the Oddfellow Autumn 2009 by Oddfellows

MAGAZINE

Autumn 2009 www.oddfellows.co.uk

FAMILY TIES How grandparents and grandchildren are bridging the generation gap

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SEE PAGE 25

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

CRAFTY CHRISTMAS

Make and bake gifts for all your friends and family without breaking the bank

MONEY MATTERS

Could joining a Credit Union ease your money troubles?

SHIP MATES

Discover how the Oddfellows and the RNLI first became friends in the 1860s

Contents

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Glossary of traditional terms The Oddfellows was formed in 1810, making it one the oldest not for profit, friendly societies in the country. Its long tradition of helping people continues today, from looking out for members’ health to organising social events. Truly a helping hand when you need one. 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 • Unity Office The central support office of the Society

Welcome To your Oddfellows magazine

here’s a chill in the air and Christmas is on the horizon, so we hope you’ll enjoy cozying up with this feature-packed issue of the Oddfellows magazine. If you’re stuck for cheap and cheerful Christmas gift ideas but determined not to leave everything until the last minute, then turn to page 10 and see if our Crafty Christmas feature provides some inspiration. There’s more money saving advice on page 23, and don’t forget to take a look at the cover story (page 16) – a moving look at grandparent/ grandchild relationships. We hope you enjoy this and everything else in your autumn issue. From your editorial team

To contact your editor email magazine@oddfellows.co.uk

CONTENTS 4 NEWS Find out what went on at the 2009 annual conference and meet the new Grand Master (Chairman)

6 CELEBRATIONS As our bicentenary approaches, Oddfellows get their very own rose. And a book on the Society’s fascinating history is released

16 GENERATION GAME Oddfellows reveal just how much they value their relationship with their grandchildren

18 workers IN ODDFELLOWSHIP Celebrating the efforts of Oddfellows all over Britain

23 CREDIT UNION

Oddfellows explore Bruges, plus now’s the time to book your place on the Holland spring break

19 IN MEMORIAM

24 HISTORY

We pay tribute to departed members

A look back at a friendship forged in the 1860s

10 LIFESTYLE

20 EDUCATIONAL AWARDS

25 PUZZLES AND PRIZES

8 ACTIVE TRAVEL CLUB

Some inspirational, homemade Christmas gift ideas

12 care Charities like the Red Cross and WRVS are helping those who need it most, plus fire safety tips for in the home and advice on handling pushy salespeople

Meet the students, young and old, who’ve had their university money worries eased

21 OUTSTANDING MEMBERS Exemplary Oddfellows receive the Unity Meritorious Service Jewel

A different way to save and borrow

Kids can win treats by entering our bicentennial bag competition. And you could get your hands on a cookbook!

26 out & about We roundup the activities and fundraisers that have been taking place across the country

The Oddfellow is the magazine for members of the Oddfellows, The Oddfellows, Abbey House, 32 Booth Street, Manchester M2 4QP Tel: 0161 832 9361 magazine@oddfellows.co.uk The Oddfellow magazine is published on behalf of the Oddfellows by WordWide, 4-8 Rodney Street, London N1 9JH Tel: 020 7841 8720 www.word-wide.co.uk Managing Director: John Chadwick-Jones Editor: Helen Monks Account Manager: David Poulton Designer: Sarah Browne. Views expressed in The Oddfellow are not necessarily those of WordWide Communications Ltd. Printed by Stones, www.stonestheprinters.co.uk. For advertising enquiries, contact gaynor@square7media.co.uk

The Oddfellow

News

Genesis

Meet Dorothy Deacon… Grand Master (Chairman) of the Society

Annual Movable Conference 2009

ore than five hundred and fifty members from Districts across the country descended on the Winter Gardens in Eastbourne this May for the Odfellows’ 185th annual conference. Here, deputies spent three days discussing important Society issues and catching up with old friends. The 2009 AMC opened with a Wild West themed party. Guests dressed up for the occasion and danced to the New Essex Blue Grass Band well into the night. On Sunday, following the Church Service, the Society’s band, Oddfellows Brass, performed. This gave deputies a chance to enjoy the fine weather and the sights and sounds of Eastbourne before getting down to business. The conference began in

earnest on Monday and saw various clauses discussed and debated. For the farewell event on Wednesday evening, new Grand Master, Dorothy Deacon, hosted a party with music provided by Mike Richards’ Big Band. It was a fun and entertaining way to mark the close of this year’s annual conference. For those who didn’t leave on Thursday morning, there was a lively bowls tournament. The lucky winners received Oddfellows branded polo shirts along with the Roy Harmer Shield. This was followed on Friday by a trip down the coast to Brighton and Hove. Once again, a successful week of debate and socialising was concluded, and many deputies explained excitedly how much they were looking forward to the celebrations to mark next year’s bicentenary.

