Friends to last you a lifetime
THERE are times when you need a friend. Times when you find yourself on your own, or you simply want a little more companionship. It doesn’t matter what time of life you’re at, the knowledge someone is there for you can make all the difference.
The importance of friendship at every age and stage of life is something that Derek Green believes can never be underestimated.
Derek joined local friendship group the Oddfellows 54 years ago and says it has been one of the best decisions he’s ever made.
“I first became a member back in the 60s for the benefits that were available to my family and me,” says Derek, 78, from Boston, Lincolnshire. “At that time I had two young children and we needed all the help we could get.
“I was made to feel welcome from the minute I walked through the door and I knew that I had made the right decision. Being surrounded by people that genuinely care about your welfare, and the variety of events on offer, really appealed to me. It still does.
“Being able to involve my family throughout the years has also been fantastic. It gives us a place outside of the home to spend time with each other.”
For more than two centuries the Oddfellows has been serving up a unique recipe of friendship and support and now has 314,000 members across 126 branches.
Established in 1810, the Oddfellows is one of the UK’s largest friendly societies. It is a non-profit mutual (membership from £25 a year) run by members for members, to improve the quality of people’s lives through friendship, care and support.
Members enjoy five key ingredients. First are the regular social events, from coffee mornings, craft sessions and lunch clubs to guest talks, countryside walks and fascinating excursions. Then there is the welfare support that members can rely on, such as a care helpline, financial aid and convalescence care.
Further added to the mix are group holidays with the Active Travel Club, special offers (money off big brands) and access to the Oddfellows’ historical archive.
“Throughout my time as a member, I’ve been involved in all sorts, from attending trips and helping organise events, to representing the branch as chairman,” says Derek.
“Having like-minded people around me to make memories with is something I’m incredibly thankful to the Oddfellows for.
“My dearest friends are all members. I’d encourage anyone looking for a little more fun and friendly support in their lives to give their local group a try. You won’t regret it.”
And there really has never been a better time to get involved. Throughout September, the Oddfellows is hosting hundreds of open-invitation events as part of its Great Big Friendship Month.
INFORMATION: To find out more about the Oddfellows (oddfellows.co.uk) and to receive a membership pack and local events diary, call 0808 302 6807 or email enquiries@oddfellows.co.uk