History of Red Hatters on Norfolk Island

In all seriousness though, while frivolity may be what naturally occurs when Red Hatters get together there are some fundamental ways that being a Red Hatter can deepen, enrich and empower lives. This comes from making new friends, sharing life’s ups and downs and having the opportunity for a release from daily stresses. For Queen Rosalie and the Bounty Babes, hosting the annual Gathering has become the main activity of their year and as the Norfolk Island trip is longer than most mainland Gatherings, they have focused their fun on how visiting Hatters can truly make the most of precious time away from home responsibilities.

Clearly Queenalee Rosalie and the Bounty Babes have been successful in their aim. Visiting Hatter Queen Likestoswimalot from South Australia’s Port Pirie Piretts described the sense of comradery and friendship at the 2016 Gathering as “feeling like a sisterhood”.  In common with our local Chapter, the Port Pirie Pirett’s are also from an isolated region. Queen Likestoswimalot adds; “meeting Hatters from all over the country gives a real sense of connection and comradery”.  And for solo female travellers a Red Hat Gathering can make the difference between deciding to take a much needed break or not. Jayne, travelling alone from a Brisbane Chapter, summed it up as “being instantly well looked after by other members meant that there is no way to feel lonely or unsafe”.  But staying serious is hard for Red Hatters and Queen Wendy from Russell Island in Queensland felt  she’d had so much fun she was going to be “applying for asylum” at the end her Norfolk Island Gathering!

In recent years Norfolk Island Gathering highlights have included masquerade luncheons, High Tea, an Elvis show, mini-golf mayhem  and afternoon tea at Walk in the Wild, plenty of champagne and of course plenty of bling. There have been street parades, bingo, mad cap challenges, local touring and dinner entertainment and a lot of dancing. Back in 2007 the first Norfolk Chapter Queen was Queen Shirl the Purl, aka Shirley Henderson. Queen Shirl had a ball plotting itineraries with now Patron Agnes Hain and others.

What could there possibly be not to like about Red Hatters? The annual Gathering on Norfolk is like a breath of fresh, albeit it purple and red air. Bringing much needed madcap fun into our modern stress-driven world, the local Chapter and the Red Hatters Society make a serious difference to many ‘aged 50 something’ women.

The Red Hatters will be returning in July 2020 and travel packages are now available, contact Chrissy today to secure your spot.