From Pam Bellhouse ~ Queen Paloma, Empress of Ladybirds and Dragons
Mudgee Region Red Hatters. Mudgee NSW
Hi Ladies
I would like to tell you how a Poem, a Caravan and a dream brought the Merry Mamzelles to Life.
Many years ago, while studying in Sydney, I found myself captivated during a lecture by the discussion of a poem that would come to shape my outlook on life—Jenny Joseph’s “Warning.” Its iconic opening line, “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple, with a red hat that doesn’t go and doesn’t suit me,” struck a chord deep within me. It spoke to a bold embrace of life, of joy, of the freedom to relish one’s years with exuberance and colour. From that moment, it became one of my personal aims to live in the spirit of that poem.
Years passed, and I found myself drawn to the Red Hat Society—a community that seemed to have sprung directly from the lines of Joseph’s verse. For many years now, I have been a proud Australian Red Hatter, donning my crimson hat with pride and seeking out the camaraderie and laughter that only a fellow Red Hatter can understand. For four years, as my husband and I travelled around Australia in our caravan, I was a lone member, but never alone in spirit.
When our caravanning adventure drew to a close in 2007, I joined the Kilcoy Foxy Ladies in Queensland—a warm and vibrant chapter that welcomed me with open arms. Later, a move to Tasmania prompted a new chapter in every sense; there, I joined the Scarlett O’ Hatters in Hobart. Each group, each gathering, reinforced the unique blend of fun, friendship, and freedom that the Red Hatters embody.
In December 2017, life led us back to the mainland. Once the boxes were unpacked and we’d settled into our new home, I eagerly set out to join the local chapter, eager for that familiar sisterhood. To my surprise, none existed in our area. Undeterred, I placed an ad in the local paper, inviting interested ladies to join me for morning tea—red hats encouraged, of course!
On that fateful morning, my dear friend Pamela Ridley, Queen of the Dubbo Red Hot Flashes, made the two-hour journey from Dubbo to Mudgee, bringing along Dawn and Rhonda for support. Their presence was a gift, and Pamela’s friendship, along with Princess Cind a Lot and Countess Serendipity of Mudgee, was instrumental in the early days. Queen Pamela and Countess Serendipity orchestrated my coronation, bestowing upon me the honour and joy of leading our fledgling group.
Our very first gathering took place at Alby’s and Esthers Café and Wine Bar on the first of March 2018. There were just four of us then, sipping coffee amidst laughter and hopeful plans. Yet the seed was planted. It was many weeks , on Thursdays, before our circle grew. What began with three local ladies has blossomed into a vibrant chapter of twenty—the Merry Mamzelles of the Mudgee Region Red Hatters. Our membership now includes spirited ladies from Mudgee, but also from the nearby towns of Gulgong, Rylstone, and Kandos.
In 2023, I was delighted to welcome Geraldine as my Co-Queen. Her coronation as Queen Serendipity of the Lazy Lunch was a joyful affair, celebrated at the Oak Tree Retirement Village, where laughter and a sense of occasion filled the air.
Looking back, it is astonishing to think how a single poem, discovered in a college lecture hall so long ago, could have inspired a journey that has brought so much colour, companionship, and purpose to my life. The Red Hat Society is more than just a chapter—it is a celebration of womanhood, of wisdom, and above all, of the joy that comes from living life on our own terms.
As the Merry Mamzelles continue to don our red hats and purple finery, meeting each week to share, support, and celebrate, I am reminded daily of the power of sisterhood, the magic of new beginnings, and the enduring wisdom of making one’s own rules, especially when it comes to growing older with grace and gusto.
Long may the red hats wave! And now for an update on our activities this past month for despite the crisp air and wintry weather, our month has been filled with lively outings and inspiring encounters—proof that a little cold can’t dampen our spirits. Art exhibitions and morning teas have been our constant companions ,this month, adding colour and warmth to the season.
Our adventures began with a delightful day trip to Rylstone. There, we celebrated Baroness of Nature’s Beauty – Jenny’s birthday in style and explored the Costume Exhibition at Café 47, where creativity and craftsmanship were on full display.
Later in the month, we enjoyed a cosy morning tea at the Food & Farm Café in Mudgee. Afterwards, we wandered across the road to the ARTEXPRESS art exhibition, an impressive showcase of the 2024 HSC Visual Arts students’ work. The variety of mediums—drawings, paintings, and sculptures—was both inspiring and a testament to the remarkable talent of the next generation.
No month in Mudgee is complete without a day at the races. This outing, always a favourite, ended with a dramatic twist—a sudden hailstorm that swept across the grounds, adding an unforgettable flourish to the day’s festivities.
Our social calendar also took us to Lincoln Place, the new Over 55’s Lifestyle Village in Mudgee, where we were welcomed for morning tea at Pam’s place.
It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, share stories, and tour some of the newest display homes, offering a glimpse into modern, community-centred living.
And just last week, we wrapped up our series of gatherings with another lovely morning tea at Club Mudgee—a perennial favourite, offering good company and warm hospitality.
That brings our month to a cheerful close. We wish everyone joyful hatting (and perhaps a bit of creative flair) until next month!
Regards
Pam Bellhouse, Queen Paloma
