Queen Quistabella's Coronation

25 October 2009

                                        Queen Quistabella            Vice Queen Sandra          Queen Mother Joann

Queen Mum Joann, Queen Quistabella Chris, and Vice Queen Sandra

A Royal entourage arrived  and  assembled at hut  7, “Peppermint”  at the scenic Tolosa Park, Glenorchy for the Royal occasion of handing over of the Sceptre and Crowning our new Queen. Accompanied by two Royal escorts bearing swords to protect Her Majesty, Joann, Queen Julep Magnolia Blossom arrived, and walked to the Throne Room , through a guard of honour formed by Scarlett O'Hatters  holding high with pride, their feather boas.

Queen Joann took her place on the middle throne, and Chris, Baroness Butterfly and Mary Duchess Dragonfly took their seats either side of Queen Joann.   With Crown Princess Mary as mistress of ceremonies, the Coronation began and went without a hitch.  The proceedings started with  Crown

Princess Mary reading  the RED HAT PRAYER

Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my shape to keep.

Please no wrinkles. Please no bags. And please lift my butt before it sags.

Please no age spots.  Please no gray. And as for my belly, please take it away.

Please keep me healthy. Please keep me young,

And thank you Dear Lord for all that you've done. Amen.

From left TriciaC,  VirginiaL, new girl SueB, MaryP and JeanW

Jean Contessa La Stupenda paid tribute Her Majesty Queen Julep Magnolia Blossom  acclaiming her achievements during her reign. Which most importantly was Joann's vision of seeing a Red Hat Society chapter being formed in Hobart and seeing it come to fruition. Joann reigned over our  chapter for five years, growing it to seventy members in that time. Many activities were organised which, included entering our group to participate in the Hobart City Council Christmas Pageant. With Joann's disorganisation, we won awards for three years in a row, including the Best Community Group and The Best Costumed Group.

Queen Julep Magnolia Blossom then removed her crown and it was replaced with a beautiful golden tiara. A Queen Mother badge and a gorgeous bunch of flowers were then presented to her.  Our Queen Mother responded with a thank you  and said she has enjoyed and had been very proud to serve our Chapter over the last five years.

Then the coronation of the new Queen, took place. This serious event comes with enormous prestige and responsibility, which Chris Baroness Butterfly promised to undertake the spirit.  Chris has been a member of the Scarlett O’Hatters for about three years, and she has been great company, and wears the red and purple with pride and flair.

Contessa de Sparkle Rik administered The Red Hat oath to Chris, promised we will be reigned over with promises of kindness and benevolence, without long and boring meetings. Chris also promised to rule with silliness, and  promote fun, laughter, and comic relief when needed.  She has also vowed to follow and lead in the tenants from the poem “Warning” “and make up for the sobriety of our youth and  “pick the flowers from other people’s gardens and learn to spit”!

Chris was then  presented  with a red candle by Jester Jennie,   which was given to remind her,  to let her inner light shine, so that others can see the fun in being 50 plus.  Mary then with  her red hat power, presented Chris with The Order of the Red Sash before all her royal courtiers.  Chris then took the Red Hat Pledge, which includes eating dessert first and to dispel the notion that a woman "my" age is old! 

Our Queen Mother Joann, then officially declared Chris, Queen Quistabella - Queen of The Scarlett O’Hatters, Hobart Chapter of the Red Hat Society. A magnificent crown was then  placed on Queen Quistabella by our Queen Mother.

Sandra, Duchess Dragonfly, made her vow to  confirm her place as Vice Queen, or the lady with more vices than the rest of us!!  Duchess Dragonfly, being of sound mind, and desiring to have more  fun in the prime of her life, solemnly swore to uphold the ideals of the Red Hat Society, (as soon as she figures out what they are).  She will also do her best to support our Queen and be a good role model with a zest  for life and take silliness seriously.  Duchess Dragonfly was then crowned with a brilliant silver tiara, by Queen Quistabella.

Chris and Sandra awaiting the big moment

Fun and Frivolity it is,  for Margaret, Jennie, Joann and Mary.

Queen Quistabella and Vice Queen Sandra and Royal subjects