting out and us singing and dancing, waving to those on the shore and in passing boats, a sea of red and purple of women having the time of their lives. Sunday night was dressing up time with lots of bling and sparkles. The entertainment the whole weekend had been absolutely great - 50s, 60s and 70s music that we could all singalong to!! Monday morning we said our goodbyes to old friends and new, content in the knowledge that we'd booked in again for next year.
12th June - Birds of a Feather
Five of us went up to Norwich to the Theatre Royal to see the play with Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph. It was hilarious. It seemed as though we were watching an episode of the much-loved series, and they have such a way with words. At one point the house just fell about at one of the phrases! We had arrived early and
been in the shops, and had had a lovely meal before the performance and it was a brilliant way to end a great day.
4th July - Olympic Torch
Three of us joined with three Fen Fatales to see the Olympic Torch carried at Long Sutton. We were lucky enough to be just at the point of handover 'the kiss', so had a brilliant view. There were lots of people supporting the event and we ourselves had our photos taken by many people. We were all able to actually hold the torch. It was surprising how top heavy it was. My admiration for the Torch Bearers increased no end because it's a fairly unwieldy item to walk with, never mind carry. We then went on to Tydd St Giles Golf Club where we had the most fabulous meal. All in all a very memorable day.
25th July - Sandringham
Five of us went to Sandringham Flower Show. It was extremely hot, but with a gentle breeze. We met other Red Hatters there and had our photos taken by lots of people. We managed to drink our Pimms in the shade and watch the parachutists display. Chattiing to other Red Hatters we missed the Dog Display and the Shire Horses, but there's always another year. Prince Charles and Camilla were there of course but all we saw was the tops of their heads! All in all a lovely day.
4th August - Peckover House
Six of us went to Peckover House - Music for a Summer Evening - but there was precious little summer about it. It rained most of the time but our intrepid Kountess
Knit 'n' Knatter bagged the summer house before anyone else so we at least kept dry. We had brought a picnic and drink and spread it all in front of us and just enjoyed the music. We sympathised with those who had to huddle under umbrellas when the heavens opened. There were some bright patches so we could leave our haven and dance but not many. We were joined by our two Pinkies and it was a really lovely evening despite of or maybe because of the weather!
14th August - 1st Birthday Party
This took the form of a barbeque at the home of Princess Patterpaws. Only five of us could make it but with Pat's husband chief cook and bottlewasher, the least we could do was make him and Honorary 'Wacky Woman' for the night. He had a purple apron and red chefs hat and really looked the part. The company was brilliant, the food cooked to perfection and there was lots of it. The conversation flowed nearly as much as the wine. A smashing evening all round, and it stayed dry!
3rd September - Dolly Mixtures
We were invited by the Fen Fatales to join them in an afternoon of various projects, from paintings to jewelery, indian head massages to cakes. There was a red and purple rail where many items were purchased. It was brilliant to meet so many friends and have a chat round a cup of coffee. Well done Queen Pat and the Fen Fatales.
6th September - Black Bear
It was lovely to welcome a new Queen Sharman from the '50 shades of red and purple' in King's Lynn. we are all looking forward to being at her coronation next weeek.
12th September - Coronation Day '50 Shades of Red and Purple'
Seven of us joined many other Chapters to witness the crowning of Queen Sharman by Queen Ros of the Sluice Women. It was a truly fabulous night and we were lucky enough to have Queen Pat of the Fen Fatales join us. Queen Sharman really looked the part in her crown of red and purple, holding her sceptres high including a purple feather duster presented by Queen Pat. Congratulations Queen Sharman and long may you reign!
4th October - Baytree Clothes Show
Twelve of us went to join the Fen Fatales at the Baytree Clothes Show in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. There was a brilliant buffet and a welcome drink and along with other chapters had a great evening.
