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Friday 1 January
New Year's Day Parade ~ London
Joy Lady Amethyst was the only Belle who managed to get to the London New Year's Day Parade, and reports it was a very cold but sunny day, plus the American visitor's numbers were very low this year
Joy managed to meet up with Lulu the friend of Queen LindyLou and enjoyed the day including the Afternoon Tea
Linda Queen LindyLou & Terri Mistress Moonstone's travel plans were thwarted due to engineering and reduced services on the train line, Linda Lady Desert Rose was feeling unwell & also put off by the weather conditions
Saturday 2 January
Meet & Greet LuLu
Our Meet & Greet with LuLu from Tennessee and other US Red Hatters had to be cancelled due to reduced train services & very heavy snow
Thursday 7 January
Cinderella Mercury Theatre
Only Suzi Princess Poppy and Sally Lady Primrose managed to get to the Panto due to the heavy snow fall & forecast later in the day
Linda Queen LindyLou was ill, Sue Baroness BookwormVice Queen, Pat Countess Coordinated & Janet Lady Janet all thought it prudent not to travel
Ann Lady Marigold and Ann Marchioness Gainsborough where of the same mind
However Suzi Princess Poppy reported that though there were quite a few empty seats at the theatre in good showbiz style the show went ahead and was very good
Tuesday 5 January
Christmas in January Dinner
Our year started with 34 ladies coming along to the White Hart in Witham for a Christmas in January Dinner
The evening was enjoyed by all despite some problems with the food orders and some ladies missing their Sweets & Coffee due to more snow and wishing to get home before the roads became too hazardess
We had a large raffle and some ladies we had not seen before Christmas received their Ruby Belles Christmas gift
Tuesday 12 January ~ Cinema Club
The weather took it's toll again and the January Cinema Club had to be cancelled
Wednesday 27 January ~ Book Club
Due to unforseen circumstances Linda Queen LindyLou was unable to host the first Book Club meeting
However Kat Cockney Countesss veru kindly stepped in offering to host the club meeting at her home in Braintree, all went well and the 'Evening' Book Club has been established, hopefully an 'Afternoon' book club will also be up & running very soon
Dear Linda,
This is to let you know the outcome of our meeting on Wednesday. Anita, Johanna and Margaret were able to attend: Chris and Marion couldn't make it, but sent me their suggestions, which we included in our discussion. (Most of the eveneing was spent in sharing our thoughts and getting to know one another better - I thoroughly enjoyed this.)
Anyway, the upshot was that we plan to meet monthly, starting at 7 p.m. and to begin by reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Anne Shaffer (Published by Bloomsbury).
Anita has kindly offered to host the first meeting at her home, on Friday 5 March. Our second book will be The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne. We discussed our reading preferences and came to the conclusion that our tastes are wide, and that we look forward to exploring each other's preferences and enjoying new authors. We also agreed that biography and autobiography can be pleasurable.
Worse Winter for decades!
Tuesday 2 February
Dinner ~ Jack & Jenny
The monthly dinner was cancelled due to unforseen circumstances
Saturday 6 February
Strictly Come Dancing Tour
Janet Princess Purple Petunia writes ... The dresses were beautiful; the music was lovely and the dancing wasn't half bad!! A part of the show was recorded ready for Sports Relief on 19th March.
Clare Countess Claret Velvet writes ... The show was really great - costumes, Music, dancing, judges, audience, everything.
However the organisation at O2 Arena was very poor. We walked what seemed like miles & queued for food, toilets, to get into the show &, most annoying
of all was the queue to get back out while crowds were also coming into the Arena for the evening show. Coach was good with a friendly, helpful driver & everyone had a good time.
Sunday 14 February
Sunday Lunch Club ~ Izumi
Gill Princess Pansy reports...
On Sunday 14th February 2010 five of us enjoyed a very nice time together at Izumi, the Chinese restaurant in Maldon.
I think each of us went up several times for yet another plateful of really tasty food and finally fruit, jelly or gateau and ice cream or banana and apple fritters with syrup.....yum,yum! The flow of conversation did not stop. After 2 hours we were asked if we would mind moving to a smaller table, Muriel having departed – so we took the hint, discovering on our way out that the number of people queuing for tables exceeded 40! On Sunday 14th February 2010 five of us enjoyed a very nice time together at Izumi, the Chinese restaurant in Maldon.
