A more rewarding retirement
Adventurous, active and social, Mid-Staffordshire couple Trish Viner and Bev Marchant have always enjoyed their retirement.
But keen to keep their routine interesting and varied, the pair made a decision to give their local Oddfellows friendship group a go – and never looked back!
Trish and Bev, who both turn 71 this year, first heard of the friendship society three years ago when they met a couple of members on holiday. After spending the week with their new pals, they decided to hunt out their nearest Oddfellows Branch, and were thrilled when they found a local group in Stafford.
Trish explained: “We weren’t short of friends, and we are kept busy with my daughter and grandchildren, but I just thought the Oddfellows sounded like a nice place to be.
“We went along to our first meeting and enjoyed it straight away. There are many opportunities to socialise and try new activities. You can do as little or as much as you want, so there’s no pressure, but the opportunities are there.”
For more than two centuries, the Oddfellows, one of the UK’s largest friendly societies, has offered friendship and support. With 41,500 members across 115 branches, it’s a non-profit mutual (membership from £25 per year) run by members, for members. Despite social restrictions, Oddfellows branches are still running regular online activities and Covid-19 Secure meet-ups for their members to keep active and in touch with each other. There are group holidays running for 2021, in addition to supportive benefits which include care and welfare advice, special member discounts* and access to its historical archives.
Trish added: “We are so happy to have found the Oddfellows.
It’s not just about going and having fun, it’s a way we can give something back.
“The Oddfellows brings you together with people you might not otherwise have met, who do need that extra bit of support or companionship.
“It’s very rewarding to be part of something that you can see is doing some good. It’s uplifting.”