A trip to a garden centre with Ray for autumn bulbs and compost resulted in a fortuitous meeting for me with Jan, a member of Waterside Red Devils, a chapter within the Red Hat Society. She was wearing a beautiful outfit, the red hat instantly a clue to her status as a Red Hatter.
Jan told me she was one of 25 ladies who had travelled to the centre by coach for a sociable outing. I wondered if she would have her photo taken and be included in my strangers' portrait project.
She readily agreed but said that she did not make a good photo..... Leaving my camera at home, I had just taken my iPhone with me at the last minute. I recently found it has a portrait setting which seems to work well. Jan was pleased to be offered a photo and I made a note of her email.
The Red Hat Society was started in California in 1998 by Sue Ellen Cooper, inspired by Jenny Joseph's poem 'Warning': When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me......
I learnt from Jan that Red Hatters adhere to these first two lines of the poem most of the year, but in their personal birthday month they wear 'red with a purple hat'.
The Society defines itself as:
'a unique international playgroup for women that promotes our passion of fun, friendship, fitness, the freedom to express ourselves in positive ways, and a dedication to the fulfilment of lifelong dreams, gained all through the power of fun!
I quite fancy becoming a Red Hatter - but fear I am not woman enough for some of their adventures which I learnt about from Jan! As we said good-bye I told her she had made my day; she replied that I had made hers.......
I really enjoyed reading your summery, Great photo of Jan in
Warm vibrant colours - there’s something really lovely about this photo.
I spotted your photo on Browse - I enjoy reading people’s words and sharing my own.
I would love to be a Red Hatter Hazel. As I read through your post it came back to me about the Red Hatters. Brave, fit & adventurous…. I fear I am too old!
I think Jan looks the same age as us though so perhaps not! We could have joined together Hazel if we hadn’t lived so far apart! 🤣🤣😘
Warm vibrant colours - there’s something really lovely about this photo.
I spotted your photo on Browse - I enjoy reading people’s words and sharing my own.
I think Jan looks the same age as us though so perhaps not! We could have joined together Hazel if we hadn’t lived so far apart! 🤣🤣😘
Pat, we could have 'egged' each other on!!
Dianne, that's such a nice compliment, thank you!
Beverley, many thanks and it was so cheering to meet Jan and the other ladies at the centre!