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Welcome to the Sydney Chapter of the Red Hat Society - The Red backs

Life is not a journey to the grave with the
intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well preserved body,
but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up,
totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming --
-- WOW -- What a Ride!
 


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Red Back Chapter, Red Hat Society in Sydney, Australia

 

 

 

More publicity for the Sydney chapters of the Red Hat Society

SydneyRedHatSociety article that was printed in The Daily Telegraph 31 July 2004
with a colourful 'red-hatted' photo
          

 

To read the POEM
CLICK HERE

Hats off: women hit a purple patch

By MICHELLE CAZZULINO
July 31, 2004


WITH their big red hats and purple clothes, these women plan to "grow old disgracefully".

It's a message the Australian branch of the Red Hat Society say is catching on, and drawing new members to their "dis-organisation" every week
.
Sydney has three chapters of the RHS, which was created in the US in 1998 to celebrate women 50-plus.
Its philosophy is based on Jenny Joseph's poem Warning, with the lines, "When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple/With a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me."

Membership is open to younger women, but they are expected to wear toned-down shades of purple and red to reflect their status as "ladies-in-waiting".

Today, there are 25,000 chapters worldwide, with about 600,000 members in 21 countries.

In Australia, so-called "Queen Mum" Karen Burgess said there were 18 chapters, and about 200 members.

Ms Burgess, 50, said the RFS let her make scores of new friends who also believe that life begins at 50.

"Women pretty much spend their lives taking care of other people and raising their children . . . and there's a notion that as you get older, sometimes you become useless," she said.

"We're not going to be useless at all; we're going to be out there and showing our colours and having a good time."



For details of other Chapters use this link to the American Red Hat Society

  

 
     
 
The Red Hat Society began in the USA, as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor, and elan. We believe silliness is the comedy relief of life, and, since we are all in it together, we might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together.

Sue Ellen Cooper, Queen Mother, February 6, 2001 USA

  
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