I used to belong to two chapters, where I used to live. They were fun, mostly a chance to have a dinner out. We did go to a few plays together and did fun things at the meetings, like Karaoke, fashion shows, make up lessons. When I moved this area, there were a couple, but they had a waiting list. Eventually, they petered out. It was easy, back then, to form, join or just check out the chapters. It sounds like The Red Hats have gotten more...um...sophisticated. I've lost interest.

I used to belong and loved it but my Mama got sick and I got too busy with her and her house to go. I'd like to go back but I hate that you have to join to find a chapter. It didn't used to be that way. As a matter of fact you didn't have to pay to join unless you wanted access to certain areas of the website. I guess it's all about the money now.

Kay if you can't find a chapter start your own and you can be queen.

Linda

Do like Kay said, start your own. I belong to a chapter and a couple of years ago we voted to just be our own group and not pay the fees that the main office wanted. We do the things like Dotmom posted. Have taken our dress up clothes to a nursing home, had the ladies, that desired, dress up and took their pictures and gave each one their picture. We have a great Queen that thinks up interesting things to do.

I belong to two chapters right now. One we just meet at each others homes and try to plan an outing once a month. This group is not into going out and "playing" that much but I really enjoy the ladies so I stay. I look forward more to the gatherings we hold at each others homes. It's always fun. Games or maybe a potluck.

The other chapter is huge. 125 members. Lots of politics to deal with etc. but they do a lot of really fun activities. They have somethings that are weekly or monthly like coffee mornings,book club,picnics in the warmer months etc, as well as teas,plays and dining out. w We also get invited to events other chapters put on because the Queen belongs to a Queen's council (group or Queens in the area). I am am a member of the court which makes me a Princess LOL. I am soooooo NOT a Princess.

Since you are an official member you have access to all the things posted on the Queen Mother Board on the RHS website. Many chapters open their larger activities to all. Look for something in your area and attend. Te Tramping (attending without a chapter is fun. You meet more people because you are not sitting with a group of you own. Everyone talks to you. I found my smaller chapter I'm in that way. Went to a multi-chapter picnic alone and was invited to sit with them.

Wildchild, 125 is a lot of members, although I'm sure not all of them show up all the time. I was really surprised that so many of the relatively few chapters in my area were not even accepting new members. One chapter stated "we are a small chapter and intend to keep it that way. We do not accept new members".

I really don't want to start my own chapter just yet, maybe in the future. For now, I'll find a "friendly" chapter to join up with.

And yes, sadly, it does seem as though they are all about the money now. Seems to be the way of the world any more.

Tina

Couldn't find one in my area and I'm the shy type, not outgoing enough to start my own chapter. Sounds like fun though. I used to belong to a local Garden Club but it fell apart after a couple years.

Have one in the next town, I think, but may not be active. Don't see any notices or events listed. Since I have had some negative experiences with a couple of groups while traveling, am a bit careful. several years ago in Laughing a group were there but very rude to everyone. Guess someone said something and they all left. On the other hand a group from Minot does beautiful singing and poetry to entertain Seniors. Great bunch. Yes I think with the right group of women it can be a lot of fun.