Red hats and purple clothes

The other day I was in Heelis*1 and there were a group of ladies in there of a certain age and beyond all wearing purple clothes and red headgear and having a seemingly riotous time on their Ginger Beer brewed at National Trust properties.

The headgear varied from full on wide brimmed hats to those dinky fascinator*2 things with the common denominator of them all being red. Since then I've been wondering what on earth that/they were all about.

So, in manner of a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, I've done a deer-stalker free Google search on red hats and discovered that there is an international Red Hat Society no less!

http://www.redhatsociety.com/membership/memberupdateMay.html 
What is the Red Hat Society? The Red Hat Society is the largest international social organization for women, dedicated to making the world a better place for our members by actively promoting and supporting fun, friendship, freedom, fulfillment and fitness for each individual, as well as demonstrating the value and contributions of women to society at large. Together Red Hat Society (RHS) Members are reshaping the way women are viewed in today's culture. RHS is a place where women are royalty every day, a place where women open their hearts to share, support and care for one another and a place where fun reigns supreme. 

So now we know. Phew! I might consider joining but purple is so not my colour...

*1 - Heelis - is the HQ of the National Trust. It's named after Mrs Heelis - aka Beatrix Potter.

*2 - Fascinators. Why? Why are they called that and what's the point of them? They aren't remotely fascinating. They aren't even a little bit interesting...

Maybe I'd be more well disposed towards them if they suited me - which they don't.I look ridiculous in them.

I can't help but think there must be a good story around the Red Hat Society if I could just but think of one! 

Hats off to them anyway.