Our survey said…

ver 1,100 members responded to our magazine satisfaction survey, with nearly 90% of respondents rating the overall magazine as excellent or very good. Feedback was generally positive, and members said they particularly like the news and information section. Many members commented on the balance of articles, which appeal to all members. They also find

The Oddfellow

Genesis

Dorothy, from Portsmouth, recently enjoyed the honour of being elected Grand Master (Chairman) of the Oddfellows at the AMC, and will hold the position until the next election in June 2010. Dorothy has been an Oddfellow all her life, having been enrolled by her grandfather as soon as she was born. It’s a family tradition that’s still going strong. Most of her immediate family – including six grandchildren – are Oddfellows. As the Society will be celebrating its bicentennial next year, it’s a particularly exciting time to become the Grand Master. There are many celebrations due to take place across the UK’s Branches – and of course many more bicentenary parties that will be hosted all over the world. “Becoming Grand Master of the Oddfellows is a great honour,” says Dorothy. “I hope to be able to visit many of the areas I have not been to before. I’m also really looking forward to our main bicentenary celebration in Manchester in June next year, when we’ll be having both our Annual Conference and International Conference, with visitors attending from our Overseas Branches.”

Spring 2009 www.oddfellows.co.uk

Autumn 2008 www.oddfellows.co.uk

only a few months to go

ver the past five and a half years, the Oddfellows have been supporting the Genesis Appeal by raising over £150,000. And we’re well on our way to reaching our goal of £180,000 by our 200th anniversary in 2010. Over the years, members have staged various dance evenings, with a number of Branches enjoying line dancing nights. These events also involved raffles and donations. To help boost the total, Unity Office staff took part in Manchester’s 10k run in 2005. Courageous Sandra Norton from Lincoln even had her head shaved at the AMC in 2007 for this great cause. We hope members take inspiration from these examples, and raise even more for the Genesis appeal. With just £30,000 needed to reach our target, we’re confident we can get there. Two years ago, the Genesis Appeal helped to fund the construction and running of a state of the art cancer prevention centre. This is the first facility of its kind in Europe, and provides pioneering cancer research and treatment. The Nightingale Centre and the Genesis Prevention Centre, based on the site of Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, house three world-renowned professors. Tony Howell, Gareth Evans and Nigel Bundred carry out research into prevention, screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer. The Genesis Appeal focuses on prevention of breast cancer, rather than treating and

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curing the condition. Their work is vital as only two per cent of the £257 million spent on cancer research focuses on prevention. Although based in Manchester, the appeal provides research, treatment and support to patients and medical teams throughout the UK and Europe. Genesis’ aim is to cut the number of women who develop breast cancer in the UK from one in ten, to none in ten. The money that the Society has raised so far has paid to build the Oddfellows Lecture Room. Further donations will support the research and medical teams at the centre. We will continue to support The Genesis Appeal until 2010, and we encourage all members to get involved with the fundraising. Any money raised will support Genesis’ fantastic work.

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Everything you need to know about the brilliant Oddfellows Care Department

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The amazing story of how Oddfellow Fred Moloney found his family after 70 years

he Bubble Foundation UK has been chosen to receive £18,486 from the H A Andrews Memorial Fund. The foundation works alongside the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in Newcastle, and is one of only two designated centres in Britain. The unit uses bone marrow transplantation to treat babies born without a functioning immune system.

FUNDRAISING IDEAS There are many ways to raise money for the Genesis Appeal, some of which have been tried and tested by Oddfellows. Here are some of of our favourites. • Paint it Pink Pay £1 to paint a fingernail pink. The nail will represent the one in ten UK women who will develop breast cancer. All you need for this is a bottle of nail varnish. • Genesis Pink Day Get everyone at your workplace, school or Branch to pay a £1 to wear an item of pink clothing for the day. • Genesis Pink Quiz All contestants wear something pink, and every quiz question should be pink-related. You could even invent a pink Cocktail. • Glamorous Evening Event Themes that work well include, a pink diamond dinner and dance, a pink ribbon ball or a shades of pink fashion show. • Birthday or Anniversary Celebrations Instead of presents, ask your loved ones to donate money to Genesis. • Secret Santa Agree with your colleagues that £1 from all Secret Santa presents goes to the Genesis Appeal. • Sporting Events Raise money by competing in a run or long-distance walk yourself, or organise a tournament.

The Oddfellow

News

2010

1950s float

Book Club

Special

As the bicentenary approaches, Oddfellows look forward to a fun-packed year

The Society’s origins are revealed in this fascinating book, celebrating 200 years of Oddfellowship

Oddfellows 2010

walk a mile or more The 2010 Friendship Walk will be running throughout the year, starting in the Stepney District on 1 January with a one-mile walk along Southend

The Oddfellow

United’s Old Trafford ground and a spectacular party on the Saturday evening at Lancashire County Cricket Club.