Tuesday 23 February
Lunch Baytree Garden Centre
14 Ladies enjoyed lunch at Baytree in their new private dining room, which met we enjoyed privacy and were able to conduct some business without disturbing other diners
We enjoyed the food so much we decided to hold our St George's Day lunch there on Friday 23 April
Friday 26 February
Take That & Robbie Williams
Capitol Square Witham
Only six Ruby Belles could fit this tribute artist date in their diaries but they were certainly not disappointed
A great evening was had by all in attendance and rumour has it they will be back so don't miss them next time they were really great & Robbie was fantastic!
Tuesday 2 March
Antalia Turkish Restaurant
14 Ladies enjoyed a delicious Turkish meal all experimenting with the Turkish sweets & even for some Turkish Tea
The service was good and the evening a success despite the chill on one of the coldest nights of the year
A definite for a return visit but next time in the summer months
Friday 5 ~ Saturday 6 March
Gathering of Queens
Linda, Sue & Pat were joined by Queen Cass of the Top Totties on their road trip to Harrogate North Yorkshire. The Gathering of Queen's was held at the Warner's Hotel, Nidd Hall which was very grand, despite the long corridors to the bedrooms
Their were 22 Queen's & Vice Queen's in attendance and the fun began straight away in the bar, with the catching up with those we knew and meeting new ladies whilst enjoying a free Kir Royale
After dinner there was entertainment from the resident band & comedian including a manic Question of Sport Quiz
On Saturday morning a meeting was held to discuss various issues in British Red Hatting, exchange good ideas, discuss venues and volunteers for the 2011 Queen's Gathering & British Red Hatter's Convention
The afternoon was a chance to get into Harrogate for lunch, the evening was time to party on to the fab sounds of the OMD Experience, with the comedian compering a music quiz in the interval
On Sunday after breakfast gathered to say farewll to us ... they were in for an extra free night at Nidd Hall but we had to be on our way to Liverpool for a date with Elvis that evening
Sunday 7 March
Elvis Spectacular ~ Liverpool
After initially missing their connection with the Liverpool train at Euston the Ruby Belles were on their way. Gill Princess Pansy, Gloria Lady of the Shining Star, Terri Mistress Moonstone, Pat Lady Pat in the Hat, Pat Baroness Bake a Batch and her friend Joyce were met at Lime Street station by Wanda Queen Opal of the Liverpool Liverbirds
Their Saturday afternoon was filled with hopping on and off the Liverpool City Sightseeing Tour Bus with their main objective achieved being a visit to the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King, or as locals know it 'Paddy's WigWam'
They also took in China Town visiting the largest Chinese Arch outside of China
Finishing off the evening with dinner at their hotel on the Albert Dock
On the Sunday the Queen's set off from Yorkshire and the weather was a tribute to the countryside having decided to take the rural route on the A59 rather than opting for the motorway
So down through the North York Moors into the Yorkshire Dales and on into Lancashire then Merseyside arriving around 2.00pm
On arrival the ladies were waiting for us and once luggage stored we went for coffee & cake with a brilliant chance meeting with the newest British Red Hat Queen, Liz Boakes from the Isle of Wight who was staying overnight in Liverpool awaiting her ferry home after a holiday in Cyprus
The evening started early with a super dinner at Pizza Express adjacent to the Echo Arena then on into the show. Attracting lots of attention before, in the interval and after the show with Queen Lindy Lou & Queen Opal receiving some personal attention from Elvis ( or should I say a couple of Scouse Elvis's)
The show was all it promised to be ... with Elvis there in Voice, sprit if alas not in body. The video images taken from the height of his career in the early 70's, the live accompaniment of musicians and singers recreating the atmosphere of one of his live shows
The Kings former musical director Joe Guercio devised the show and was on stage along with D. Hardin (piano), Jerry Scheff (bass guitar) and James Burton(lead guitar) and backing singers Myrna Smith and Ed Enoch from the King's original line up
The show was phenomenal!
