Around 45 ladies have celebrated the first birthday of a very colourful local group.

East Anglian Daily Times: Bright colourful outfits are a key part of the society. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNBright colourful outfits are a key part of the society. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The Red Hat Society began in America in the late 1990s but has had great success in the UK.

The society’s name comes from the poem ‘When I Am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple’.

Members are encouraged to be colourful: with those under 50 wearing lilac clothes and pink hats, while those over 50 wear purple clothes and red hats.

The Woodbridge branch of the group, the Blooming Fuchsias of Woodbridge, were set up a year ago for people to make friends and support each other whilst also taking part in activities.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Red Hat society started in America. The Woodbridge group has been running for a year. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe Red Hat society started in America. The Woodbridge group has been running for a year. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Anne-Marie Regnault who leads the group said: “We could never have dreamt that only one year on we would host a birthday celebration for over 40 ladies.

“It’s lovely!”

The group meet at Wyevale Garden Centre in Woodbridge every 2nd Thursday of the month.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Coach and Horses in Melton was the venue for the birthday party. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe Coach and Horses in Melton was the venue for the birthday party. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The society meet up monthly and join with other groups for activities and visits. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe society meet up monthly and join with other groups for activities and visits. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Cathy McKenna, Anne-Marie Regnault, Sue Shepherd, Janet Tompkins at the party. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNCathy McKenna, Anne-Marie Regnault, Sue Shepherd, Janet Tompkins at the party. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)