Red Hat Society encourages local women to have fun and fellowship

By Michelle Cochrane

Betty Harry is the chapter mother of the Trent River Hattitudes which belongs to the national Red Hat Society. Harry created the chapter 7 years ago after a trip down south where she discovered her first red hat. "Every time I put on my red hat, I know happy times are ahead with a great group," said Harry. Photo by Michelle Cochrane

The Red Hat Society has a positive impact on women in today’s society. It encourages women to pursue fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment and fitness.

“I could remember our first outing, hiding our red hats under our jackets,” said Harry. “Now we are Red Hatters and proud of it!”

The Trent River Hattitudes are a diverse group made up of retired teachers, businesswomen, secretaries and homemakers. They come from different churches and different family backgrounds but all share the same love for the vibrant red hats.

Originally starting with a group of 10 women, the Trent River chapter now has 25 members and five on a waiting list.

Within the last seven years, the chapter has developed exceptional friendships but it didn’t come easy.  Having a group that meshes so well together took time and patience. Harry, the chapter mother, says there were little groups among the members and it took awhile and a lot of effort to mesh people together.  Now the women cling together like a real family.

They gather in the living room of Red Hatter Barbara Bamber, for their monthly luncheon. They appear at first glance as a group of lifelong childhood friends.

As the room fills with red hats decorated with flowers, ribbons and lace trim, the laughter and family warmth gets stronger.

The group members chat about their children and grandchildren. They talk about last week’s successful church fundraiser and simply just enjoy being in each other’s company.

A large red circle begins to form in the middle of the living room as the ladies begin to settle down and get ready for lunch.

I’m seated at the end of a large table with the chapter mother. A nametag sits on top of my plate to ensure my place.

The menu is simple and not what I expected to be served at a society lunch but the hot dogs and hamburgers are quite popular. Bamber tells me that they make quick and simple lunches so they are spending less time preparing meals and more time together.

Before everyone has a chance to find their place, a line quickly forms in the kitchen for everyone to fill their plates.

Once everyone has finished eating, the chapter mother, Harry, takes the quiet opportunity to begin the monthly meeting and discussions. Last month’s fundraiser success and the upcoming Christmas float is on the agenda. Plans for the chapter’s Christmas dinner are also being discussed.

Throughout the meeting, I look around at the common object that connects the group. Their individually designed red hats keep catching my eye.

Members of the club say they feel a sense of unity, elegance, and preparedness to tackle anything when they put on their Red Hats.

“It is great to belong to a group where we are accepted. no matter how silly we might look,” one of the chapter’s members, Barbara Raflausse said.

If Harry wasn’t involved with the Red Hats, she said she would miss the closeness and the one day a month she meets with all the women.

“The group has helped a lot of women who are alone,” added Harry. “ It is a great support system of friends.”