One of the special bicentennial tributes being produced is the Oddfellows Rose. The rose is an ancient symbol of love and beauty and it was considered an appropriate celebration to introduce an Oddfellows Rose during our bicentenary year. The quality of the flower is highlighted by the choice of the colour purple. Before manufacturing it used to be the most expensive colour to produce, so was only used by Kings and Emperors. These days it is a colour reserved for those in office in the organisation. For more information, or if you would like to order the Oddfellows Rose (£8 inc p&p), contact James Froggatt on 0161 832 9361.

A commemorative 2010 bag will be produced to be used throughout our bicentennial year at special events and our International Conference. We want Young Oddfellows to come up with a design on the theme of ‘Friendship’. Please see page 25 for more details on this competition and how to submit a drawing. We will also be producing a Little Book of Friendship, with thoughts, pictures, poems and jokes about friendship. This book will be available for members to purchase throughout the year, with part of the price of the book going to charity. Members will be invited to submit ideas for this book (also see page 25 for more details). Further to this, the 2010 book charting 200 years of Oddfellow life has now been completed and this historical document will be launched in February 2010. Please see the following page for more details.

Pier. Throughout the year, members are encouraged to take part, for just one mile or as many as you can manage. It would also be great if members committed to go on more than one walk. This will be a fantastic way to celebrate our 200th birthday, with the optional benefit of raising money for charity at the same time. In October, we will be holding a special one-mile walk in London – a culmination of all of the year’s walks, with 2010 Oddfellows hopefully attending. All participants from throughout the year will be invited, and the end of the walk will

be celebrated with a Birthday Party in London’s beautiful Greenwich Park. If you would like any extra support in promoting your walk, please email walk@ oddfellows.co.uk or call 0161 832 9361 with an outline of your plans, ie, number of participants, date, length of walk, etc. Alternatively, contact us after your walk to let us know how well you did, including the names of the participants and the number of miles walked so we can ensure you receive a certificate for your efforts.

Roses are purple...

bag for the bicentenary

Images: Andy Durr and Christine Payne

ext year will see the Oddfellows Society embark on their biggest celebration to date: the Society’s longawaited 200th anniversary. This is a chance for all members to get involved and honour the Society that has changed so many people’s lives. It’s also a great opportunity to get together with other members, celebrate and have a lot of fun. Branches around the country will be holding their own celebratory events, and give members the chance to take part in the 2010 walk, Oddfellows Brass concerts, and special dinners and dances. A calendar of events is currently being compiled for members information. A number of events are also being planned for the International Conference and the AMC taking place in Manchester. Members from overseas Branches will be attending to ensure that the truly global effect of the Society is acknowledged and enjoyed. Events include a Black and White Ball at Manchester

he Oddfellows is marking its 200-year anniversary in 2010 by publishing a beautiful book that takes an intriguing, in-depth look at the Society throughout the ages. The Oddfellows: 200 years of making friends and helping people tells the Oddfellows’ story in great detail. The book describes the burgeoning Oddfellows movement throughout the nineteenth century, through to the more difficult twentieth century years – an era which saw the welfare state begin to take the place of some of the traditional functions of the Oddfellows. Finally, we’re told about the Society’s resurgence in modern times. In this warm and thoughtful account, author Daniel Weinbren explains how the principles and practises of Oddfellowship have developed over the Society’s 200-year history and argues that it is out of these values that a living tradition has grown. Weinbren escorts the reader through the somewhat contended official origins of the Oddfellows Society. We learn that, in 1909, one Provincial Grand Master placed the Society’s origins as far back as the Garden

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The Oddfellow

Active Travel Club

HOLIDAYS 2010 A fun-filled break could be just what you need to wind down

Holland & Best of the Bulbfields Cruise 10 April 2010 (3 nights) A trip to Amsterdam and the Keukenhof Gardens, setting off from Folkestone/Dover. Once in the Dutch capital you’ll view the windmills of Kinderdijk and the Golden Age town of Dordrecht, and enjoy a cruise through Rotterdam’s historic harbour. The break includes three nights’ accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Optional excursions: • Royal Delft Tour – (£22) A 45-minute scenic canal cruise and visit to the Delft Blue pottery factories.

The Venice of the North

The Oddfellow

Ibis in the centre of Bruges. There, a local tour guide was waiting to take them on a walking tour of the city, stopping at the Church of Our Lady to view Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture. The afternoon was spent relaxing on a canal cruise. Then it was onto Straffe Hendrik Brewery for a humorous tour, some wonderful rooftop views and a chance to sample the delicious local ale. On the final day, after a buffet breakfast at the hotel, a horsedrawn carriage and tram took members on a tour around the cobbled streets finishing in the busy market square next to the famous Belfry Tower. Later, members enjoyed some free time to peruse Bruges’ many cafes and shops before the return coach trip and the overnight ferry journey home. Next year’s spring short break will be a cruise to Amsterdam and the Bulbfields (see holidays 2010 for details).