5th - 8th October - Convention
Five of us were joined by the brilliant Mustang Sally from Fareham Scarlet Fedoras at Centre Parcs for the weekend. We had two great lodges surrounded by wildlife and forest. We had a welcome box from the Bardwell Batty Bees in each lodge which set the tone for the weekend. Friday night saw us in mini skirts or rock and roll dresses, dancing the night away.Saturday was mufti time when we had a choice of going to the spa or a swim, or just doing nothing which was great!Saturday evening was a masked ball and the ballgowns and masks were really creative. As there was a bit of a walk from our lodges to the Venue, we decided to don our trainers and carry our heels - it was hilarious! We had a fabulous time.We had a vast breakfast delivered to our lodge on Saturday for breakfast in our lodge on Sunday morning prior to a trip
to Bury St Edmunds. We all boarded three red double-decker buses and on the way were given a scavenger quiz to complete. The weird and wonderful items found or created to fit the list were absolutely priceless. Our lower deck of Bus No 2 won and we celebrated with a tin of chocolate sweets on the way home. Princess
Patterpaws had her few moments of fame by appearing in the Norfolk Broads record of the day! The guided tour round Bury was very informative and we ended it with
afternoon tea at the Atheneaum, a very beautiful building. The Mayor of Bury St Edmunds welcomed us before we tucked into huge amounts of sandwiches, cakes and
copious amounts of tea and coffee. We really turned the town purple and red. On the way back we stopped at Wycken gardens to enjoy a stroll and a cup of tea.
Sunday evening was a casual indoor barbeque and a sing song which was brilliant and a superb way to end a fabulous weekend. Monday morning we said our goodbyes and all had smiles on our faces as having experienced so much hospitality and friendship during the weekend. Very well done Batty Bees, you will be a hard act to follow!!
10th October - The Luxe
Eleven of us including some Fen Fatales went to the Luxe to see 'Hope Springs' with Meryl Streep. A mixed review of the film but never the less a good night out.
11th October - Black Bear
Our monthly meeting where a lot of talking was done over brilliant food and we were joined by two new ladies who hopefully will join us.
18th October - Calendar Girls
Eight Wacky Women, three Fen Fatales and two friends all donned our purple and red and went to the Angles Theatre in Wisbech for a performance of 'Calendar Girls'. It was hilarious and a brilliant production. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and also caused a stir ourselves, at one point a lady in the audience starting quoting the poem to me
which I thought was fantastic!
12th November - Femme Fatales
Queen Margaret (just back from holiday) and Lady Laugh a Lot joined the Fen Fatales at their fancy dress meeting. Lady Laugh a Lot was stunning as a Femme Fatale and Queen Margaret, less bravely, went as a Flapper! It was a great afternoon and we were made thoroughly welcome.
4th December - Arbuckles
Countess Knit 'n' Knatter, Duchess Free Spirit and a new lady went to Arbuckles for a coffee morning at the invitation of the Sluice Women. It was a brilliant morning, made even more so with ladies from Swaffham Sparklers and 50 Shades of Red and Purple aswell. Thank you Queen Ros!
6th December - Christmas Tree
Kountess Knit 'n' Knatter (she does get around, you know!), Princess Patterpaws and Countess Cruise a Lot decorates a Christmas Tree for the Peckover House Tree Festival. It looks super and we are very proud of the way it has turned out. Many thanks to all who decorated and made the trimmings.
6th December - Fen Fatales
Queen Margaret and Vice Queen Sandra (Lady Laugh a Lot) were invited to join the Fen Fatales at their Christmas party at Toft House Hotel. We went by coach and it was lovely to see the other chapterettes again. The meal was fantastic and the afternoon was absolutely fabulous ending with a sketch by four 'fairies'. It was hilarious!! Father Christmas gave out the pressies ably assisted by his 'Elf'. Thank you everyone for making us feel so welcome.
8th December - Christmas Tree Festival
Queen Margaret went to Peckover House to see the Christmas tree decorated by Kountess Knit 'n' Knatter, Princess Patterpaws and Countess Cruise a Lot. It was fabulous. Well done ladies for flying the flag for the Wacky Women.
13th December - Christmas Party
We all went to the home of Lady Sew and So and took a plate, and it was absolutely brilliant. The array of food and drink was superb and we had a marvellous time. Even Santa came to call! Thank you Lady Sew and So for hosting us.
17th December - Christmas Market
It was a brilliant day - the weather was really mild, not a bit like last year thankfully. We were joined by Red Hatters from the Fen Fatales, Sluice Women, Swaffham Sparklers and 50 Shades of Red and Purple. We had our photo taken with the Mayor and another photo was printed in the local paper under the heading, 'Picture of the Week'! We sampled the hot chocolate with Baileys (just to check the quality you understand) and bought various items from the multitude of stalls. Thank you to the other Chapters for supporting us. It made our day!