On Monday morning after breakfast we waved the ladies off to the station and after a quick look around the Albert Dock the Queen's returned home by car
Another brilliant Ruby Belles week-end!
Tuesday 9 March
Top Totties ~ Reduation
What fun we had at our evening at the Artichoke when a great crowd of Red Hat ladies gathered for a dinner to celebrate the Reduation of Sheila Princess Sparkle of the Top Totties
Queen Cass reciting the Official RHS Reduation poem before removing Sheila's 'Pink' hat and crowning her with her first 'Red' hat
Wednesday 31 March
Easter Bonnet Lunch ~ Perrywoods
Around 40 ladies enjoyed lunch together at Perrywoods most joining in the concept of an Easter Bonnet with some fabulous & fun creations
It was lovely to welcome Her Maj Queen Marion and ladies from the Rose Redder Hatters of Benfleet, their first visit to one our events
Margaret Queen Millsy of the Purple Pearls and Queen Cass of Warley of Brentwood also joined by of course Ruby Belles
First prize in the decorated hats went to Carol Lady Valentine with three runners up, Clare Countess Claret Velvet, Ann Lady Marigold and a guest from the Benfleet Chapter
We enjoyed a 'Secret Bunny' exchanging gifts and Queen LindyLou distributed chocolate bunnies and easter cards to all
Linda Queen LindyLou had to leave early the remainder of the afternoon Sue Baroness Bookworm Vice Queen was there to make sure the fun continued
Thanks to Barbara Lady Buddleia, Jackie Countess Jacaranda, Janet Princess Purple Petunia and Clare Countess Claret Velvet who helped with the smooth running of the lunch and as very welcoming hostesses to our guests, as were all the Ruby Belles
Photos on Page 20b
Her Maj Marion has sent a message on our contact page and has thanked Linda Queen LindyLou for a great day out, which she tells us we have inspired her ladies who were very impressed by our friendly welcome and great ideas that we have for having fun together
So much so they are already organising their Easter Bonnet lunch for 2011 to which we are invited
Reduation Time
Tuesday 6 April ~ Cinema Club
Only Barbara Lady Buddleia and Jackie Countess Jacarand were able to make cinema club this month, both thought the film The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock very good
Friday 9 April ~ Evening Book Club
Johanna Comtesse Cuisse de Grenouille welcomed ladies of the evening book club to her home in Boreham, all once again enjoying a very pleasant evening
Most had found their last choice book rather disappointing so decided upon something more challenging as their next choice and will be reading Handle With Care by Jodi Piccoult
Next meeting will be at 7.00pm on Friday 14 May at the home of Kate Cockney Countess in Braintree
Wednesday 14 April
Dinner Jack & Jenny
Twenty five Ruby Belles enjoyed another delicious meal at the Jack & Jenny in Witham, a quiet evening when Linda Queen LindyLou left early concerned for Frank's health as he was in Broomfield Hospital
Tuesday 20 April ~ Afternoon Book Club
No report received
Friday 23 April
St George's Day Lunch ~ Baytree
Due to the sad & sudden death of Linda Queen Lindy Lou's husband Frank this event was cancelled
Friday 30 April
Kenny Rogers & Shania Twain
Capitol Square ~ Witham
Six Ruby Belles enjoyed an evening of good country music and plenty of line dancing
Most events through May were cancelled due to Linda Queen LindyLou's husband Frank sadly passing away
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Evening Book Club Friday 14 May
This time, we met at Kate's in Braintree. The book chosen was Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult. This is a longer and more challenging read, dealing with the subject of how a family copes with a child born with a profound disability. The book is written in the first person, from the perspectives of the various characters, who 'speak' chapter by chapter through the book.
Part of our discussion centred on whether we thought the construction of the plot itself was plausible: would real people have taken such extreme positions? Johanna told us that, in order to appreciate the book fully, she had read it 'two and a half times' and also looked up medical information! We agreed that the book was deliberately contentious. It certainly inspired some powerful debate, so for us was well worth reading.
Thursday 27th May
Lunch to Celebrate Linda Queen LindyLou's Birthday
Kate Cockney Countess arranged a very interesting day's tour through the villages of our part of Essex
We all met up at Freeport to park cars & car share for the day and to receive our maps for our 5 mile round trip
Our fist stop off was Finchingfield for morning coffee at Boswell's Tea Rooms then to a special pre-arranged guided tour and talk at Finchingfield Windmill well known for it's starring T V roles in Jonathan Creek
After a photo short at Finchingfield's picturesque duck pond the tour continued on to Great Bardwell and a visit to the village museum, then on to the Blue Egg Farm Shop for lunch, then later on our return route we stopped at Craft Centre for a browse around the small outlets and finally having afternoon tea
Quite a difficult day for Linda Queen LindyLou as it was the first outing since Frank's passing, however she did very much appreciate the cards, gifts and the wonderful day Kate Cockney Countess had arranged for us all
Friday 4 June ~ Marlow
Eleven Ruby Belles had the pleasure of attending the 2nd Anniversary of the Marlow Angels
Queen Peri and her ladies made us and ladies from the new Milton Keynes chapter the Thoroughly Modern Millies extremely welcome
The weather was glorious which enhanced the natural beauty of this pretty Buckinghamshire town
Arriving mid morning we first made a coffee and cake stop before all gathering in the town park for a photo shoot prior to the town tour that Peri had organised for us
Our tours (we split into two groups) though slightly different gave us all a most interesting and comprehensive insight into the town
Members of The Marlow Society conducted our tours, seeing such sites as the famous Marlow suspension bridge across the River Thames,with All Saints Church
on the town side and the Compleat Angler Hotel on the far side
Along St Peter's Street with it's intersting houses and cottages and St Peter's Church one of the first Catholic Churches in Buckinghamshire and surrounding Counties
And on to Marlow Place with it's sweeping outer stairs, now owned by a PR company who when confronted by the site of such pretty Red Hats very kindly invited us in to see the interior, quite a privilege as this magnificent Georgian house is not normally open to the public
Our tour then took us up the very busy high street to the Crown Hotel, with it's 17th Century town clock and the Obelinsk which commemorates the Hatfield to Bath turnpike road
Turning on to West Street past Remnantz which originally served as a Royal Military College (now moved to Sandhurst) and further along the street the Sir William Borlase Grammar School established in 1624 to provide basic education for 24 boys to learn to read & write and 24 girls to learn Knitting
Also in West Street the cottage were Percy Shelley and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley lived and where Mary wrote Frankenstein
Finally back at the park we all enjoyed an ice cream and walked through the park to see the statue of Sir Steve Redgrave erected looking over the Thames and the rowing sheds along this stretch of the river
We then went on to Danesfield House Hotel for a full English Afternoon Tea with time later to sit on the terrace enjoying once again the river views and the rolling Chiltern Hills
Many Thanks to Peri & the Marlow Angels for organising, we all agreed it was a brilliant day
Tuesday 8 June ~ White Hart Dinner
We were one of our smallest outings for some time with only 16 Ruby Belles in attendance, none the less we all enjoyed the evening with good food and good company
Friday 11 June ~ Evening Book Club
Dear Linda,
We met as planned at Anita's home, to discuss A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini.
Everybody agreed that this book had been extremely challenging, providing as it did insights into a culture so very different from our own. Anita dsecribed a TV programme, "Tribal Wives", in which a western woman spenti time within a culturally very different community.
We discussed the rights and wrongs of military intervention in Afghanistan.
Was the book's title, part of a quotation from a poem, misleading? We could not agree on this. We speculated about whether or not Afghan women will gain freedom (in our Western sense) any time soon, and thought not.
Sunday 13 June ~ Lunch
The Wild Berry Bistro
Queen LindyLou was joined by seven ladies for a
pre-lunch Pimms
We all enjoyed a most pleasant lunch most of us opting for the succelent Deadham Vale Beef which was excellent
A very relaxing Sunday lunch made all the more fun by our waiter Dominic who pandered to our every need
A return visit is a must!