Mersey District Cruise Saturday 24 July Join us for an evening cruise along the Mersey. Follow in the footsteps of Gerry and his Pacemakers and be entertained under a starry sky. All are welcome aboard the Royal Daffodil for what promises to be an evening of fantastic entertainment with spectacular views of Liverpool’s World Heritage Site waterfront. Ticket price (TBC) will include buffet and disco. For details call Jean Morgan: 0151 427 7538

Bruges his spring a group of Oddfellows embarked on a short break to the Belgian city of Bruges to explore its stunning medieval centre and famous canals. After checking in at the ferry terminal in Hull, members got to know each other in the ship’s Moonlight Piano Bar and enjoyed complimentary drinks and goody bags. Later that evening the onboard entertainment was enjoyed by all. After an overnight ferry trip, the group took a coach from Zeebrugge to the hotel

SAIL AWAY

• Sparkling City Cruise – (£22) A glorious evening canal cruise aboard one of Amsterdam’s famous glasstopped boats. (Oddfellows offer – £29 for BOTH excursions). Various free UK coach pick-ups are available. From £269£349 (Grades 1-4 cabins) based on two sharing. Single supplement £149. £60pp deposit.

For details and bookings call Jamie Davis: 01452 886281 and quote ODDHCB

Summer Holiday 2010 THE ACTIVE TRAVEL CLUB All members can join The Active Travel Club free of charge by sending membership details to: Active Travel Club, The Oddfellows, Abbey House, 32 Booth Street, Manchester, M2 4QP. Club members are the first to receive the latest information on forthcoming holidays, activities and special offers, plus they’ll receive regular updates on planned day trips. For further details visit www.oddfellows.co.uk or telephone 0161 832 9361.

Lakeside Coastal Resort, Hayling Island Monday 5 July 2010 (4 nights) Sign up for the Oddfellows summer holiday at Lakeside Coastal Resort and enjoy the friendly atmosphere, the

wonderful entertainment complex and stunning coastal views. The break includes: traditional chalets, swimming pool, steam/sauna room, lake views, breakfast and three-course evening meals, evening entertainment, leisure activities and a six-rink indoor bowls complex. From £169pp (half-board based on two sharing a twin/double). Limited places are supplement-free. Half price upgrades are available.

For details and bookings call Diane Clark: 01442 203453 and quote 34LK9

Oddfellows Baltic Cruise from Dover

Onboard Fred Olsen’s Balmoral Ship 26 July 2010 (12 nights) Itinerary: Dover, Cruise Kiel Canal, Warnemunde (Germany), Ronne (Denmark), Gdynia (Poland), St. Petersburg (Russia) overnight stay, Tallinn (Estonia), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dover. Fully escorted cruise and a complimentary cocktail party. Choose from a £75 per cabin onboard spend OR enjoy complimentary transport. For details and bookings call Wendy Atkins: 01473 251867 and quote L1010. Or email: ipswich.branch@oddfellows.co.uk

Don’t Forget…

• Co-op Travel Hotline: Discounts are available for all Oddfellows members. Call 01922 705987 and quote ‘Oddfellows’ when making a booking. • Warner Privilege Club: You can receive monthly emails with late availability offers and deals on Warner holidays. Plus you can get up to 40% off brochure prices. To register your interest and to receive offers, send your email address to active@oddfellows.co.uk

The Oddfellow

Lifestyle

Lifestyle Frame it

Homecrafty

Crafty

Christmas This festive season many of us will be watching the pennies, but we still want to give our loved ones something special. Making and baking your own gifts isn’t just thrifty, it’s a way of giving the people you care about something truly unique. Here we help out with a few homespun Christmas present ideas

It’s one thing decorating your home, but why not give your Christmas-mad friends special cushions to use over the festive season? For one cushion, you will need 50cm squared piece of fabric to create a 40 x 40 cm cushion cover. Enough material for four covers might cost you a few pounds at your local fabric shop, or you could recycle an old Christmas tablecloth that’s seen better days. Simply use your cushion as a pattern. Lay your fabric out on a large, smooth surface the wrong side up, placing the couch cushion on top. Measure and mark the fabric evenly around the cushion and add in extra width – between 4cm and 7cm. Now sew along three of the lines, leaving an opening for your cushion along one line. You can sew in a zipper along this seam (remember to unzip it before you sew) or add buttons and buttonholes. Whichever you prefer. Once you have sewn your closing device onto the last seam, turn the slip right side out, give it a quick iron and you are finished. A forgotten craft that’s both simple and thrifty is creating rag rugs. Get a piece of backcloth as big or small as you like – normally a piece of hessian available on the roll at many fabric shops – and pull strips of old cloth into the weave of the hessian using a hook that you can also pick up for next to nothing at most fabric shops. Strips of old t-shirts and other cotton jersey items about half an inch thick work well as they are soft and malleable – perfect for pushing through the hessian. Your friends will love these thoughtful, festive and homemade presents.

