Dannevirke: Red Hatters ready to invade our town

Kween Chookie, aka Kathryn Mulinder, from the EvaReady Cheery Chicz of Dannevirke, is ready for an influx of fun-loving women for the national convention of the Red Hat Society. Photo / Christine McKay

The flags are up, the street bunting is ready and the welcome bags full as Kween Chookie and the EvaReady Cheery Chicz of Dannevirke look forward to hosting the Red Hatters convention.

Scanpower have sponsored the red hat street flags and the welcome board is out as Dannevirke's red hatters count down the sleeps until our town is invaded.

"We are just eight sleeps away from our first visitors arriving on Thursday, November 5, and we'll be over-running Dannevirke with purple and red fun and frivolity," Kween Chookie, aka Kathryn Mulinder, said. "But most importantly we'll be sharing friendship with our red-hatting sisterhood.

"We've already started our party and we're just waiting for our guests."

The Red Hat Society is a social organisation founded in 1998 in the United States for women aged 50 and over. It now has chapters worldwide and is open to women of all ages.

The national convention will be held at the Dannevirke Town Hall from November 6 to 8, with those attending being urged to take in as many of our town's attractions as they can.

At the royal hen house, Kathryn's Norsewood home, there has been a flurry of work as members have sewn street bunting and put together welcome bags.

"I've had an awesome team and, although nothing happens without a bit of work, it's been a lot of fun. Yes, we've had a few hiccups along the way, but we've learnt to be flexible.

"I can't speak more highly of Kimberley Stevens from the Tararua District Council's business network. She's been very supportive and gone out of her way to help. It's been awesome."

Though Kathryn cannot confirm final numbers attending the conference until people arrive, nothing is about to spoil the convention party.

"I've a new royal outfit, the red carpet has been vacuumed and I'm hoping locals will pull out all the stops to promote our town while the Red Hatters are here," she said.

Any profit from the convention will be shared between the Dannevirke Toy Library and Senior Constable Murray Churchouse's adventure trips for young people.