Tuesday 15 June ~ Lunch
Bay Tree Nurseries Braintree
10 Ruby Belles enjoyed a Roast Beef Dinner as a latterly celebration of St George's Day and to support England in the World Cup
It was a fun afternoon in our 'England' costumes of which Margaret Queen Millsy was voted to be the best dressed
After our sweets and coffee we had a fun time each participating in the Vuvuzelas blowing competition, with Johanna Conttesse Cuisse de Grenouille undoubtedly the winner blowing the very loudest with Margaret Queen Millsy and Sally Lady Primrose a close 2nd & 3rd...see the photos page 20e
Wednesday 23 June
Purple Pearls Garden Party
On arrival at Margaret Princess Twinkletoes home we were dismayed to discover that Margaret Queen Millsy had shortly before been taken to hospital by ambulance after tripping over a tree root on the pavement
So the gathering was full of concern for the outcome of Margaret's accident
However it was a beautiful summer's afternoon and the Pearls had made a lovely afternoon tea for us all to enjoy and Princess Twinkletoe's garden was a delight
Margaret Queen Millsy sadly had broken her wrist and lots of bruising to her arms, legs and face but the true trooper she managed to join the Ruby Belles for dinner two weeks later
Thursday 1 July ~ Jack & Jenny
We had 30 ladies enjoy the monthly dinner and as Pamela Lady Crystal de Caff had decided to hang her Red Hat up she had brought many of her beautiful hats and bling to sell to the chapter
It was also the first Dinner Linda Queen LindyLou had attended since the loss of her dear husband Frank
It was nice to see Margaret Queen Millsy after her accident, sporting a rather sassy Purple covered cast on her wrist and a lovely purple black eye!
Saturday 3 July ~ Strawberry Fair
A low turn out this year with only 4 Ruby Belles attending, but none the less having a super day, the gardens of Hyde Hall were immaculate and the strawberries delicious as usual
Thursday 8 July ~ Ladies Day Newmarket
Well did we do this in style this year? We cetainly did so with 34 Belles arriving in our 1950's Charabang we certainly were on to a winner
Our usual delicious picnic was thoroughly enjoyed by all and the day was the hottest yet, at times quite exhausting with many ladies having to take shade under their parasols
Lots of ladies from other chapters to catch up with and plenty of winners on the day resulted in a great time had by all
Not forgetting how swell the ladies racing outfits were
Saturday 10 July ~ Men of St Andrews
This now annual event once again proved to be exceptional, it is sad more ladies do not attend for they miss a treat indeed, not to mention the brilliant buffet in the interval
However 8 of us did attend and enjoyed a most relaxing joyful evening of music
Thursday 15 July ~ Hintlesham Hall
Just 4 Ruby Belles joined the Purple Pearls for Afternoon Tea at Hintlesham Hall, to celebrate the birthday of Margaret Queen Millsy Queen of the Purple Pearls of Colchester
We had a lovely afternoon tea in a private lounge in the Hall and lots of good chatter
Tuesday 20 July ~ Lunch
Ingatestone Garden Centre
4 Belles visited the Top Totties to enjoy one of their planned lunches, nice for us all to catch up with each other
Tuesday 20 July ~ Medium Evening
Finchingfield
Five Belles attended and enjoyed the evening with possible messages for some, all thought they would like to go again in the future
Saturday 24 July ~ R A F A Quiz
The Ruby Belles had a team of 5 and came second in the Quiz just pipped at the post only on marks added for a very difficult 'Dates' table round
We all enjoyed a Fish and Chips supper and several members won Raffle prizes
Wednesday 28 July ~ Sandringham
Sandringham Flower Show
18 Belles, Totties and Pearls attended, another good visit with plenty of Red Hatters from other Chapters to catch up with and plenty of activities, crafts and flowers to search out
Once again several Belles had chance to chat with Prince Charles
Monday 2 August ~ Pirates of Penzance
Six Ruby Belles were once again blown away by the fantastic production by the South Anglia Players of Pirates of Penzance
Again another event hardly supported by the Belles but a sell out on all night's, come on ladies next year give it a go, you will not be disappointed
Tuesday 24 August ~ Brighton
To say we had a brilliant day is really an under statement, the whole day was one of the best outing the Ruby Belles have enjoyed