If you have old photos that are torn, marked or faded, many high street photo developing shops offer relatively inexpensive resoration services that can give new life to old pictures. Some can even create colour versions of old black and white photos. The end result can be so convincing that it will look as if your pictures were orginally taken in colour. It’s a lovely way to give a different twist to your wedding photos or holiday snaps from years gone by. Buy cheap frames from discount or charity shops, then decorate and personalise to your taste.

Jar delights Autumn is a great time of year to convert the harvests of the season into charming Christmas offerings. Blackberries are normally in abundance this time of year, so why not spend an afternoon creating blackberry jam – a perfect treat for indulgent winter mornings. Blackberry Jam Ingredients • 1kg/2lbs of blackberries • the juice of half a lemon • 1kg/2.2lbs of sugar • pectin • a knob of butter • 120ml/4floz water Method Start with the blackberries and wash them thoroughly. Have ready the lemon juice, sugar, pectin and butter. Put the blackberries in a preserving pan – something heavy with a lip for pouring and a loop handle – with the lemon juice and water. Simmer gently for about 30 minutes or until your blackberries are very soft and have reduced down. Take the pan off the heat, add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Then add the butter. Bring to a rapid boil for four to five minutes (use a jam thermometer to get it to the required temperature), or until the jam is as runny or firm as you like it. You might need to skim any bitty residue off the top of the hot mixture with a spoon, before pouring in pre-sterilised jars.

Apple Chutney Ingredients • 225g/8oz onions, chopped • 900g/2lb apples, cored and sliced • 110g/4oz of sultanas, raisins or chopped dates • 15g/½oz salt • 340g/12oz of granulated sugar • 750ml/1¼ pints of malt vinegar You can spice-up this basic recipe using mixed spice, paprika or even a dash of sherry. Method Start by putting all the ingredients into a preserving pan and slowly bring to the boil until all the sugar has dissolved. Then simply simmer for up to two hours, remembering to stir occasionally to stop the chutney from sticking to the pan. When it’s thick enough to draw a wooden spoon across the pan base and leave behind a channel that doesn’t fill with liquid, it’s ready. Pour into sterilised jars, seal and cool. Your homemade chutney will be beautifully matured by Christmas.

For those with more savoury tastes, apple chutney is always popular and goes well with strong Christmas cheeses like Stilton, and is a smart way to use up your leftovers.

The Oddfellow 11

Care

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Fire safety, how to handle salespeople and paying for old age planning to invite a sales person into your home, just remember a few things: • In that first 15 minutes of general chitchat, they are finding out as much about you as they can. • They break down a sale into little components, so when you’ve decided exactly what you want, they repeat it back to you getting your agreement. • They work out the cost and confirm that you are happy with the price. If you’re not happy with the figures, they’ll ask you what part you’re not happy with – the total price, the deposit, the finance arrangements and so on, until you say you are happy to proceed.

SAle safely When you invite a pushy salesperson into your home, you could be asking for a world of trouble...

e’ve all seen the consumer programmes on the television where the residents couldn’t get rid of that persistent salesperson; it didn’t matter what they said, the seller wouldn’t give up. It could be double-glazing, life insurance, walk in baths and showers, kitchens – you name it. Once you make an appointment you are inviting them into your home to sell their product to you. They earn a living by coming away from your home with an order – you pay their wages. But let’s be reasonable – the majority of salespeople are straightforward, fair and honest, but there are some who will not take no for an answer. 12 The Oddfellow

From the minute they drive up to your home they are assessing everything they see and processing what you tell them. You give them financial clues when they ask questions like “How long have you lived here? What do you do for a living? Where do you go for your holidays? How long have you been retired?” And so on. They need to know who makes the decisions, so they ask each person what it is they would like and what budget they’re working to. One person will usually come over as the partner with all the ideas while the other will be the one counting up the costs. Salespeople are trained to identify these subtle differences. So if you are

This goes on until every element that you could possibly object to has been covered. It’s called closing the door. And if you decide after all this that the answer is still no, they will try to go through the whole process again until they find out what it is that’s really stopping you from buying right now. If you make an appointment make a few things clear straight away. • If you just need a quote, say so. Be firm when you say that you will not be purchasing straight away. • Make it clear to salespeople that you need time to think and will not be pressurised. • Don’t give out any information regarding how you propose to pay for an item. • Do not be swayed by purchase-now-andget-a-special-discount claims. • If you live on your own, get a friend or family member to sit in on your meeting. Finally, don’t forget you have statutory rights. Most salespeople enjoy visiting to show off the benefits of their products. If the product is good and the reputation of the company selling the product is good, then the salespeople do not need to pressurise you. The orders will come because you the consumer will be more than happy to buy – but in your own time!

