Now ready for retirement
When you’re working, you long for the freedom retirement affords. But when the time comes, and the daily structure disappears, changes to routine can feel less welcome.
Turning 67 this year, Barbara Spencer from Lincolnshire was forced to give up the job she loved after a fall at work. She entered retirement much earlier than expected and wasn’t quite ready to give up the buzz of a busy working life and being part of a team.
“After the accident I was devastated. I loved my job, and although I was 63, I wasn’t one for sitting about. When I realised I couldn’t go back to work due to my injuries, I felt my life had ended,” explains Barbara.
“I didn’t want to be one of those people who woke up every morning, had a coffee and just filled my time with mundane dayto-day tasks. My husband was quite content pottering around but I can’t busy myself like he can and I was worried.”
Barbara and her husband, Brian, first heard about the Oddfellows after meeting someone on holiday who was a member. When she returned home, she put in an enquiry and received a call from her nearest branch inviting her to give the group a try.
She said: “When the Oddfellows was first suggested I wasn’t convinced it was for me, so I did a quick search on Google. Next thing I knew, we were arranging to come along to the next event.
“Everyone made us feel welcome. I’m a very friendly person but I’m not the sort to hang around if I don’t like somewhere. As soon as we walked in we felt at home, there was no awkwardness, we just got on with it like we’d been there for years.”
Barbara adds that even Brian, who is naturally shy, enjoys going to the events. She says: “It’s all about the social side for me. Brian’s happy in his own company, but he enjoys coming with me. He even volunteers to make the teas.”
Brian adds: “I’m not a good mixer, but you can’t help to join in.”
For more than two centuries, the Oddfellows has offered friendship and support and is one of the UK’s largest friendly societies, with 41,500 members across its 115 branches. It’s a non-profit mutual (membership from £25 per year) run by members, for members, to improve the quality of people’s lives.
Oddfellows branches run regular online activities and face-to-face events for their members to keep active and in touch with each other. There are group holidays in addition to supportive benefits which include care and welfare advice, special member discounts* and access to its historical archives.
Barbara’s life has now come full circle. She adds: “Life’s too short to be sat doing nothing, whether you are retired or not. I never thought I’d say this but being retired is great. The Oddfellows and the friends I’ve made there have played a huge part in this.”
INFORMATION: To learn more about the Oddfellows and to receive a free information pack and local events diary, call 0800 028 1810 or email enquiries@oddfellows.co.uk. www.oddfellows.co.uk/retirement
*Terms and conditions apply to all member benefits and services. For details, visit www.oddfellows.co.uk/terms-conditions or call 0800 028 1810.