Here come the Reds (From Gazette Series)

Here come the Reds

FIFTY Red Hatted women (and some Pink Hatters) took the Amondsbury Interchange Hotel by storm on Saturday when they held their first United Kingdom convention amidst a sea of purple dresses, glamorous outfits and very Red Hats.

Red Hatters met to celebrate the concept of growing old with fun, laughter and friendship.

Maureen Rowark, Queen Mother from Port Huron, Michigan, was a special guest along with Shirley Jackson, Queen Mother of the Totally Eccentric and very Adventurous Red Hatters, Vienna, Virginia.

Shirley spoke to the convention and held a crowning ceremony for the Queen Mothers, who then pledged to lead their chapters in the true spirit of Red Hatting.

Shirley, who last visited Thornbury two years ago, was instrumental in the birth of The Absolutley Fabulous Ladybirds of Thornbury. She is well known for her hat making skills, dynamic personnality and is now affectionately known as Hurricane Shirley.

Belly Dancers entertained the women during the evening.

The next convention will be held on the Isle of Wight in 2005 - but Margaret Crocombe, Queen Mother of The Absolutely Fabulous Ladybirds of Thornbury, told the Gazette that the chapter was delighted to have the honour hosting the first United Kingdom convention.

She added: "Thank you to everyone who helped make this event happen!"