Sunday, May 16, 2010

RED HATTERS KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN

One lady in a Red hat and wearing a Purple outfit looks outstanding. To see over 70 ladies all at the same time, wearing that combination, is stunning. But then add ‘bling’ and badges and the effect is defiantly overwhelming! Norfolk Island has been treated this week to a small taste of what Red Hatter members get up to: that is … enjoying life to the full and enjoying sharing it too.

Our visitors have invaded with their various colourfully named ‘Chapters’ from different places in Australia, and include : ‘Ritzy Rosellas’ from Melbourne, ‘Scarlet Tops’ from Allandulla, ‘Novocastrian Red Ratbags’ from Newcastle, ‘Sarina Red Hat Belles’ from Brisbane, ‘Gympie Red Diamonds’, ‘Top Hats Darwin’, ‘Gorgeous Gussies of the Gateway’, and ‘Sarina Red Hat Belles’ from near Mackay. Queen Glorianna from the Ballarat LadyBirds enjoyed her visit so much last year that she returned to spread colour again this year. And guess what! She doesn’t want to go home!

A little about “Red Hatters”: It is a worldwide organization that was started by the inspiration of a poem written by Jenny Joseph from England in 1961, and called “Warning, When I grow old I shall wear purple”. The poem goes on to express the feelings that there should be no constraints on the enjoyment of life, and why wait for age to catch up on us before “making up for the sobriety of my youth”.

And that is what the visitors to the Island have been doing. The fun activities started with a street parade on Sunday starting at The Village, ignoring a few light showers and ending at the Markets. A Welcome Dinner was held on Sunday evening. Various entertainment and skits from visitors and locals made sure that it was a fun filled evening. The week has followed with a Champagne Party and Luncheon, tours, sight seeing, shopping, and a general desire by all Red Hatters to make the most of our relaxed and beautiful Island.

The Norfolk Island chapter ‘The Bounty Babes’, led by Queen Shirl the Purl, are grateful to all our visitors who have brightening our lives, and added a great deal of colour and cheerfulness to our Island.