From red hats to purple passion, today’s conversation is pure joy, colour, and courage.
The Red Hat Society isn’t just about dressing up, it’s a global sisterhood born from rebellion. A movement of women who refused to fade quietly into the background of life. What began in 1998 with one red hat and a cheeky poem has become a celebration of friendship, freedom, and the unapologetic art of ageing boldly.
Today, I’m joined by Lee Reeves, a proud member of our local Gold Coast chapter, “The Tweed Border Bells”, to talk about what it really means to live with spirit, laughter, and sisterhood at any age.
Because getting older isn’t the end of the story.
It’s when the colours get brighter, the laughter gets louder, and the wise women rise.
Links & References:
Connect The Red Hat Society
Website: https://www.redhatsociety.com
Connect With Jennifer Jefferies
Show Note:
The Poem
“Warning”
by Jenny Joseph (1961)
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people’s gardens
And learn to spit.
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.
But maybe I ought to practise a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
Introduction to the Red Hat Society @ 0:00
Lee Reeves and Jennifer Jefferies discuss the origins and purpose of the Red Hat Society, a global sisterhood that celebrates friendship, freedom, and the art of aging boldly. The Red Hat Society was inspired by the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph, which encourages women to embrace their later years with vibrant colors and unapologetic spirit.
Lee’s Journey to the Red Hats @ 4:17
Lee shares how she discovered the Red Hat Society after moving to Tweed Heads, and how she started her own local chapter called the Tweed Border Bells. She explains the empowering feeling of dressing up in bold red and purple, and how it helps the group stand out and be heard.
The Importance of Community for Older Women @ 7:40
Lee emphasises the value of joining a group of like-minded women, where you can speak your mind freely and be listened to. She encourages older women to get involved in activities and communities that interest them, rather than fading into the background.
Capturing and Sharing Wisdom @ 10:04
Lee discusses the importance of preserving the stories and experiences of older generations, and how she previously helped edit a book about the history of a small farming community. She believes that everyone has a story worth sharing, and that these stories are a vital part of our collective wisdom.
Advice for Younger and Older Women @ 13:31
When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Lee says she would caution against being too afraid or making poor decisions. She has grown more confident and comfortable with herself over time, and encourages women to embrace their authentic selves at any age.
Connecting with the Red Hat Society @ 16:17
Lee provides information on how women can find and connect with local Red Hat chapters, such as searching for the Tweed Border Bells chapter that she leads. She explains how the group aims to cater to women across a wide geographic area.