FIRE SAFETY IN THE HOME Don’t let fire kill – learn how to stop a blaze before it starts Did you know…?

• You are twice as likely to die in a fire if you don’t have a smoke alarm that works. • 90 people die every year because their battery was flat or missing. • Over half of all fire-related accidents are caused by cooking. • Every three days someone dies from a fire caused by cigarettes. • Faulty electrics cause 7,000 fires across the country every year.

Protect yourself Most advice given is purely common sense. • Fit a smoke alarm on every floor. They are

cheap and easy to install. • Don’t leave pans unattended, make sure handles are facing inwards, don’t overheat fat, and double check that the cooker is switched off after use. • Don’t overload plug sockets. At the very least, check that the amps on your adaptor don’t add up to more than is recommended. Also, use the right size fuse, check that wiring and leads are in good condition, unplug appliances when they’re not in use and never leave electric blankets folded. • Stub out all cigarettes properly and never smoke while drowsy.

• Put candles out when leaving the room. • Make sure you have an alternative escape route if the main doors are blocked. • If your clothes are on fire, don’t run about but lie down, roll around and smother flames with heavy material. • Close internal doors at night to prevent a fire spreading. • Don’t tackle a fire yourself and call 999 straight away. Don’t forget – you can ask the local fire brigade for a free fire check on your home. They will give lots of useful – perhaps life saving – advice on fire prevention.

If you would like a free leaflet on Fire Safety in the Home, contact the Care Department at Unity Office or telephone 0845 606 3102.

Will your house have to be sold to pay for your care?

ou may have heard of the recent government Green Paper which suggests ways of funding care. At the moment, if you need to enter residential care and you live alone, you may have to sell your home to pay the fees. This has caused much bitterness among those who hoped that their children would inherit their property, or who simply view it as an unfair system where hard work and hard saving are penalised. The average cost of lifetime care for those over 65 years of age is £30,000, but many require over £200,000 if they are long-lived and/or have medical needs at a much younger age. People are also living longer so, increasingly, there will be fewer

tax payers to support them. The situation has reached crisis point. So how are the government and individuals going to fund care for the elderly? The Green Paper suggests that the government will pay for 25-33 per cent of a person’s care and people with homes and assets will ‘top up’ the sum with a contribution from their assets, or an insurance scheme costing about £20,000 per person. This will ensure that homes will not have to be sold. (Those without assets may not need to purchase the insurance). The government is examining whether such an insurance scheme should be voluntary or compulsory, and is investigating different methods of payment to minimise the

financial impact on householders. Nothing has been decided yet, although the suggestion has been met with positive reactions. This scheme could mean that the heartbreak involved in selling a beloved home to pay for care could be a thing of the past.

If you need any information on paying for care, contact the Care Department on 0845 606 3102.

The Oddfellow 13

Care

VOLUNTEERING WITH THE ODDFELLOWS The Oddfellows is not just a social organisation, we also offer care advice and support. There are many opportunities to become involved as a volunteer, so if you want to help others, the Oddfellows could be just what you‘re looking for.

‘‘

Carers contribute a great deal to society but often receive no support

VOLUNTEERING AND SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS The welfare state can’t reach everyone. Thankfully, charities like the Red Cross and Mind are ready to step in and help

efore the days of state provision, welfare in this country was mostly delivered by voluntary organisations. The British welfare state was only created after World War II. Today, demand for services is at an all-time high and the work of charities and voluntary groups is arguably more important than ever. There are hundreds of organisations throughout the UK offering valuable help to those in need. Most rely on the goodwill of volunteers to deliver their services.