We were invited by Queen Cass to join the Top Totties on the trip which was to be a surprise for her good friend of many years Kate
Kate now lives in Australia and is an Aussie Red Hatter
Queen LindyLou suggested a get together with the Brighton Belles and Queen Cass contacted Queen Helen who was only too happy to host our visit in her home town
Helen then arranged for 10 Chelsea Pensioners to come along and join us for lunch, which made the day even more special, and Her Maj Marion and a lady from the Rose Redder Hatters, Benfleet also joined in the event
On arrival we were met at the Pier by Queen Helen and ladies from the Brighton Belles...and for a short while by Brighton Police (see photos), we then had around 2hrs to do as we wish before lunch
Ladies attempted to walk Brighton Pier before being beaton back by the wind, then went down to beach level for photos on the beach, ride the carousel and play in the arcades
At lunch in the Royal Albion Hotel we met up with the Chelsea Pensioners and enjoyed their company over lunch with lots of photo calls afterwards
Whilst there we had a best dressed Bucket & Spade competion (see photos) Kate was presented with gifts from the Top Totties and the Ruby Belles and Helen was presented with flowers for arranging a super lunch venue for us
We then had chance to check out The Lanes with all it's super small shops selling everything from seaside junk to antiques, with plenty of bling and fashion too
Some ladies also had a closer look at Brighton Pavillion though no time to do the tour on this occasion
Finally returning to the hotel for a last glass of Pimm's with afternoon tea
I8 Ruby Belles were in attendance and our visit to Brighton has certainly filled us with enthusiasm for a return visit in 2011, for the British Red Hatters Convention
Thursday 26 August ~ Lunch
Oliver's Nursery
Fourteen ladies met for lunch and as usual it was all very tasty, we had a good chatter about future events and met our new lady Christine, Duchess Vanilla n' Spice
Helen Queen of the Brighton Belles, Linda Queen LindyLou and Queen Cass of the Top Totties
Friday 3 September ~ 3rd Anniversary
The Crowded House Witham
Our 3rd Anniversary dinner was an exceptional success, with 48 ladies attending, including our guest Jan from Oh Essex a new magazine in which we hope to feature
The food and service was excellent and our more casual seating plan went well with all the ladies
Ann Lady Marigold and Hazel Lady Lily Queen Mum suprised Linda Queen LindyLou with a fabulous Anniversary Cake & Card (see photos), we held a free Raffle with five special prizes of Champers, Fizz and tins of Sweets and each lady was presented with a Red Hats pen
Each year we like to do something different and this year we had our very first Awards, which everyone even if they were not recipients thought great fun
Linda Queen LindyLou announced Sue Vice Queen would be stepping down as Treasurer, and thanked her for her hard work (and Phil's too) with a small gift
Assuring everyone that Sue remains Vice Queen and will still be very much involved with the future events of the Ruby Belles
Linda Queen LindyLou also announced that to help Pat V Q with the treasurer's role that Suzy Princess Poppy had kindly agreed to come on board as second treasurer. Suzy will also now become a Vice Queen, with a large chapter like ours we can certainly carry three V Q's
3rd Anniversary Awards
Queens For The Day ~ Hazel Lady Lily Queen Mum
Chris Madame Marina
Gill Princess Poppy
Red Hat Hubby ~ Sue Baroness Bookworm V Q
Suzi Princess Poppy V Q
Carolyn Lady Sweet Pea
Ann Lady Marigold
Little Miss Forgetful ~ Pat Lady Pat in the Hat
Courier Award ~ Terri Mistress Moonstone
Suzy Princess Poppy V Q
Pam Lady Red Rose
Gill Princess Pansy
Golden Girls ~ Hazel Lady Lily Queen Mother
Nan Lady Fair Isle
Dot Lady Dorothy May
Lily Lady Lancome
Bride of the Year ~ Carol Princess Neat & Tidy
Little Miss Sunshine ~ Carol Lady Valentine
Sunday 5 September ~ Wine Festival
The weather was uncertain early on but our determination not to miss the English Wine Festival payed off with plenty of sunshine through the day, if a little windy (hold on to your hats). The entertainment was good as usual with Linda Queen LindyLou and Carol Queen Cass being invited to dance (if you can call it that!) with the Boudicca Samba Band and were joined by the King of Misrule (Couldn't be more appropriate) a chap who usually performs at Notting Hill Carnival
The wine was a very good year especially the Red (which is a rareity for English wines) even more so as it's label name was Ruby Royale could not be more appropriate! Ladies from the Top Totties and the Purple Pearls also joined us making it another fun afternoon
Tuesday 7 September ~ V Q's Birthday's
Walton On The Naze
As last year Sue Baroness Bookworm Vice Queen chose to celebrate her birthday with a day at the seaside by train
Pat Countess Coordinated Vice Queen had not been able to celebrate her birthday as the two events we planned to do so had to be cancelled
So a shared birthday celebration was the order of the day and the sun shone warm and bright all day
We once again travelled to Walton on the Naze by train, after our obligatory pergala phot on the head above the pier we then walked down into town to a coffee shop for Toasted Teacakes and Coffee
Then off down the town to track down the charity shops and any others selling red, purple & bling after we walked along the prom before walking back into town to the Fish & Chip Cafe for our lunch
Then off to the beach and pier, many ladies having a paddle & fun on the beach and went to great expense (probably about £2) played in the arcade, folowed by a return to the beach for tea and ice creams at the beach cafe, another good day enjoyed by eight Ruby Belles
Sunday 12 September ~ Lunch
Intimo Maldon
Another good Sunday lunch having originally booked for 12, we then had 15 ladies on the day plus Aimee Princess Royal Belle, our mascot
The food was excellent, depite a few mix ups, which Intimo apologised to Queen LindyLou for and hoped the ladies who had a slight delay were eventually pleased with their meals
The staff and the food are excellent and none of us are perfect and Queen LindyLou personally felt the slight delays had not upset the ambience of the lunch and everyone enjoyed each others company
Friday 17 September ~ Tour of Britain
Lunch at Oliver's
Twelve ladies arrived at Oliver's around 11.00am in order to enjoy an early lunch before the cyclist were due to pass by around 100pm
At 12.50 we gathered by the far gate in order we had a great view of the tour as they whizzed around the bend in the road towards us
We were joined by the tour camera man, transporteed by motorcycle who took photos of the Ruby Belles alas we did not make the local news who sadly didn't even acknowledge the tour passing through Witham !
The excitement was raised by the Essex Police motorcyclists who flashed their lights and blew their sirens waving as they past us. Followed by all the tour cars and then in what seemed a nano seconds the two front leaders flew in our direction followed shortly by the bunch
WE certainly gave them a loud roar of encouragement and a flash of Red & Purple as we waved our hats & boas
A great fun outing enjoyed by all!
Friday 17 September ~ Billy Fury
Halfway to Paradise ~ The Billy Fury Story ~ Civic
Six ladies attended the concert whih was good, Colin Gold as Billy was very good but of course no one can sing exactly like Billy Fury
Billy's actual backing group 'The Furies', one of the complete longest serving backing bands donned their suits again to give an excellent contribution backing Colin
Set to a giant, moving and nostalgic backdrop of this magical era and including rare personal movie footage of Billy and his Fury’s Tornados playing live.
Saturday 18 September ~ Girl's Night
Just Queen LindyLou, Margaret Queen Millsy and Janet Lady Beatrice attended this show at the Civic, and came away with acheing sides
A touching and hilarious 'tell it like it is' look at the lives of a group of female friends re-living their past, celebrating their present and looking to the future
Included great anthems 'Lay Marmalade', 'It's Raining Men', 'Man I feel Like A Woman', 'I Will Survive' and 'We Are Family'
A definite recommendation to all next time the show hits town!
Wednesday 22 September
Queen's Macmillan Day Lunch
Over 20 ladies attended this event at the home of Linda Queen LindyLou, as the weather was unkind unable to spill out into the garden we managed to just squeeze ourselves into the lounge
Plenty of enjoyable Ploughman's Lunch and Cream Cakes plus lots of friendly chatter raised a total of £215.00, well done ladies!
