ARGUABLY the Nambucca Valley’s most glamorous group of women, the Champagne Charlies have recently celebrated the impressive milestone of 20 years of fun, friendship and red-hatted revelry.
The Champagne Charlies are the local chapter of the global Red Hat Society, a movement dedicated to women over 60 embracing life, laughter and colour, all while proudly wearing red hats and purple attire.
Since their first gathering in October 2005, the Charlies have lived by the society’s motto of “growing old disgracefully”.
What began as a bit of curiosity at a Bowraville race meeting, where a few local ladies spotted another group of vivaciously dressed Red Hatters, quickly turned into a movement of their own.
Enthralled by the idea, they founded the Champagne Charlies, ready to bring a splash of glamour and joy to the Mid North Coast.
“From our inaugural meeting to now, we’ve shared two decades of laughter and true sisterhood,” the Champagne Charlies’ Margery Boylan told News Of The Area.
“We thank all our past members for their friendship and flair.”
Over the years the group has made monthly lunch dates at venues within a 60km radius, a tradition that has delighted numerous locals and venue staff with their joyful presence.
From hotels and RSL clubs to wineries, golf courses and even the Bowraville Theatre, few local venues have remained untouched.
In addition to local jaunts, the Champagne Charlies have joined Red Hatters from around the state at special gatherings, connecting with like-minded women who share their passion for living life boldly and with a sense of humour.
The Red Hat Society began in the United States and has grown into an international sisterhood.
Its mission is to empower women to enjoy life on their own terms, nurture lasting friendships, and remind the world that growing older is something to be celebrated.
If you happen to see a flurry of red and purple sweeping through a restaurant near you it may well be the Champagne Charlies, living their best, boldest lives.
To find out more about the Champagne Charlies you can email Margery Boylan, known as “Queen Brash with Panache”, at llanboylodge@hotmail.com
By Mick BIRTLES
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