British Red Cross With 27,000 volunteers in the UK, the work of the British Red Cross focuses on four areas: The Emergency Response programme helps individuals and communities respond to – and recover from – crisis situations like floods, fires and evacuations. They also provide first aid training for individuals and groups. The Red Cross also offers useful services for people recovering from illness, bereavement or struggling with support arrangements, including free transport, care at home and the loan of specialist equipment. The organisation also works to unite families seperated by conflicts or disasters. To find your local office, call 0844 871 11 11 or visit www.redcross.org.uk

WRVS An age positive charity, the WRVS has been in existence for 70 years. It provides practical support for older people, helping improve their quality of life, maintain independence and play a part 14 The Oddfellow

in the local community. WRVS volunteers number over 50,000 and work closely with staff to support people in need who might otherwise feel lonely and isolated – whether at home, in hospital, or at times of crisis. Services operated by the charity include good neighbour projects, books on wheels, lunch clubs, and meal deliveries. Like the Red Cross, WRVS also run a nationwide emergency response team. For more information about local services call 029 2073 9000 or visit www.wrvs.org.uk

Alzheimer’s Society Currently 700,000 people in the UK are affected by dementia. Sufferers can feel vulnerable and need a lot of support while their carers are likely to experience emotions like anger and grief. The Alzheimer’s Society is a membership organisation working to improve quality of life for dementia sufferers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each year, up to 6,000 volunteers give their time to the Society. Local branches provide practical support for people with dementia and their carers. Please call 020 7423 3500 for more information or visit: www.alzheimers.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Care

• Welfare Officer Volunteering in this way can be extremely rewarding. It involves visiting members and helping with any problems they might have. • Lift sharing Supporting members by giving them occasional lifts is a lifeline to many members, and there’s no regular commitment.

• Communication Volunteer Helping to put together the Branch newsletter, you could contribute by doing research and writing news items and articles. • Social Volunteer These volunteers help to deliver a variety of social events. This is ideal if you don’t want to commit time on a permanent, regular basis but are willing to help out with events occasionally. • Social Co-ordinator These volunteers help to organise a range of events – from games nights to day trips. If you are friendly and enjoy meeting new people then this role is ideal for you.

To find out how you could volunteer with the Oddfellows, contact your local Branch

The death of a loved one can be a confusing, frightening and devastating experience. Contrary to perceived wisdom, the healing process varies from individual to individual. Some may recover quickly; for others, the grieving process takes months or even years. National charity Cruse Bereavement exists to promote the well-being of bereaved people, help them understand their grief and cope with the loss. All services are free. To find a local branch call 0844 477 9400 or visit www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk

Carers UK & Crossroads Care Carers provide unpaid care by looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend or partner. Carers contribute a great deal to society yet they often receive minimal or no support and experience isolation, ill health, poverty and discrimination. Carers UK are fighting to end this situation. The organisation has local offices throughout the country, which are set up to provide support on a range of care-related issues, including how to arrange a carer’s assessment and where to find financial help. More information is available at www.carersuk.org Crossroad Care is another important organisation, and their support workers can help provide vital respite for carers. Phone 0845 450 0350 for more details about this service or visit www.crossroads.org.uk

MIND Independent mental health charity MIND aims to support individuals suffering from psychological distress, and endeavours to make their voice heard by those who influence change. MIND works with 250,000 people a year, helping them take control of their mental health through information and advice. Free fact sheets are available from the MIND website, covering a range of mental health conditions. Many branches also run drop-in centres. For more information go to www.mind.org.uk or telephone 0845 766 0163. All calls are confidential.

This is just a small selection of voluntary groups operating within the United Kingdom. No matter how difficult your situation appears, there is sure to be an organisation out there with staff who will listen to your story, and provide the necessary support.

Call the Care Department at Unity Office for more specific information; they will be more than happy to point you in the right direction, or make a referral on your behalf.

The Oddfellow 15

Family

Bridging the

Taking care of our granddaughters has been so important

generation gap

“Rock climbing brought us closer together.” Denis’ old rockclimbing film forged a new connection with grandson Ben

randfather-granddaughter singing sensation TwoGrand touched viewers of ITV1’s Britain’s Got Talent and made it as far as this year’s finals. They are just one example of families bridging the generation gap. Research shows that many people only see their extended family including grandparents twice a year, according to a survey this year by the charity 4Children. For those families able to enjoy closer links between younger and older members, the benefits are many and varied. We meet Oddfellow grandparents who demonstrate the value of intergenerational relationships and challenge grand-parenting stereotypes. When retired international sales and marketing manager Denis Mapplebeck, 74, re-discovered a film he’d taken using his cinecamera in the 1950s, little did he know it would end-up strengthening his bond with grandson Ben, 23, an outdoor pursuits specialist. Denis, a member of the Leeds District and married to Kathleen, uncovered the rare cinecamera film of rock-climbers. In the

50s, cinecamera owners used to have to send rolls of film in the post in order to develop them, meaning many films were simply lost. Denis’ film went on to appear on local news, along with Denis himself discussing the surprisingly basic equipment and techniques of those climbers he’d captured taking to the hills all those years ago. “When my grandson saw the film and the equipment people used to use, he couldn’t believe it. He ended up putting the film on the video-sharing website YouTube, which ended up being seen by someone who wanted to show it at the Keswick Film Festival,” says Denis. Denis and graduate Ben – who is a former recipient of an Oddfellows Educational Award and lives in Bedford – have been close since Ben was a young boy and a model rail enthusiast, keen to spend time with his granddad and his large model railway. As Ben grew up, the pair were in contact regularly, but Denis unearthing his special film has had the happy consequence of bringing grandfather and grandson closer together: “It’s breathed new life into us,” he says. Dennis, 74 and grandson Ben, 23, discover a common interest