Sunday 26 September ~ Mozart
The Locrain Quartet paid a musical tribute to the greatest of all classical composers, in lavish period costume and in a stunning and evocative candlelit setting and their rapport with the audience was excellent
Such a shame only five ladies got to enjoy such a relaxing evening, certainly would recomend for next year
Friday 1 ~ Monday 4 October
Funvention Disneyland Paris
Thursday 7 ~ Sunday 10 October
British Red Hatters Convention~ Bideford
Friday 15 October ~ Pamper Night
Just three Ruby Belles attended who reported it was too packed and chaotic with know one to advise where the free treatments were, the goodie bags were a bit hit & miss with lots of advert flyers old Slimming Magazines some included sweets others didn't bits of bling reasonable and the buffet excellent was they had fought their way through the crowds
Verdict too expensive too manic not worth a future re-visit
Tuesday 19 October ~ Artichoke
2nd Anniversary of the Top Totties Brentwood
Due to continuing ill health sadly Linda Queen LindyLou and Pat Countess Coordinated VQ were unable to attend as planned. Four ladies did go along to show support to Queen Cass & the ladies of the Top Totties and all enjoyed the evening very much
Friday 22 October ~ Hats for Headway
Sadly cancelled due to Linda Queen LindyLou having a bad chest infection, this event will be re-scheduled
Tuesday 26 October ~ Sweeney Todd
Again such a poor Belles turnout with just six ladies attending what turned out to be a most excellent performance by WAOS
The artist genuinely as good as the West End deserve much praise
An excellent evening, ladies please join us for their next production, it's local, it's inexpensive and every show is amazing we are so lucky to have such talent so close to home
Wednesday 27 October ~ Dinner
White Hart Witham
28 ladies attended the dinner once again enjoying the private and relaxing atmosphere of the front dining room
Saturday 30 October ~ Murder Mystery
13 Ladies plus our guest Vincent Von Ted enjoyed a three course dinner with each course interjected with the activities of the Murder Mystery
The artists, press, security, art critics, and promoters all taking a lead visiting with us telling their tales leaving clues
Whilst our final decision on murderer, motf & place was not fully correct (Queen LindyLou taking a last minute swerve on the majority decision) we did however win the Turnip Art Appreciation Award, a bottle of wine and Certificate
Really worth another visit
Murder Mystery
Rivenhall Hotel
Wednesday 3 November
3rd Anniversary of the Purple Pearls
A lovely lunch was enjoyed at Cafe Rouge in Colchester by members of the Ruby Belles with Margaret Queen Millsy and the ladies of the Purple Pearls
Wishing them a great fun 2010/2011 year
Friday 5 November ~ Lunch
Tiptree Jam Factory
19 ladies enjoyed the monthly lunch at Tiptree and quite a few took on the theme of Guy Fawkes Night with ther headwear
With once again Chris Lady Marina Chapter Diva decorating her hat with a bonfire with a guy siting atop holding a penny
Janice Scarlet lady took the theme literary with Sausages (Bangers) and Rocket (Rocket Firework) decorating her hat
Everyone else had made a splendid effort and looked great
Tuesday 9 November ~Dinner
White Hart Witham
Just a small turn out for this dinner with only 12 ladies, we met with Jenny a possible newbee & hope to see her again soon
The smaller group gave us all chance for a good chat and catch up
Tuesday 16 November ~ Thursford
Another fabulous day out at Thursford with super seats for the show
After our coffee stop at the Churchgate Tea Rooms in Castle Acre and for some a stroll around the impressive church we continued our journey
Arriving in good time to visit the Winter Wonderland, shops and have a snack before the show
With a direct journey home we all arrived with the Christmas Spirit ready for the coming Winter Season
Monday 29 November ~ Lunch
Perrywoods Garden Centre Feering
St Andrews's Day Theme
This event was cancelled due to heavy snow
Saturday 4 December ~ Rochester
This tour was cancelled by the coach company as the snow in Kent was so severe it was too dangerous to travel
Wednesday 8 December ~ Xmas Lunch
The Rose Redder Hatters ~ Benfleet
A most hospital event with traditional Christmas Fayre in the very pleasant surroundings of Ye Olde Plough House Bulphan
Danny Owen performed Neil Diamond and Tom Jones much to everyone's enjoyment
Many beautiful corsages were worn for the competition
Tuesday 14 December ~ Dinner
Christmas Dinner at the Jack & Jenny Witham
Saturday 17 December ~ Panto
Dick Wittington ~ Witham Public Hall
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