the Oddfellow Autumn 2008 by Oddfellows

MAGAZINE

Autumn 2008 www.oddfellows.co.uk

W IN SEE PAGE 26 FOR DETAILS

BACK TO NATURE MEET THE MEMBERS WHO ARE DEDICATED TO THEIR ALLOTMENTS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

HAPPY 100th birthday!

Oddfellows’ 100th birthday telegram is back and we meet the first recipients

LIVING THE GREEN LIFE

The lifestyle changes we all can make to help do our bit for the environment

STERLING EFFORTS

Celebrating our hard and dedicated workers in Oddfellowship

Contents Glossary of traditional terms In the past 200 years the Society has developed traditional terms that you may come across. For those unfamiliar with them, here is a brief guide: • Grand Master of the Order (GM) Chairman of the Society • Provincial Grand Master (Prov GM) District Chairman • Provincial Corresponding Secretary (Prov CS) District Secretary • Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master (IPPGM) Immediate Past District Chairman • Past Provincial Grand Master (PPGM) Past District Chairman • Noble Grand (NG) Branch Chairman • Provincial Lodge of Past Grands A group of members particularly interested in the history and meaning of ceremony, who have all been Noble Grands • Most Worthy Master Chairman of the Provincial Lodge of Past Grands • Sister and Brother The Oddfellows is a fraternal organisation: membership is like belonging to a family. Many members refer to each other as Brother and Sister • Initiation The welcoming ceremony • Annual Movable Conference (AMC) The governing body of the Society that meets annually

Welcome To your new-look Oddfellows magazine

ell, what a summer. We hope that the rain, wind and general greyness didn’t dampen your spirits too much, and that you are enjoying a fun and relaxing autumn so far. We also hope that you will enjoy the latest issue of The Oddfellow. It is packed with useful tips, from how to live a greener lifestyle, to how to become more active within the Society, and also looks at the many social and fundraising activities that members enjoyed over the summer. And, although even colder weather may be on the way, we have spoken to five members who prove that outdoor activities can still be enjoyable and rewarding – and whose passion for gardening has led them to a kitchen full of fruit and vegetables. We always welcome any feedback, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. With our very best wishes, The Editorial Team.

CONTENTS 4 NEWS

18 NURTURING NATURE

All the latest news from the world of Oddfellowship, including the return of 100th birthday telegrams

Oddfellows members share their passion for growing fruit and veg

6 campaign

Tributes to departed members

2o IN MEMORIAM

The Board of Directors visits the Nightingale Centre and Genesis Prevention Centre

21 EDUCATIONAL AWARDS

8 out & about

23 MEMBERSHIP

Social and fundraising activities around the Branches

How to get more involved, plus the first female Grand Master (Chairman)

12 THE GREEN LIFE

24 workers IN ODDFELLOWSHIP

The few small lifestyle changes that we all can undertake to help make a difference to the environment

14 care Where to get help if you’re suffering from depression; Age Concern’s new LifeBook; how to cope with loneliness; one Oddfellows member looks back over 60 years of the NHS

How two young recipients benefited

Meet our Society’s stalwart workers

26 BOOK CLUB Win a copy of Britain from Above; plus previews, quiz and puzzle

28 ACTIVE TRAVEL CLUB Liverpool trip report; Summer 2009 offers; plus Active Travel Club update The Oddfellow

News

News Special

The Society’s band Oddfellows Brass BELOW Getting into the spirit at race night

Introducing the 100th Birthday

Annual Movable

Conference 2008

ABOVE Dancing the night away

The AMC 2008 opened with the Grand Master Bash, and, in true Oddfellows style, the dancing went on late into the evening, setting the tone for the social events to come during the week. Sunday afternoon saw a special concert by Oddfellows Brass, the Society’s band. Then, following the first day of business on Monday, there was a race night where £1,241 was raised to be split between Genesis and the Local Mayor’s charity. Many of the guests got into the full racing spirit and dressed for the occasion. The farewell event on the Wednesday evening saw the group Funkification entertaining the crowd,

As Oddfellows reintroduces the 100th birthday telegram, we meet the first three recipients Master, Keith Adamson and his wife Alison. Keeping this meeting in mind, on their next trip to Kent Keith and Alison made a special visit to see Mrs Willis on her 100th birthday. They presented her with a beautiful arrangement of flowers, which was very much appreciated.

as well as welcoming new Grand Master (Chairman), Nicola O’Riordan Finley, and marking the end of business. For those not leaving on the Thursday morning, a bowls tournament was held on Southport Promenade bowling green, followed on Friday by a trip to Liverpool, the Capital of Culture 2008, and a successful week was concluded. To find out how to become more involved in the Oddfellows turn to page 23.

Grand Master (Chairman) of the Society

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District for 20 years, but Nicola has stepped out of his shadow having held the position for 22 years. So what drives her to be so involved in the Society? “I enjoy organising things for the other members and making sure that the events are as pleasurable as possible,” she says. “I always like meeting with other Oddfellows and being Grand Master has given me the opportunity to meet with so many more.” In her spare time, Nicola likes to write poetry, paint and crochet. She also loves to spend time with her husband Tom and two grown-up sons, Anthony and Terry who, of course, are all Oddfellows, too.

Mrs Lake and Nicola O’Riordan Finley

rom autumn this year every member who turns 100 will receive a replicate telegram, framed and signed by the Grand Master. The tradition of a member receiving an Oddfellows congratulatory telegram on their 100th birthday stood for many years, and the Society now feels that the time is ripe for its reintroduction as more of our members reach that special birthday. To celebrate this launch we focus on three 100th birthdays:

Meet Nicola O’Riordan FinleY hen asked how she feels about becoming Grand Master, Nicola laughs. “I still feel surprised that the Grand Master is me! It takes some time to get used to it but for me it’s not about wearing the chain or having my photo taken, instead it’s my one chance to make my mark on the Society I care so much about.” Some would argue that Nicola has already made her mark on the Oddfellows, being a lifelong member who was signed up by her granddad at birth. Her father had been the Provincial Corresponding Secretary of Stepney

Mrs Amelia Nettleton, born 21 April 1908, Preston District Image courtesy of the Wisbech Standrad

ver 550 Oddfellows from 74 Districts across Britain descended on Southport in May as the Society congregated for the 184th annual conference. Deputies had the opportunity to make important decisions about issues concerning the future of the Society, as well as catching up with friends old and new.

Oddfellows boost for the University of East Anglia The University of East Anglia (UEA) has been chosen to receive £26,373 from the HA Andrews Memorial Fund. The money will fund a two-year research project into the tailoring of a treatment for patients affected by colorectal cancer. Dr Barbara Jennings, a Senior Lecturer in Molecular Medicine at UEA, will lead the project, which is the start of an in-depth 10-year study into the disease.

Mrs Ruth Lake, born 30 July 1908, Capital of the Fens District Mrs Lake (above) has been a member for many years, as have a number of her family. She still lives independently in her own flat with help from her two daughters and daughter-in-law. Her birthday party was

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full of surprises, with friends and family turning up, and even the local press. She received a beautiful bunch of flowers from the District Secretary Alison Adamson, and was overjoyed when the Grand Master Nicola O’Riordan Finley arrived in person to hand-deliver one of the first 100th birthday telegrams.

Mrs Margaret Willis, born 3 May 1908, Canterbury District Mrs Willis held the title of Noble Grand in 1986 at the St Lawrence Lodge, Ramsgate. At the last Annual Social Event in Margate, she met the then Grand

The telegram tradition stood for many years and the Society feels the time is right to reintroduce it

Mrs Nettleton is honoured to share her birthday with HM the Queen and was extremely grateful to receive a lovely card from her. Mrs Nettleton, who is one of the original residents of the Red Rose Lodge in Blackpool, had a wonderful birthday and entertained many visitors. Eric Ogden, Chairman of the Manchester Unity Housing Association, arrived with his wife Lillian, bearing gifts. They were fortunate enough to meet members of Mrs Nettleton’s family, which included her daughter, granddaughter and great-grandson.

facts • The first UK telegram service opened in 1945 • In 1952, 255 people received 100th birthday greetings from the Queen; by 2005 this had risen to 6,914 • In 1982, the Queen replaced telegrams with cards after the Royal Mail’s Inland Telegram Service was discontinued • The Oddfellows are expecting to send out 300 100th birthday greetings per year • The UK still has an existing telegram service called Telegrams Online – find it at www.telegramsonline.co.uk The Oddfellow

News

News The Board of Directors is shown round the Centre

Where does all the money go?

lifestyles, such as having children later in life, could be affecting their risk of cancer. At present one in 10 women in the UK develops breast cancer, and the aim of the centre is to make it none in 10.

The Society’s Grand Master (Chairman) Nicola O’Riordan Finley says: “Although the centre is now fully functional, we need to continue to raise funds for the medical and research teams to make this aim a reality.”

We need to continue to raise funds to meet our aims

10 KEY INGREDIENTS OF THE

GENESIS BREAST CANCER PREVENTION DIET

Genesis Appeal continues The

The newly-appointed Board of Directors visited the now fully-operational Nightingale Centre and Genesis Prevention Centre to see how the Oddfellows contribution had helped

he visit started with a tour around the facilities, where the peacefulness and calming atmosphere of the Centre was noted. The building incorporates a glazed atrium and waiting area, which includes a beautiful stained-glass window created by artist Martin Donlin. Lester Barr, Chairman of the Trustees, said that the building and the artwork was designed in consultation with breast cancer staff and patients to ensure it was a welcoming and tranquil place. The Oddfellow

ABOVE Artist Martin Donlin’s stained-glass window

It was then up to the Oddfellows Lecture Room, which featured state-of-the-art technology and a dividing wall for best use of space. Dr Michelle Harvie gave a fascinating presentation on her in-depth research into the effects of diet on breast cancer. Dr Harvie is the only dedicated research dietician in the UK focusing on this area, and is also the author of The Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Diet (see page 7). Then Dr George Metaxas discussed his four areas of research, which included studying how the changes in women’s

1. Watch your weight and calorie intake. If you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce your risk by as much as 40%. 2. Do more exercise. Aim to include three to four hours of exercise each week. 3. Limit your alcohol intake – each drink you have on a daily basis can increase your risk by 7%. 4. Limit your intake of saturated and trans-fats by cutting down on fatty meats and high-fat dairy products. Not all fat is bad – the fats found in oily fish, avocado, rapeseed, walnut and olive oils are part of a healthy anti-cancer diet. 5. Eat more wholegrain and fewer refined (white) starchy foods. Wholegrains can help to control levels of cancerpromoting hormones in the body and will boost your intake of cancerbeating nutrients like selenium and vitamin E. 6. Include different coloured fruit and

vegetables to ensure you take in a range of anti-cancer nutrients; aim for at least five portions per day. 7. Include low-fat dairy products such as yoghurt, low-fat milk and cottage cheese, which are rich in calcium and often vitamin D; these help to protect us from cancer. 8. Be aware of taking combined HRT in the long term (more than two years), as this can increase the risk of breast cancer. Ten years on, combined HRT can double your risk. This increased risk disappears within about five to 10 years of stopping the combined HRT. 9. Be breast aware – most breast cancer outside screening programmes is detected by women themselves. 10. Attend breast screening if you are eligible. The national NHS Breast Screening Programme has proven beneficial in reducing the likelihood of dying from breast cancer.

In a world where we are increasingly required to take responsibility for our financial futures, we all need to be able to manage our money. The Oddfellows Society has teamed up with the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the UK’s independent financial watchdog, to bring Oddfellows members the FSA’s Make the Most of Your Money (MMYM) programme. With this edition of The Oddfellow magazine you will have also received a booklet of useful information about many of the types of financial products that you may need at some point in your life. It covers managing your money, looking after your paperwork, staying on top of your borrowing and planning for retirement. Oddfellows Branch representatives will be working with the FSA over the coming months to organise local seminars about managing your personal finances. The Society hopes that this will be a great opportunity to find out more about managing your money, and to help you make informed financial decisions or point you in the right direction should you need some additional help. Further impartial information is available on the FSA’s website at www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk

Your chance To win £500 IN vouchers It’s important to us and to the FSA that you find the booklet useful. Give the FSA your feedback (page 3 of the booklet) to help make the products even better, and you could win £500 in M&S vouchers. Make the most of your booklet – and make the most of your money!

For tips on saving money by living a greener lifestyle, see pages 12-13 The Oddfellow

Out & About

Out & About Ipswich celebrates Diwali The Ipswich District brought a taste of India to their Branch with a celebration of Diwali. Diners tucked into a delicious curry and the guest speaker, Kay Acharya, entertained the members with the story behind the festival and explained some of the Hindu traditions. She brought a number of beautiful saris, which members were invited to wear, and the afternoon was rounded off with traditional Indian music and dancing.

Humber Wolds goes walking The Humber Wolds Walking Club has gone from strength to strength since its initiation five years ago. At the time there were only five members but this has increased to around 20. Although some people are not Oddfellows on their first few walks, they

tend to join the Society due to the friendly atmosphere generated. The walks are around the wolds, moors and the coast, tend to be between five and seven miles long and always take in some spectacular scenery.

Raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association The Motor Neurone Disease Association had been the Provincial Grand Master’s charity for 2007/2008 in the Nene & Welland District. The annual fish and chip supper was held in June, where a cheque for £400 was presented to Mrs Chris Glover from the charity. A further £58.50 was raised during the evening from bingo and a raffle; this was also donated to the charity.

River cruise on the Brayford Belle Oddfellows from Lincoln, Boston and Skegness met at the Brayford Pool, Lincoln, for a cruise on the Brayford Belle. Members and friends sat back and enjoyed the sights of Lincoln and the countryside, while an enlightening commentary was provided by the captain. The outing was blessed with glorious sunshine and the trip was rounded off with an excellent Sunday lunch aboard an anchored barge.

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Bristol Branch enjoys cider and vintage cars Around 30 members and friends enjoyed a visit to Tickenham, Clevedon, to see how cider was pressed in Queen Victoria’s time. A tasting session was included, along with a visit to the 12 vintage cars kept at the farm.

Mid Staffordshire in Mayor’s Parade

The cars, which are now hired out for weddings and films, proved very popular – some members joked that they’d like to get married again just to have a ride in one of them!

Art and Design qualification

Several members of the Mid Staffordshire District took part in the Mayor’s Festival Parade in July, celebrating the Victoria Park Centenary. The parade took on a ‘Park Life’ theme, focusing on the borough’s parks, play areas, green spaces and, in particular, Victoria Park, which has served the Stafford Borough community for the past 100 years.

Two Mersey Branch members proved you can never be too old to learn new skills. Dorothy Glover and Daphne Lyons recently achieved an NVQ Level 2 in Art and Design. They showed off their excellent artwork and certificates to the Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master, Vic Hughes.

Oddfellows parade their Easter bonnets A number of Branches had Easter Bonnet competitions. These included (from top left) the Cardiff District Easter Bonnet competition, won by Pam English; the North London District Easter Bonnet competition, which was won by Mike Naden of the Duchess of Kent Lodge and Joyce Nicholson of the Pride of Islington Lodge; and the Men’s Best Easter Bonnet competition at the Stanley Baldwin Lodge, Worcester District.

Oddfellows war hero honoured Barrie Siddons has been honoured as a war hero with a medal from the Malaysian government. He was given the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal for service with the Royal Navy during the troubles from 1957 to 1966. The award was presented by the Malaysian High Commissioner at Sobraon Barracks, Lincolnshire. The local members know Barrie for his achievements in marathon running. The Oddfellow

Out & About

Out & About 90th birthday bash

St Mary Cray and Dartford annual dinner dance The Poplar Suite at Woodlands, Swanley, held the St Mary Cray and Dartford District Dance to honour Elsie Goodman the Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master. Elsie received her Past Provincial Grand Master certificate from current Provincial Grand Master, Liam Hayden, and she also presented Judy Spence from Macmillan Cancer Support with a cheque for over £4,000.

Top Nines Bowling Championship The annual Top Nines Bowling Championship took place in April at the Folkestone Indoor Bowls Club. The Pride of Cinque Ports Lodge has been sponsoring the event for over 10 years, and this year the Lodge Secretary, Alex Edwards,

presented the Oddfellows Trophy to the winning team. April also saw the presentation at the Club of the ‘Most Promising Junior Member’ trophy, which was awarded to Daniel Petley by Pam Edwards.

Bill Savage celebrated his 90th birthday in May by being the recipient of a surprise birthday party. The Polish Community Centre in Loughborough provided the setting, with Terry Lock providing the musical entertainment. Bill’s family, Sovereign Lodge members and members from other lodges attended, making it a gathering of about 50 people. Bill was presented with a beautiful brass and glass ‘skeleton’ clock with an inscribed plaque from the District officers. He received it from Jean Chapman, the Provincial Grand Master.

Oddfellow sky dives for charity

Oddfellows off to New Zealand

Michelle Fox, a lifelong member of the Oddfellows, took part in a 12,000ft sky dive for Goshawks Gymnastic and Trampolining Club. Michelle is an aerobics coach at the club and took part in the jump to raise money for a new inflatable track, which will cost £5,000.

A number of Oddfellows have been making the trip down under to the beautiful country of New Zealand. George and Catherine McMonagle from the Vale of York District took a visit to see their grandchildren and also had the chance to see Dame Kiri Te Kanawa performing. Barbara Blackston from the Hope of Dartford District was in awe of the

Oswestry Oddfellows Ferry ’Cross the Mersey Fifty-seven members took to the water to sail on the world-famous Mersey ferry. A pleasant meal was enjoyed by all before boarding on the Wirral. The journey was accompanied by a commentary and the classic sound of Gerry Marsden singing Ferry ’Cross the Mersey. The trip took the party across to Liverpool and out towards the sea before returning to disembark.

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There was a moment of panic when an Oddfellow nearly got left on board as the ferry set off on its next journey, but cries of “stop the ship!” and “lower the gangplank!” averted a crisis.

As well as being in awe of the New Zealand landscape, Barbara Blackston had fun meeting a Maori, who performed the haka

A weekend away in the Lake District Bradford District members enjoyed a weekend away in the beautiful Lake District. The 46-strong party stayed in Kendal and enjoyed the nearby sights of Ambleside, Bowness, Ravensglass and Eskdale. The days were taken up with lunches, shopping and a trip on the 15in gauge railway. Evening entertainment was provided in the form of a guitarist, a pianist who could play a song from any year requested, and an organist whose hands moved like lightening! The trip was rounded off with delicious ice cream and a presentation to Jeff Hepworth for organising many trips over the years.

10 The Oddfellow

beautiful New Zealand landscape. She also had fun meeting a Maori, who performed the traditional Haka for her, and being completely dwarfed by a giant flower at the Botanic Gardens.

is Godiva District The Coventry ner n ong to its Di inviting you al 8 on ld t’s being he and Dance. I dge Lo ck ri at the Mer November 2008 d n ra G e y, with th Hotel, Coventr ial ng as the spec di n Master atte ; call ad he r pe 0 are £2 guest. Tickets place. 0 to book your 02476 632 90 raising don District is The North Lon al for e Royal Hospit funds for th ses in , which speciali Neuro-disability rvived su ve ents who ha caring for pati you’d f I . ain tumours strokes and br ey, on m e or help rais like to donate 8. 0 7354 474 please call 02 The Oddfellow 11

Lifestyle

Green Life The

If everybody makes small lifestyle changes, we can make a difference to the environment

arbon footprint. Energy saving. Climate change. You can’t open a newspaper, listen to the radio or watch TV without bumping into one of these words – our environment, and the world at large, is changing and we’ve never been so encouraged to be aware of it, or to do something about it. You might have asked what it all means. How can little old me possibly make a difference to something as big as global warming? Well, you can – we all can. And it needn’t be a hassle either. In fact, making a few small and easy lifestyle changes can not only make a difference to our environment, but also have a positive impact on our pockets, too. What are you waiting for? What can I do? A lot, as it happens. A concerted effort by everyone to change their life just a little can make a whole heap of difference overall. Small changes, such as turning off electrical equipment properly and not leaving it on stand-by, only boiling the amount of water you need in a kettle, and turning off lights, have an impact if we all do them. And these really don’t take any effort. Slightly bigger changes include swapping normal lightbulbs for energy-saving varieties. These use less energy and so are cheaper to run and last longer. British Gas

is sending packs of energy-saving bulbs to every customer this year. You can also do your bit by recycling. Most councils provide bags or boxes for recycling your old papers, plastic bottles, tins, and even cooking oil. Check with your local council if you’re unsure what they collect. Recycling saves resources and reduces the amount of waste dumped into the ground as landfill. Some councils even collect our green waste, such as food peelings and teabags, although you might want these for your own compost heap. It’s not new Today’s green lifestyle isn’t a long way from how we lived during the 1940s and 1950s – the ‘war effort’ was necessary for ration-gripped Great Britain. ‘Waste not want not’, ‘Dig for victory’, ‘Turn off the lights’ and ‘Make do and mend’ are all familiar phrases, and ones that can now be applied to green living. Environmentalists urge us not to head straight for the shops when something breaks but instead to think about mending, re-using or recycling. It’s not like it hasn’t been done before. And digging for victory can become digging for the environment – by growing

USEFUL WEBSITES for more information www.recyclenow.com to find out all about where and how to recycle www.direct.gov.uk click on the ‘Environment and greener living’ section www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for tips and recipes to reduce waste

12 The Oddfellow

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk advice on how to save energy www.cat.org.uk the Centre for Alternative Technology, for free advice on making homes more environmentally friendly and how to live more sustainably

our own food we not only avoid pesticides, unnecessary packaging or notching up the food miles (the distance our food travels, which puts carbon dioxide into the atmosphere). It also means we can cut our food bills and get some exercise.

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Today’s green lifestyle isn’t a long way from how we lived during the 1940s and 1950s in ration-gripped Great Britain

Going further If you like the idea of green living, you can make changes that will make even more of a difference. You could look into a more environmentally friendly hybrid car, or use public transport or walk, which is even better. You might think about cutting down the number of flights you take and holidaying closer to home. Around the house you could substitute chemical cleaning products in the bathroom and kitchen for more natural varieties. Try washing your clothes at 30°C and only doing full loads. The same goes for the dishwasher – make sure that you fill it up before switching it on. You could also get a water butt for the garden so you can use rainwater to keep your flowers and lawn well watered. Smart saving Making an effort to live a greener life can also help us to save money, which is especially important at the moment when the price of everything seems to be going up and up. According to the latest figures from The Office for National Statistics, inflation rose to 4.7% in August this year from 4.4% in July. Some newspaper reports claim that consumers could face an added £1,000 to their annual grocery bills, while the average household energy bill has also jumped by around £130 a year. If you have any tips on how to ‘go green’ write to us at Oddfellows House, 40 Fountain Street, Manchester, M2 2AB. To find out how some members are already doing their bit, turn to page 18.

How to have a green Christmas • Buy an organic turkey. They taste better and are reared in more humane conditions. Head to your local farmers’ market or buy directly from the farmer, rather than going to the supermarket • Let nature decorate your home. Instead of spending money on artificial Christmas decorations make

your own. Try popcorn, cinnamon sticks, bows, gingerbread, holly, ivy and evergreen branches. Put them in the composter after Christmas • Recycle your Christmas cards. An estimated 1.7 billion Christmas cards are sent each year in Britain, the equivalent of 200,000 trees • Turn off your fairy lights when you’re not using them

• Pass on your unwanted presents. Take them to a charity shop or give them to a local hospital or hospice • Buy a real tree. Although artificial trees may last longer, they are not naturally biodegradable and most are made in the Far East, so have energy costs associated with transport. Recycle your tree afterwards – most councils run Christmas tree recycling schemes

Care

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Studies have shown that people feel much better about themselves once they start a programme of physical exercise

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Depression, loneliness, the LifeBook, 60 years of the NHS

learning about:

Depression

HEALTHY EATING QUIZ

It affects many of us at some point, but there is much help available for depression

of depression is the concurrent feeling of shame; there can be a great sense of relief in being with people who understand. VITAMINS AND NATURAL REMEDIES Research has linked essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiencies with a wide range of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. Deficiency can be reversed by increasing the intake of EPA omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements (these are available from pharmacies and health food shops). Almost all vitamins in the B group play an active role in

tackling depression: lack of vitamins B1 and B2 has been linked with depression; vitamin B3 helps boost serotonin levels. The benefits of St John’s Wort have also been extensively studied and conventional medicine now accepts its value as a treatment for mild depression. It is available in liquid or tablet form from health food stores and pharmacies. Lavender, damiana, and gingko biloba are other herbs that have proved effective. PHYSICAL EXERCISE Physical activity can lift your mood, help you cope with negative emotions and bring a sense of general wellbeing. Changes will be noticeable after just one session. Studies have shown that people feel much

Down But Not Out Age Concern has launched Down, But Not Out, a national campaign to raise awareness of the obstacles that prevent older people with depression from being diagnosed. There are several ways to get involved: talk to your primary care trust about your concerns for older people with depression, or write to

epression affects one in five of us at some point in our lives. Causes vary, though in some cases they may be hereditary. ‘Endogenous’ depression is not triggered by any obvious cause and can potentially strike at any time; ‘reactive’ depression is usually caused by a traumatic or stressful event like redundancy, divorce or bereavement.

TYPES OF DEPRESSION Clinical Depression Clinical depression usually affects people between the ages of 25 and 44. For many, episodes will last from six to nine months. The sufferer will often feel like they are trapped at the bottom of a deep, dark hole; a situation that they feel helpless to change. 14 The Oddfellow

Manic Depression Manic depression – or bipolar disorder – has a greater biological origin than clinical depression. The manic depressive will experience extreme mood swings from euphoria to despair. Bursting with energy, they can be amazingly productive. When depressed they will be overwhelmed by feelings of guilt and worthlessness; they may even feel suicidal. SAD ‘Seasonal Adjustment Disorder’ is a depression that occurs during winter when lack of daylight causes a drop in serotonin levels. SAD is commonly treated with light therapy via a light box. Visit www.sad.co.uk for information; boxes cost from £109.

Post-natal Depression Post-natal depression can occur in some mothers after childbirth. The symptoms are generally the same as for normal clinical depression. Becoming a new mother is a major life change and women who struggle to cope with the upheaval it brings will be predisposed to this type of depression. GETTING TREATMENT Recognising the problem is the first step on the road to recovery. Your GP is a good first point of contact. They will ask you some questions and may prescribe antidepressant drugs. Alternatively they may suggest a talking treatment, such as therapy or a self-help group where you can meet fellow sufferers. One of the worst aspects

A FREE SERVICE FROM AGE CONCERN – the LifeBook The longer we live, the more information we need to remember! Life is also becoming more complicated and bureaucratic, and we need to have information at our fingertips whenever we make an enquiry or seek help. Do you spend hours searching for pieces of information, such

your MP to make sure local sufferers are receiving treatment. Have you been diagnosed with depression yourself? Age Concern would like to hear from you. Visit www.ageconcern.org.uk, click on ‘Campaigns and issues’, then the ‘Down, But Not Out’ link and then ‘Get involved’.

as the contact details for your house insurers; where you’ve put your passport or the utility bills, the name of your solicitors? Age Concern recognises the complexity of modern life and has produced the LifeBook. This could be an invaluable organisational tool for you, saving time (and patience!) when looking for important details, and for your family if they need certain information in the event of an emergency. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions to produce a book that contains all your important

better about themselves once they start a programme of physical exercise. Both aerobic activity (such as running or cycling) and resistance activity (like Pilates or lifting weights) have been shown to help sufferers of moderate or more severe depression. MIND AND THE SAMARITANS The organisation MIND runs a free helpline staffed by a dedicated team. It can provide information on various types of emotional distress, as well as drug treatments, advocacy and alternative therapies, and offers support to those who care for the mentally ill. MIND has also produced over 100 booklets that are regularly updated. The service is open Monday to Friday, 9.15am to 5.15pm; visit www.mind.org.uk or call 0845 766 0163. The Samaritans offers a confidential 24-hour helpline; visit www.samaritans.org or call 08457 90 90 90. For a free fact sheet on depression and caring for carers, call the Oddfellows Careline on 0845 606 3102.

For any information on medical conditions, visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Check out the tips on healthy eating and nutrition at www.eatwell.gov.uk or www.nutrition.org.uk

information at a glance. You can complete it at your own pace – and the book is free. The LifeBook is available as a paper copy or online. To complete the book online, go to the Age Concern website, go to Products and Services and click on LifeBook, or to request a paper copy telephone 0845 685 1061, quoting reference ALL 721. The Oddfellow 15

Care

Here are some statistics that may make you think! lT he NHS treats one million people every 36 hours lW aiting lists have dropped! In 1997, there were over one million people waiting for NHS treatment; now there are only half a million lT he cost of the NHS has escalated from £46 billion in 1997 to nearly £100bn lT he cost per head of the population is now nearly £2,000 per annum lT here are currently 35,000 GPs and 398,000 nurses l There are over five million call-outs for emergency ambulances every year. Remarkable!

Happy Birthday NHS! Dana McKiernan from the Unity Office Care Team looks back over 60 years of the NHS

he NHS turned 60 this year – in July to be exact. My mother tells the story that I was one of the first NHS babies. I was due a couple of days before the official start of the NHS and my mum said she tried to keep me till after 5 July, as she would receive maternity benefit. Being a wellbehaved child I did exactly that!

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Medications and treatments were not as sophisticated as they are now 16 The Oddfellow

The NHS started in a society tired by war and used to hardship. Health care before 1948 was considered a luxury that few could afford, and many relied on the charity of certain doctors or old wives’ remedies that didn’t always work. Some working men were covered for access to GPs, but not their families. Older and vulnerable sections of society lived in fear of being placed in the old ‘workhouses’ – a word that struck terror. People’s expectations of the new service were limited, as they had been deprived for so long. They were grateful for the new ‘free’ service and only troubled the doctor when absolutely necessary.

And, if the doctor made a mistake, well, it was just one of those things. Medications and treatment were not as sophisticated as they are now, and consequently were much cheaper to deliver. How it has changed! We rightly expect to be free from pain and to be cured or have our life prolonged whenever possible, by using expensive and sophisticated technology. The waiting lists for consultations and treatments are legendary, and everything appears to have become over-bureaucratised. Our expectations are not being met. Or are they simply too high?

LONELINESS Getting out and about can help battle the sense of isolation

ast year, the charity Help the Aged announced that hundreds of thousands of pensioners lived a life in isolation. There are no easy solutions to loneliness, but here are some suggestions that could be useful: l Make the most of every chance to talk to people, such as in shops or on the bus l Look in your local library for details of events in your community, clubs and evening classes; these are often free or cost very little l Offer your services in a volunteer capacity. Feeling useful is a great antidote to loneliness l If you are housebound, contact your local Social Services for details of day centres or local activity groups. Transport to these venues can be arranged l Find out from Social Services if they have a ‘Ring and Ride’ or ‘Dial a Ride’ door-to-door service for a minimal cost (between 40p and £1) l If you have internet access, Saga has a service called ‘Saga Zone’, which is an online social community and is free to join l Both Saga magazine and Yours magazine have pages for readers wanting to find friends or pen friends

l Contact your local Age Concern. Most branches hold details of local events and services provided, such as luncheon clubs l If you are feeling isolated because of a particular medical condition, there may be a local group that deals with just this problem, where people can meet and support each other l There are carers’ groups throughout the country that offer help and support, either for free or a small charge l If you are a churchgoer, it may be worth investigating whether your local church offers a befriending service l Contact the Elderly is a charity that has many branches throughout the country. Volunteer drivers collect an elderly person and take them for afternoon tea with a volunteer host or hostess. Call 0800 716 543 for your local details l Consider going to an Oddfellows event run by your local Branch!

sometimes available on a long-term loan from your Social Services l Help the Aged runs ‘SeniorLink’, a telephone number you can ring in an emergency – if there was a stranger at your door, for example, or if you just feel lonely and need to talk to someone. To find out more, call 0845 053 2306 l ‘Telecare’ is a sophisticated service that gives you peace of mind if you live alone. The system incorporates personal alarms, sensors to detect intruders, gas and carbon monoxide leaks, falls, incontinence, and any inactivity for a long period. You can purchase it privately or receive financial help for it from your local Social Services.

And, if you feel isolated and afraid, there are many measures you can take to minimise the impact: l Consider getting a wrist or pendant alarm to summon assistance just in case you are ever caught in an emergency. These are

For more information on any of the above, call the Care Department: 0845 606 3102 The Oddfellow 17

Hobbies

Nature Nurturing

We talk to Oddfellows whose green fingers have led them to a larder full of home-grown fruit and vegetables

Paul Turner, Deeside Branch

t was while working at the nurseries of the local borough council that Paul became interested in growing his own produce and plants. He now works as Gardener Instructor for the Wirral Autistic Society, teaching autistic adults how to grow vegetables, fruit, salad and herbs. All the produce grown is sent to local residential

Rose Cugley, Deeside Branch

Rex Geldard, Skipton Branch

ose has always loved gardening but, when rheumatoid arthritis became troublesome a few years ago, she had no option but to pave her garden over. However, earlier this year Rose bought a small greenhouse, filled it with strawberry and tomato plants, and soon found herself bitten by the gardening bug again. The next thing she bought was a packet of runner bean seeds. “The results are amazing,” she says. “Next year I’d like to add cucumbers and peppers. Gardening is so fulfilling and I’m sure the food is better for you because you know exactly where it has come from.”

ex likes nothing better than to sit down with a cup of tea and watch his flowers and vegetables growing. “My greenhouse polytunnel means I can have produce all year,” says Rex. “A few clever tricks means new potatoes and baby carrots for Christmas.” Novices are welcomed and encouraged at Rex’s allotments: “I suggest that people with no gardens plant potatoes and tomatoes in buckets – there is no need to miss out,” he says. Rex has a tip for budding gardeners: “Take a bunch of flowers when returning from the allotment – it works wonders if you forget to take off your muddy shoes before going into the house!”

R Alan Hall, St Helens & Warrington Branch

hen the old Pilkington Glass allotments in St Helens were going to be put up for sale, Alan Hall (above) and his friends decided they must try their hardest not to lose them. It took a few years to secure the lease, but their hard work paid off. Now, 75 underused and overgrown allotments in decline have turned into 85 burgeoning plots full of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Over the past few years, the site has become a vital location for community projects, enabling disabled people and children to have a hands-on experience with and learn more about gardening. It is the perfect place for them all to get closer to nature, Alan says. There are even on-site loos, a committee room and funding is in place for a fully-equipped training suite. Various disabled community groups have special plots on the site; they love to grow onions, cabbages and cauliflowers, says Alan, who helps them out with his cousin and fellow Oddfellow and 18 The Oddfellow

allotment holder, Norman Holden. Students at St Helens Coalition of Disabled People also visit three times a week to train for their NVQ level 1 in basic horticulture, and there are allotments for the under fives, run by the Government programme Sure Start. “Helping out with the disabled group is extremely satisfying,” says Alan, “and it’s also great to see young families here. It’s important for kids to understand that tomatoes don’t just come from Asda.” Alan grows lettuce, beetroot, onions and potatoes on his own allotment, and he also has a flower area, where this summer he had around 800 chrysanthemums in bloom. His expertise has spread beyond St Helens – Alan is now the northwest mentor for the Allotments Regeneration Initiative. He meets with the other 12 mentors from across the country and share ideas and advice about allotments. Alan is proud to be a

part of it all. “Not only does it help me with new ideas, but it shows me what allotments are like in other areas,” he says. “There was a time when they were becoming cheap dumping grounds, but now ‘grow-yourown’ is getting very popular and they are being more cared for.” The allotments have also helped to bring different strands of the community together. “People from many different countries have allotments here, so you get produce that is native to other countries such as China and Poland,” Alan adds. More people should have the opportunity to grow their own fresh produce, believes Alan. “In my opinion, the sooner we get the Government to release more land for allotments, the better the food situation will be,” he says. “After all, what is the point of importing broccoli from Israel, for example, when we can grow it here?”

homes, which means that sometimes they only need to buy meat because everything else is provided. Paul also grows fruit and vegetables at home, in pots and tubs in two small greenhouses and his garden. He has produced potatoes, onions, carrots, melons, cucumbers and three varieties of tomatoes.

Michael Endley,Todmorden Branch

ichael, who has been an organic gardener for several years, grows a large variety of fruit and vegetables including peas, courgettes, leeks, curly kale, strawberries, gooseberries and blueberries. Michael, pictured with his granddaughter Jasmine, is also a member of the Incredible Edibles, a group in Todmorden

that is encouraging the town to become selfsufficient by increasing the amount of local food grown and eaten there. “The scheme has captured the town’s imagination and the whole community is getting involved, from schools to farmers. It’s a great way to get people together and enjoy the benefits of locally grown food.”

Ask Monica We are very pleased to introduce Monica McCusker, our resident Wellbeing Consultant. Before she trained to be a nutritionist, Monica worked as a researcher at a pharmaceutical company, where she became increasingly interested in how food can affect the mind and the body. She now advises people on living a healthy lifestyle, and growing your own food is a subject she is passionate about. Having an allotment or growing vegetables in your garden has many benefits, says Monica. “It saves money, is great exercise and is the perfect way to de-stress.” Growing produce organically brings further benefits, she says, as it reduces the toxic load in the body and increases the level of nutrients. Monica also recommends eating lots of raw vegetables. “The more raw ones you eat the better,” she says. “At a minimum steam your veg or have them raw in salads. All vegetables have vitamins, minerals and enzymes that are great for the body and mind.” The seasonal aspect of homegrown produce is also important, she argues. “Food out of season has travelled further, is stored for longer and just doesn’t taste as good.”

Monica is available to take members’ health queries and will try to respond to all of them. Some may be published on the website so other members can benefit. To contact Monica, email m_mccusker1@btinternet.com or go to www.oddfellows.co.uk

Obituaries

Young Oddfellows

in memoriam

Rebecca Harris now plans to become a teacher

Prominent Oddfellows

Outside the Oddfellows, Colin enjoyed flat-green bowling and camping and caravanning with his family. He was also a deeply committed Christian who was very involved with his church. The Board of Directors will miss an involved and committed colleague. BRIAN ROGER HOPWOOD PPGM, STOCKPORT DISTRICT 16 august 1934 – 13 june 2008 rian Roger Hopwood served in the Royal Army Service Corps for his two years of National Service. He was a self-taught man with a vast knowledge of animals and nature in general including birds, fish and bees. He was also a plant lover, growing orchids and fuchsia from seed. Brian was a member of Oddfellows for over fifty years, serving on Lodge and District Management Committees as well as the Social Committee. He was a Lodge and District Trustee at the time of his death. He was initiated into the Trafalgar Lodge but became a member of Combermere Lodge on amalgamation. He was Secretary of the Past and Present Officers’ Lodge until its suspension, but soon took up an active part in the Ritual Lodge of the Lancashire Group Conference by setting up the Lodge Room and checking the combined regalia. Brian, fondly known to his many friends as ‘Budgie’, was one of the true Oddfellows that you could always depend upon and will be sadly missed.

B Director Brother Colin Michael Shannon, 1 March 1944 – 3 May 2008 olin became a member of the Royal Artillery Lodge in the Woolwich District in July 1965. He joined after meeting Roberta (Bobbie), and it was a condition of hers to agreeing to marry him. Colin immediately became involved in the Intermediate Lodge and soon took office in the Royal Artillery Lodge, eventually serving four years on the District Committee of Management being Provincial Grand Master of the Woolwich District in 1974 to 1975. Colin and Bobbie married in 1967, and in 1975 the family, which by then included daughter Maria, moved to Nailsea near Bristol due to relocation of Colin’s job in the insurance industry. In 1976 Catherine was born, followed by Michael in 1979. Colin’s service in Bristol District involved 23 years on the District Committee of Management. He was Provincial Grand Master in 1988 to 1989 and passed the CAMU with distinction in 1997. His interest in the ceremonial side of the Oddfellows saw him become Worthy Master of the Bristol District Provincial Lodge of Past Grands in 1993, and in 2003 to 2004 he served as President of the Southern Group. On the social side Colin was a co-ordinator in the District a and he always participated in the cabarets at Southern Night at the AMC. In 2002 Colin was elected to the Benevolence Committee, and in 2004 he was elected to the Board of Directors, a position he still held on his death.

20 The Oddfellow

Brother Ernest Fage PGM 12 August 1914 – 23 January 2008 rnie gave over 70 years of service to the Society. He was initiated into the Star of the East Lodge, Stepney District, in 1937 and his immediate interest saw him become Noble Grand and Trustee of the Lodge, holding the latter position for 20 years. In 1947 he moved to affairs of the District and became Provincial Grand Master in 1954. In 1959, Ernie and his wife Dolly moved to Bournemouth, and joined the Perseverance Lodge within the Poole, Bridport and Yeovil District. In 1967 he

became a Trustee and Noble Grand, and also Provincial Corresponding Secretary. In 1974 Ernie was called to the Board where he performed in an exemplary manner, being Grand Master in both 1979 and 1980. Ernie was also the treasurer of the charity, Chest Help, and in 2003 he received the volunteer of the year award from the Mayor of Bournemouth for services to the charity. Ernie gave his expertise and knowledge generously, and always gave his time to the Oddfellows freely, with no strings attached. He will be sadly missed.

Jodie Hill, who recently graduated from the University of Greenwich

Educational Awards For many young people, attending university is a necessary step to achieving their dream career, but the soaring costs of university life and fear of debt can be off-putting. This is where the Oddfellows can step in and help with the Educational Awards

Brother Dennis Firman PPGM 23 February 1931 – 3 January 2008 rother Dennis’s sudden death in January was a shock to everyone. He was taken ill while bowling and sadly died the next day in hospital having suffered a heart attack following emergency surgery. 2008 would have been Dennis’s 40th year as Secretary of the Gipping Lodge (formerly The Agriculturalists and Temple of Friendship Lodges). He was to have been installed as the Provincial Grand Master of the Bury St Edmunds and Colchester District for the second time. He had also served on the District Management Committee for many years. As well as his work in Oddfellowship, Dennis gave his time to many local organisations, including the Royal British Legion and the Voluntary Organisations Forum. His main love, however, was bowls and the annual Oddfellows Bowls Drive, which will continue in his memory.

ach year the Oddfellows gives out three educational awards. The awards are now for £750, but were formerly for £600 per annum. Eligible candidates must have five years of continuous membership of the Oddfellows and be starting their first degree. There are other criteria that the applicants must meet, but each case is considered on personal merit. Here we talk to Jodie Hill and Rebecca Harris, two students who studied very different courses but both benefited from the Educational Awards. Jodie is 21 and got a 2:1 BA (Hons) in Architecture from Greenwich University; Rebecca is also 21 and gained a 2:1 BSc in Psychology with Clinical Psychology from the University of Kent.

Both women found that the grant, which is received at the beginning of each academic year, helped with their essential academic purchases. “My first £600 was spent on a drawing board and materials for model-making assignments,” says Jodie. “The second year’s award was put towards a new computer, and the final year’s money purchased a specialised A3 colour printer, which helped my work considerably.” Rebecca adds: “Knowing that at the beginning of each academic year I was going to receive help from the Oddfellows put my mind at rest. It probably put my parents’ minds at rest even more, though, as it saved them from having to help me buy all my books.”

Knowing that at the beginning of every academic year I would receive help from the Oddfellows put my mind at rest

Of course there is more to university life than studying, and both women fully enjoyed the social side and the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world. Having gained their degrees, further education is on the cards after a year out experiencing their future careers. Jodie is on a placement with an architect’s office for 12 months prior to resuming her studies for three more years to gain a Diploma. Meanwhile Rebecca will be working at a school, covering teacher’s absences, before starting a teacher training course. Jodie’s whole family are members of Oddfellows, while Rebecca and her sister were joined by their grandmother at birth. “I’m so grateful to my grandmother for joining us and enabling us to be part of this Society,” says Rebecca. “Thank you so much for all your help – it made my three years at university that little bit less stressful.”

Anybody who wishes to apply for the Educational Awards should contact their Branch Secretary for more information

The Oddfellow 21

Membership On completion, the member is entitled to stand for election as Chairman of their local Branch (Noble Grand). The three Past Officers Degrees (Secretary, Vice Grand, and Noble Grand) are awarded after an individual has served in the Branch offices of Minute Secretary, Vice-Chairman and Chairman. With the Purple Degree, a member is eligible to stand for election as a District Officer and as a District Deputy to the Annual Movable Conference (AMC).

How to become more involved in the Oddfellows

here are many different reasons why people choose to become an Oddfellow – for some it is for the social activities, others the care and support, or it may be for the traditions of the Society. For many it is all these reasons and more. Ceremony and tradition can seem daunting to those who are not used to it, but it exists to acknowledge the ideals upon which the Society was originally based. Welcoming This can be undertaken as an informal reading or a formal initiation ceremony. It involves the applicant agreeing to observe confidentiality about the Society’s matters of business. This is because Branch meetings occasionally have to consider

applications from individual members for support, and these can involve discussing some of their personal circumstances. Once welcomed or initiated, a member can stand for election to the Branch Committee of Management from the second year of membership (or third year at District level). The Degrees To preserve and pass on the values of the Society, the Oddfellows have a series of lectures, known as Degrees, open to all members. Participating is optional, but will broaden the understanding of the Society’s history. Should you wish to hold office, you will be asked to undertake them. The four Minor Degrees (White, Blue, Scarlet and Gold) can also be undertaken as a formal ceremony or an informal reading.

Changes to attending the AMC A historic decision was made at this year’s AMC. After much debate, it was decided there would be an alternative path to attending the AMC as a District Deputy. If a member has been welcomed, served for at least three years on the Branch Committee of Management, and has five years of continuous membership, then they will be eligible to stand for election. By creating this alternative path it is felt that tradition will still be maintained, but there will also be more opportunity for members who have already proved their commitment to the Oddfellows to make a useful contribution to the Society’s future. To find out more about anything mentioned in this article, contact your Branch Secretary.

ABOVE Michael J Riley at the restored memorial

Dolly Merrell: the first female Grand Master As Nicola O’Riordan Finley has become this year’s Grand Master (Chairman), we look back at Dolly Merrell, the first female Grand Master (pictured right), who also came from the Stepney and South Essex District. An interview with Dolly in the Southend-on-Sea Evening Echo on 9 June 1978 gives an insight into how she viewed her historic role:

“When Dolly was elected at the Society’s annual conference, she was asked if she, as the first woman to take the job, wanted to be called Grand Master. ‘They wanted to call me Grand Mistress,’ she said. But I told them I’m nobody’s mistress except my husband’s.’ Mrs Merrell has been a pioneer for the Society’s women members. In 1972 she was the first woman

on the Board of Directors and [in 1977] she became the first female Deputy Grand Master. But Mrs Merrell does not see herself as a woman’s libber. ‘I don’t believe in women’s lib,’ she said, ‘I’d rather be treated as a lady.’ Dolly reckons her year as Grand Master will be hectic with a full schedule of meetings, functions and dinners. After her year of office, she plans to spend just one more year on the Board of Directors. ‘Then I want to retire and enjoy my family.’” The Oddfellow 23

Workers in Oddfellowship

Sterling efforts Celebrating our dedicated Workers in Oddfellowship

ere we celebrate the achievements of members who have served the Society with commitment and enthusiasm over the years and award them with their own Workers in Oddfellowship portrait. In this bumper section, the 11 members have gone beyond the call of duty time and again, and have been nominated by their Districts for their tireless contribution to the Society. Applications are considered by the Benevolence Committee, and its decision has to then be ratified by deputies at the Annual Movable Conference(AMC), before the honour of having a Workers in Oddfellowship portrait featured in The Oddfellow magazine is given. If you think that someone in your District deserves to be recognised with a portrait, please contact your District Secretary.

Sister Rita Turner PPGM, Vale of York Rita has been an Oddfellow for nearly 50 years after being introduced to the Society by her uncle. She became the Provincial Grand Master in 1981 and is still active in her District, holding many positions including Social Secretary and Chairman of the Yorkshire Group Conference. One of Rita’s highlights was organising a trip for 40 members to go to Paris; she was pleased that everyone enjoyed it as much as she did. In her spare time she enjoys dancing with her husband Alan.

Sister Joan Lily Underwood PPGM, Stepney and South Essex Joan became an Oddfellow 19 years ago. She had attended social events for some time with her husband. As he was going through the District Chairs she joined to become his consort and soon became more involved. Joan’s proudest times include being elected Provincial Grand Master twice. She also credits the Society with helping her become more confident as she was very shy prior to joining. Joan is always happy to lend a hand and particularly likes the caring aspect of the Society; that as a member there is always someone you can turn to for help.

Brother Kevin Mander PPGM, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire Eleven years ago, Kevin went to an opening evening and signed up to become an Oddfellow on the spot. Since then he has been heavily involved in the Society, being a Noble Grand, Provincial Grand Master, Secretary and Welfare Officer. Kevin also reopened the Perseverance Lodge as a social lodge. He particularly enjoys the ceremonial side of the Society, attending two Provincial Lodges of Past Grands, and is Treasurer of the Bedford Minor Degree Lodge. Kevin is also the volunteer shop manager at a local steam railway.

Brother Ronald Tinsley Smith PPGM, Heart of England Ronald joined the Oddfellows 32 years ago and immediately became an active member. He has regularly attended the AMC and enjoys being able to speak as his District’s representative at them. In 1990 he became the Provincial Grand Master of the Heart of England District. A move to Devon then saw him start to attend the Exeter District, where he was part of their winning bowls team in 2000. Along with reading and gardening, Ronald is also a keen drummer and has at times been part of a band that entertained members with his musicianship.

Brother George Arthur Hague, PPGM, Derbyshire Peak At one year old, George was signed up to be an Oddfellow, and he has been a member ever since. At 16 George joined the Adult Lodge coincidentally on the same day as his future wife Betty. George was made Provincial Grand Master in 1960 and is still a member of the District Committee of Management. He rarely misses a Lodge night or District meeting and works as an Assistant Social Secretary. In his spare time, George volunteers for three days a week for the National Trust in the Garden Office at Hardwick Hall.

24 The Oddfellow

Brother Denis Kim Mapplebeck PPGM, Leeds Denis became a member of the Oddfellows 21 years ago. His decision to join was based on a friend’s suggestion and recommendation when he found himself based at home after many years of working for long periods of time overseas. He was awarded the Grand Masters Silver Recruitment Jewel in 1992 for his enthusiastic recruitment of new members and became Provincial Grand Master in 1994. In 1992, Denis became President of the Widows and Orphans Fund after many years spent visiting widows on a regular basis to provide a small gift and a friendly ear. His wife Kathleen, who is also a PPGM, would join him on these visits. The couple recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

Brother Arthur Jackson Pennine Arthur joined the Kettleshulme Lodge in 1920. His family’s association with the Society stretches as far back as 1838, and for almost all of that period a family member held office. However, it was only after he left the army in 1945 that Arther became an active member and he worked as the District Secretary for more than 40 years. One of the aspects of the Oddfellows that Arthur enjoyed most was the meetings and knowing that they were trying to help people. Although he now sometimes finds it difficult to get to meetings, he uses his spare time to write. He now has written three books, all of which have been published and the proceeds of which he donates to charity.

Sister Doreen Rushton Boston and Lincoln Doreen became a member of the Oddfellows more than 37 years ago, in March 1971, and was active straight away, taking on the position of Secretary for the Britannia Lodge. Since then Doreen has also served as the Assistant Secretary at the Hearts of Oak Lodge and the Loyal Boston Lodge, a role in which she still continues to this day. Doreen has also worked as a Welfare Officer since 1983. The highlights of her time as a member have been attending the AMC and the friendships she has enjoyed with many of the older members of the Society. In her spare time Doreen enjoys gardening, knitting and doing voluntary work with the Red Cross at the local hospital.

Brother David Anthony Winter IPPGM, Norwich David joined the Oddfellows at the age of 23 because the woman he wanted to marry, Maggi, was a member and he was obliged to join before she would marry him. He became the Provincial Grand Master in 2007 and he regards this as one the highlights of his time as an Oddfellow. One of the aspects David enjoys most about being a member of the Society is the friendships he has made with other members all over the country and the fact that public speaking has provided him with increased confidence. David has now turned his hobby of collecting die-cast models from the 1950s and 1960s into a business, which he enjoys running with Maggi.

Brother John Edward Bailey PPGM, Natal, south africa John joined the Oddfellows when he was 13 years old, and in 1953 he was initiated into the Senior Lodge. He has served the Society in a number of positions including as a Provincial Grand Master in 1984, and in addition to this he has received both the Lodge Merit Jewel and District Merit Jewel. John is known among his friends and colleagues as a sincere and modest man, who is faithful to his Lodge and District. John’s late father and brother were also Lodge members for over 30 years, and several members of his family, including his son, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and grandson are also members. John, assisted by his wife Joan and his family, continues to organise outings and functions for the Lodge, which are always a great success.

Brother Hilton Percy Watkins Natal, south africa Hilton has been a member of the Oddfellows for 58 years. He was instrumental in organising a Juvenile Branch of the Loyal Bellair Lodge and served as Secretary to this Branch for nine years. In addition to this, he has been awarded both the Lodge Merit Jewel, Natal District Jewel and served as Noble Grand. Since 1973 Hilton, with the help of his wife Thelma, has organised the children’s Christmas party – they introduced the tradition of holding it on a Miniature Railway, which has proved to be a tremendous success. At the age of 82, Hilton is still a driving force in the Society, ensuring that the Installations for the Lodge are as perfect as they can be, which is something that his fellow members truly appreciate. The Oddfellow 25

Book Club

hat books have you been reading? Did your summer holiday unveil a novel that you wish to recommend to Oddfellow members? We would love to hear more about the books you like. If there is one that you couldn’t put down, inspired you to do something new, or simply made you giggle, then tell us the title or write a review. We look forward to hearing about them!

Oddfellows Book club

Send your reviews and recommendations to: Book Club, Oddfellows House, 40 Fountain Street, Manchester, M2 2AB, or email magazine@oddfellows.co.uk

WIN!

26 The Oddfellow

This is a refreshing change for anyone looking to escape from talk of global warming and the credit crunch – and to have a laugh. The book is priced at £7.99, plus £2 post and packaging. To order your copy, send a cheque for £9.99 to Arthur MacTier, 3 Oaks Corner, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5XJ.

See Britain from above

We are offering one Oddfellow the chance to win a hardback copy of Britain From Above. This book, to accompany the BBC’s series of the same name, is full of striking images from across Great Britain. With awe-inspiring photography and satellite photos, as well as

Previews

computer simulations that chart Britain’s natural history, industry and archaeology, this captivating book is perfect to dip in and out of. To enter, send a postcard with your name and address to: Britain From Above competition, Oddfellows House, 40 Fountain Street, Manchester M2 2AB. First name out of the hat wins.

The Comfort of Saturdays Alexander McCall Smith

Dear Fatty Dawn French

The English House Clive Aslet

Isabel Dalhousie – host of the Sunday Philosophy Club – is also an amateur sleuth who uses her training to discover the truth behind curious occurrences in Edinburgh. When Isabel is drawn into the case of a doctor whose career has been ruined, she cannot ignore what may be a miscarriage of justice. This book, the fifth in McCall Smith’s Sunday Philosophy Club series, cements Isabel’s calling as the Scot’s counterpart to Botswana’s premier female detective, Precious Ramotswe – proving she is just as ready to tackle murder, mayhem and the mysteries of life.

With a career that has spanned nearly three decades, Dawn French is one of the greatest comedy actresses of our time, loved for her irreverent humour, her array of characters and her candid courage to challenge stereotypes. Charting her early years growing up in an RAF background, covering her flat-sharing antics with comedy partner Jennifer Saunders and her marriage to Lenny Henry, Dear Fatty chronicles the extraordinary and hilarious rise of a dynamic and unstoppable woman who is now one of our national treasures.

This colourful history of the English home brings us face to face with the personalities, technologies, industries and histories that have shaped the English domestic house. The author guides us around 20 houses across England, each opening a window onto a different period of history. From the colossal Elveden Hall in Suffolk, to a row of flat-roofed prefabs on the outskirts of Amersham in the 1940s, this book explores how our concept of ‘home’ has evolved and looks at the way we have lived over the last 1,000 years.

Puzzlebreak

A Compendium of Saucy Songs, Dotty Ditties and Monologue Mirth by Arthur MacTier

Can you answer our selected literary questions? All the answers are listed below. 1. “Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough! It isn’t fit for humans now” Which Poet Laureate wrote this in the 1930s? 2. Who was Romeo in love with at the start of Romeo and Juliet? 3. Who is the English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson better known as? 4. In a World Book Day poll, who was found to be Britain’s favourite guilty literary pleasure? a. Jilly Cooper b. Jackie Collins c. Stephen King 5. And which book did Britons say was the most precious to them? a. The Bible b. Pride and Prejudice c. Lord of the Rings Answer 1: John Betjeman 2: Rosaline 3: Lewis Carroll 4: (c) Stephen King 5: (b) Pride and Prejudice

Book Review W

200 years of the Oddfellows

Write answer?

ritten by Arthur MacTier, this book is all about giving pleasure to others. Arthur, who is a Past Chairman of the Leamington Branch in the Heart of England District, has compiled more than 150 ditties, monologues and saucy songs for any occasion. He has made it his aim in life to bring joy into every room he enters and he now wants to share his wisdom with others.

New book

FINISH

We are still looking for Oddfellows with an interesting story to contribute to the book that will be released in 2010 to commemorate 200 years of the Society. So far, many members have offered us exciting stories of their Branches but we’re looking for more. It doesn’t have to be grand or glorious, just an insight into your life as an Oddfellow. If you have a story that you think would make interesting reading, then summarise it in no more than 200 words and send it to Ian Wallace, Oddfellows 2010, Oddfellows House, 40 Fountain Street, Manchester, M2 2AB or email him at ian.wallace@ oddfellows.co.uk

START

6 7 4 7 8 2 6 9 4 6 7 8 8 6 4 8 3 4 2 7 7 6 1 3 7 9 The Oddfellow 27

Active Travel Club

Liverpool ‘Capital of Culture’ weekend

Active Travel Club Update

Summer holiday 2009

he Active Travel Club offers members the chance to take part in more unique holiday opportunities and experiences such as activity holidays, weekends away, culture and theatre breaks. In addition to Warner breaks, previous Active Travel Club events have included a London theatre weekend and a trip to Monet’s garden in France. You can also receive monthly email offers from Warner holidays with fantastic discounts of up to 50%, exclusive to Oddfellows members and their friends. To receive these offers, send an email with your full name to active@oddfellows.co.uk

The annual summer holiday for 2009 will be at Corton, a classic Warner resort with traditional en-suite chalets on the stunning Suffolk coast. Take pleasure in the cliff-top setting overlooking the sea and enjoy the on-site facilities including an indoor pool, sauna and steam room, putting green, boules, snooker, mini ten-pin bowling and games room. Or, if you fancy a trip out of the resort, the Norfolk Broads, Blakeney Point Nature Reserve, Blickling Hall and Great Yarmouth beach are all

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Previous Active Travel Club events have included a London theatre weekend and a trip to Monet’s garden in France

n April this year, a group of members and their friends, including 10 members from Deeside District, enjoyed a fun-filled weekend trip to Liverpool, European Capital of Culture, to experience some of the city’s many offerings. On the first evening, the group enjoyed welcome drinks and cocktails in the hotel bar and took part in a fun quiz, giving them a chance to meet each other. On the Saturday, everyone enjoyed a unique sightseeing tour on the Yellow Duckmarine, which took them around the city’s sights, learning about local history and trivia. They then ended up splashing into the Albert Docks for a mini cruise! Members paid a visit to the Tate Gallery 28 The Oddfellow

and Merseyside Maritime Museum and the journey through ‘The Beatles Story’ was thoroughly enjoyed by all. After a full day of activities, the group made their way to a nearby Mexican restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal together. After breakfast on the Sunday, some members enjoyed their last few hours in Liverpool by visiting the Walker Art Gallery. Following the success of the trip, a ‘city weekend break’ is being planned for the spring of each year. A trip to Bruges is

Corton Coastal Resort, Suffolk, 22 June 2009 (4 nights) nearby, and Corton operates various coach trips throughout the week at an extra cost. If all this sharpens your appetite, enjoy a delicious three-course meal before sitting back and relaxing to the nightly entertainment in the Cabaret restaurant and bar. It costs £131pp half-board (based on two sharing).

For details and bookings, call 01442 203453, quoting code 37CX9

Celtic Summer Cruise 2009 Dover – St Peter Port, Guernsey – Cobh, Ireland – At Sea – Honfleur, France – Dover, 31 August 2009 (5 nights) We have managed to secure an impressive 50% discount on brochure prices on Fred Olsen Cruises. Join other Oddfellows on this fully escorted cruise from Dover and enjoy a £40-per-cabin on-board spend, plus a free cocktail party.

Prices range from £488pp for Inside grade 1 cabin to £1,583pp for a Premier Suite.

For details, call Wendy Atkins at Ipswich Oddfellows on 01473 251867 (Cruise BL0916)

Turkey & Tinsel 2009 Nidd Hall, Harrogate, 30 November 2009 (4 nights)

Members enjoyed visiting ‘The Beatles Story’

currently being organised for spring 2009; details will be sent to Active Travel Club members as soon as they are confirmed.

Next year’s Turkey and Tinsel festive break will be at the elegant Nidd Hall in Harrogate. The Hall sits within 45 acres of Victorian and Edwardian parkland. The four-night stay features all the decorations and traditional trimmings of Christmas and New Year. The break includes an en-suite Ambassador room, breakfast and three-course evening meals, live

entertainment, use of the swimming pool, sauna, steam room, fitness studio, croquet, tennis, boules and the Hall’s other leisure facilities. It costs from £209pp half board (based on two sharing).

For details and bookings, call 01442 203453 quoting code 26NH8

Traditional Christmas trimmings at Nidd Hall

The Oddfellow 29

Computer Novices! Do you agree with my Dad about the easiest way to learn to use your PC?

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here are lots of books about how to use a PC. Page after page telling you all sorts of details. But they don’t explain in a simple way how to do it. Well, give me two minutes and I’ll tell you about two books that are different... Computers One Step at a Time & The Internet One Step at a Time: Books to help my Dad... These two books started off as notes I wrote to help my Dad learn to use the PC. Believe me, he insisted they were clear and simple! So I used plain simple English – techno-babble doesn’t impress Dad! Where it was simpler to show him what to do, I used a picture of the screen, with arrows to show where to click. It takes you step by step through exactly what to do. Vital facts & tricks you’ll discover • The biggest step to being a PC expert (hint: it’s NOT knowing a lot about computers) – p 2

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