A few weeks ago, I wrote that despite my advancing years you wouldn’t catch me wearing purple and red.

I should have known better because almost immediately Contessa Francesca, from the Norfolk Broads Chapter of the Red Hat Society, was in touch.

“How very dare you suggest that the wearing of purple and red is not for you? And what’s wrong with purple big nix, purple thermals and purple tights?”

Crumbs, I thought, and, following Her Grace’s suggestion, went on to the website to find these are a “feisty, funky group of women, approaching 50 and beyond” who get together for fun and friendship.

Even though I am feeling just a little bit scared I am going along to the Broads’ March meeting in Norwich and very much look forward to an audience with Queen Jude and her court.

But should I wear knickers at all with a red hat? That is the question. (Please don’t send answers on a postcard).