There’s  new society in Rocky Mount, and everywhere its members gather they are the instant center of attention.  Who can ignore a bevy of fun-loving, high-spirited, middle-aged women decked out in red hats and purple outfits?

Rocky Mount's Power in Purple is the new local chapter of the international Red Hat Society—which adopted its name and attitude from the poem by Jenny Joseph entitled, “Warning.”  In February, 2003, Queen Mother, Phyllis Styers, went to a Red Hat Society Meeting in Long Key, Florida.  She told her friends Peggie Stroud and Joyce Dilda that she was going home and start a Red Hat Society.  Before, Peggie and Joyce returned to North Carolina, Power in Purple had been organized and held its first tea.  The first tea was held at the home of the Queen of Vice, Linda Tharin and hosted by Queen Mother, Phyllis; Hysterian Queen, Miriam Bullard, and Queen of  Tarts, Betty Jones.  Twenty-two attending the first meeting and there are currently 27 members.