This is one of the largest chapters in Western Australia with the group consisting of women who ‘dare to grow old disgracefully’ and love every minute of doing it.

Ladies in the group who come from as far as Wanneroo, Mindarie, Sorrento, Yanchep and Butler, join together in different locations every Wednesday to enjoy each other’s company and have a good time.

The Red Hat Society (RHS) is a social organization founded in 1998, for women approaching the age of 50 and beyond.

Californian artist, Sue Ellen Cooper, gave her friend a 55th birthday gift consisting of a red fedora hat which was purchased from a thrift shop along with a copy of Jenny Joseph’s poem ‘Warning.’

The opening line of the poem reads: ‘When I am an old woman I shall wear purple, with a red hat that doesn’t go and doesn’t suit me.’

This gift was given several times and eventually most of the women bought purple outfits and held a tea party.

As of July 2009, there are over 70,000 registered members in the United States and 25 other countries. The Red Hat Society is the largest women’s social group in the world.

There are now over 70 clubs throughout Western Australia of women who wear purple clothing with red hats and accessories, meet for lunch and other activities every Wednesday during the year.