No raining on the Red Hat Society members’ parade

Fashion has long been a cornerstone of any race meet, but the Cobram Racecourse on Thursday put on a display to make even Dame Edna envious.

The Cobram Trots were rained out, but the weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of women from the Cobram, Barooga, Finley and Numurkah chapters of the Red Hat Society, who enjoyed a catered lunch.

The ‘Hatters’ are part of an international movement of fashion and friendship.

Delwynn Carlyon, originally a member of the Finley Fillies, convened Barooga Vintage Reds about three years ago.

Since then, the group has doubled in size and there are separate chapters in Cobram, Numurkah and Wunghnu.

‘‘We really delight in going out for lunches,’’ Mrs Carlyon said.

‘‘We go to Barmah Homestead, we go to Rich Glen (Estate), we go to all the various eating places and just relax and have a good time.

‘‘People from all walks of life join together, which is lovely.’’

Red Hat Society groups have no formal committees and are headed by a ‘queen’.

Mrs Carylon held the title until she abdicated last year, becoming Barooga’s ‘queen mum’ and passing the crown to Christine Milton.

Mrs Milton said the groups had no formal rules, except to wear a red hat and purple top, and to have fun.

She said the informal nature of the groups were what made them so popular.

‘‘There’s no responsibility and we don’t fundraise,’’ Mrs Milton said.

‘‘So you’re not pressured into holding any positions on committees, and it’s just a bit of fun.

‘‘It’s even fun going out and choosing your red hat.’’

Head-wear is a passion of Mrs Milton’s — she has a collection of 14 hats, and is always on the lookout for more.

‘‘I always say to new ladies, ‘Start saving your red hats, get about 24; one for each month of the year’,’’ she said.

Members are exempt from the clothing rule for only one month a year, when they sport a purple hat and red top in celebration of their birthday.

Finley Fillies queen Judi Anderson said it was a unique, rewarding experience — and she wouldn’t swap it for anything.

‘‘Our saying is, ‘Frankly dear, we don’t give a damn’,’’ she said.

‘‘We just go out and have fun. We let our inner child out.

‘‘I can’t get enough of it. It’s infectious, I think.’’

Red-hot friendships: Barooga Vintage Reds queen Christine Milton, vice-queen Heather Dempster, Finley Fillies queen Judi Anderson and Barooga Vintage Reds queen mum Delwynn Carlyon.