ou tell two friends... and they tell two friends, and they tell two friends.... and so on, and so on... When we first started going out for tea there were only a handful of us. Now we are bursting at the seams.

he Queen's Court for 2006 - Every group needs those folks who "get things done".

• Sheku, "Queen Mother": Founder, coordinator of monthly events (ensuring that all Tarts participate in organizing at least one event per year), chair of business portion of meetings.
• Pat, "Duchess of Dosh": Administrator of bank account, collector of annual dues, co-chair of meetings.
• Donelda, "Princess of Prattle and Print": Sender and composer of Newsletters and other important Raspberry Tart information.
• Joyce, "Royal Wench Watcher": Maintainer of Membership list, recipient of membership inquiries.
• Carolyn, "Grand Duchess of Jest and Good Works": Sender of letters of cheer and condolence to Tarts.
• Leigh, "Lady Laughsalot": Share cheer/sympathy notes and calls with Carolyn.
• Judi, "Princess of Pics": Formal Tart photography and casual photos when available.
• Sharon, "Countess of Candid": Taker of photos at monthly gatherings.
• Nancy, "Countess of Chocolate": Court chocolateer.

ho can be a Member?

• You must be a woman of 50 or over, who is willing to be an involved, active participant, and you must attend functions in full regalia, (red hat, purple outfit).
• To keep our membership to a reasonable number, any new members must be "sponsored" into the group by an existing member.At present our roster is full, so we are currently closed to new members.
• Your first red hat should be an "experienced" hat. Find it at an antique shop, the back of your aunt's closet, a second hand store, a friend's attic... Be creative!
  (Hint: Check out the Hat Tips page.)
• We allow "underage" members if they agree to wear pink hats and lavender clothing, exchanging them for the red and purple only after having THE birthday. Who ever thought women would be looking FORWARD to their fiftieth birthdays?

hy do we do this?

We've often had people (usually younger people) ask us why we dress up like this and get together for tea. What's the point? Here are some of the replies:

• Diane: Because we CAN!
• Suzanne: Food. Fun. Frivolity. Friendship. There needs to be a point???
• Carolyn: To take life less seriously. To put more fun into "the journey". To keep an open mind. To enjoy others.
• Karen: The point is to make new friends and have fun. Learn from others. Enjoy each other's talents. See different places. There is so much ahead to look forward to and experience!
• Karis: A wolf howls to find her pack. A fun-loving, eccentric Crone dresses up in red and purple for the same reason!