There aren't many reigning queens out in the world but there's one who has ruled the roost for more than 10 years right here in Prince George.
Fern Roberts is Queen of the Scarlet O'Hatters of the Red Hat Society, a group of 24 women who get together once a month just for the fun of it, taking a break from their usual volunteer-driven community work.
"We just want to get dressed up and have fun," said Roberts.
It's not easy keeping 24 women of a certain age in line. It takes tact, a strong organizational skill set and an unshakable no-nonsense attitude. "It's really good for us women to just go out and have fun once a month."
The group has gone on train trips to Prince Rupert, Terrace and Smithers, something that allows for some relaxation, great conversation and a chance to just sit and enjoy the view.
"Those train trips are the greatest," said Roberts, who became reigning queen of the group when the founder of the Scarlet O'Hatters, Kathy Nadalin, had to manage a family crisis in Germany for about four months.
"When I got back Fern was doing such a great job I convinced her to just keep doing what she was doing," said Nadalin, who has known Roberts since 1987. "Fern is so great with all those ladies. If someone doesn't show up for a while, she's phoning them to make sure they're OK and she's always making arrangements for those people who don't have rides. She's just a wonderful person."
Roberts, who worked for BC Tel, now Telus, for 35 years before she retired 16 years ago, also volunteers as a Telus Ambassador and for the last four years has been on the team that creates Seniors' Bags for those in the community who are alone at Christmas. Some years the demand has been as high as 90 reversible bags going to those in need during the holiday season.
It's hard enough to be on your own at any other time but at Christmas it's more so," said Roberts, who has a daughter and three grandchildren.
So far this year there are 70 bags that will be handmade and filled with treats and small gifts to bring cheer to a member of the community.
"She not only helps make the bags, she helps pack them up and then we deliver them to each of the seniors," said Nadalin. "Fern is always at the Elder Citizen Recreation Centre with the craft group making crocheted and knitted items."
Once a week the craft group gets together to create wearable works of art, with proceeds of the sale of the items going to the centre's operating costs.
Roberts likes to crochet at home while she's watching television - she likes to keep her hands busy so she makes things like blankets to go on people's laps or baby blankets.
"I like to make things that are very easy to do," said Roberts, who has been married to Grant since 2001. "I like to keep it simple."
Roberts likes to volunteer with her church as well. She helps organize memorial teas at the Zion Lutheran Church and as part of a group from the church Roberts often serves Saturday breakfast at St. Vincent de Paul Society's Drop In Centre.
Flip through The Citizen's Volunteer City series, featuring stand-out volunteers in Prince George:
