I used to belong and really enjoyed it. Just ended up with too much going on in my life I had to give it up. My group kinda fell apart a short time later. I need to find a new group.

Linda

I keep thinking about them... but I am really way to busy to start something new.

Maybe in the winter?

Moni

I belong. I've been a red hatter for five years now. Lots of fun.
Leslie

I was a Red Hatter for about 7 years but our group fell apart.
It was a lot of fun.

I wanted to join but all the groups in my area are full, not accepting new members.

I have belonged to a group for about 5 years and we have a good time. A great many that started when they formed our chapter have dropped by the wayside, but the old hardies are still together.

We usually have a luncheon at various restaurants once a month, not too many restaurants in this neck of the woods, so have gone out of town a few times and then went to flea
markets shopping.

A local town has a little theater group and have gone to some of their productions. A couple times a year we go to the local nursing home and take extra hats and accessories and help the ladies dress up and take their pictures and give to them, they really enjoy doing this.

Usually every Fall we sponsor a picnic in the local park for the other Red Hat groups in our county, have games and eat, eat, eat. Last year everyone brought something to be auctioned off and the money went into our treasury to help with next year's picnic.

I belong to 3 different chapters.

One is basically about dining out once a month. Most of it's members belong to other smaller chapters so It's a good place to network and get invites to the things they do. These ladies love to dress in regalia. Lot's of bling and hats from casual to silly to beautiful at their events.

My second chapter is the one where we have the most friendships. We take turns hosting in our homes for a monthly gathering where we have a short "business" meeting followed by a game or whatever else the hostess has planned. Sometimes it's a potluck and sometimes it's themed, perhaps an ice cream social, a luah or a poolside drink and munch.

This group also does one monthly outing. This month we went to see the elephants seals. Fun and friendliest group but not much into the dressing up and being seen part. Sigh, now they are calling me the "hat Nazi" since I always comment if one is not wearing one. LOL The Queen is shy about bling and so they follow her lead.

Third is a new group that is a spin off of another large (over 100) group. The Queen likes to do plays, visits to museums etc. and ethnic dining out. I'm enjoying this group but it is still in the formative stages and doesn't have a committed membership yet.

So Red Hatting is different for everyone. You have to find the right fit. I have thought about starting my own but I am quite busy with these three, picking and choosing what I enjoy doing with each.

Where we lived before, I belonged to two chapters. One was quite large, about 150 or so members in a neighboring town. The other was in the very small town I lived in. We only had about 10 in that group. When I moved here, 4 1/2 years ago, I asked around about chapters, and was told they all had waiting lists. I put my name on a few, but haven't been called. Dottie

Dottie, you should start your own with some of the others on the waiting lists. We have 20 (or so)in our group. Easier to get seating reservations with a small number. Not everyone shows up at all the events. Usually about 12-15. Unless it's our Christmas get together. That's where we exchange gifts with our 'secret sister' of the year, and draw names for next years.
Leslie

I belong to two chapters. Both have 8 to 14 show up for events. We go out to lunch mainly. We laugh and have a great time.

donna37, that's so sweet that your society gets the nursing home "girls" to participate! My mom is a regular volunteer at a nursing home and she tells me how much special events mean to the residents. God bless!