We love ‘walking in the jungle’ together

ynthia Tucker, from Deal in Kent, is definitely what you would term an active granny, helping to look after two of her grandsons Niall, 5, and Liam, 9 every week and taking them on all kinds of adventures. “There’s a maize field near my home and the crop must be at least three feet over my head. Whenever they come, the boys love to go ‘walking in the jungle’.” And, of course, when undertaking such expeditions, it’s important that Grandma 16 The Oddfellow

always remembers to pack a ‘survival kit’: “A flask of chocolate and some ‘snap’ – usually a homemade cake,” explains Cynthia, who is married to Colin. Cynthia, who is a former Provincial Grand Master of Cinque Ports Warden District, also goes out cycling with the boys, also Oddfellows, and has helped take Niall on all kinds of exciting activities. Niall suffers from Hemiplegia, a neurological condition that weakens one side of the body and affects up to one child in a thousand. Hemiplegia is a form of

‘‘

Niall and Liam love trying dare-devil pursuits with Cynthia Cerebral Palsy and the effects for some can be similar to those of a stroke. However, Niall hasn’t been stopped from turning his hand to zip-wiring and aqua-diving with Grandma in tow on a day out organised by the charity HemiHelp.

hen Harry and Pauline Fisher’s son sadly died seven years ago and his young daughters faced being looked after in foster care, the couple were determined they would look after granddaughters, Victoria and Serena. “It was such a difficult time, we’d just lost our son, Michael, but when we got the residency order from the courts that let us look after them, it was such a relief. We had to give them a better life,” says Harry, 75. The girls were aged three and a half and 11 when they moved in with Grandma and Granddad. What was it like having young children in the family home again? “It brought the house back to life again,” says Harry, from the Erewash District and who has lived in the same home for 44 years. These days, Serena, now 18, has left the family home and is studying at university, while Victoria is about to start at senior school, but not before her grandparents take her to Orlando to swim with dolphins. Looking after their granddaughters meant big changes to Harry and Pauline’s lives, but they would not have had it any other way: “At the end of the day, they are our family; we’ve never regretted getting custody of our granddaughters.”

It was this day out that helped Cynthia decide she was going to give something back to the charity and, with the help of her Oddfellows friends, she raised nearly £1,300 to go towards other children and young people enjoying the same sort of fun days as HemiHelp organised for children like Niall. It seems Niall and Liam love having adventures and trying dare-devil pursuits with Cynthia, but for her, the best part of her role as Grandma are the simple things: “It’s when they say come in and say ‘hello, nana, love you, nana’,” she says. The Oddfellow 17

Workers in Oddfellowship

Obituaries

Sterling efforts ere we celebrate the achievements of members who have served the Society with commitment and enthusiasm and award them with their own Workers in Oddfellowship portrait. The three featured members have gone beyond the call of duty, and have been nominated by their Districts for their tireless commitment and contributions to the Society. Applications are considered by the Benevolence Committee, and its decision is then ratified by deputies at the Annual Movable Conference (AMC). Only then is the honour of having a portrait featured in the Oddfellow magazine given. If you think that someone in your District deserves to be recognised with a portrait and a mention in the magazine, please don’t hesitate to contact your District Secretary.

Sister Dorothy Jean Nicholls PPGM, Bristol District Dorothy was introduced to the Oddfellows by her husband over 30 years ago, so that they could attend events together. Since then, Dorothy has held the office of Noble Grand and then Provincial Grand Master, both of which she felt were good characterbuilding exercises. Dorothy has found great pleasure in becoming more computer literate, since the Branches’ accounts were computerised. She also enjoys visiting Branches across the country, through the AMC and Southern Group Conferences. Dorothy played a part in helping the Swindon Branch restart, and says that to see them develop and strengthen has been most encouraging. Over the years, Dorothy has been proud to witness and appreciate Oddfellows demonstrating the ideas of ‘friendship, love and truth, and feels that the Society has something to offer everybody, especially those on their own, or people who need to know that somebody is there for them. In her spare time, she has a keen interest in needle crafts and art, through which she helped to produce the Bristol Historical Tapestry, currently on display at the Bristol Museum. She also teaches dressmaking and is a member of a church choir.

Brother Keith Darlinson PPGM, Heart of England District Keith has been a member of the Oddfellows for 19 years. He was looking for friendship from different types of people when a friend of his daughter suggested the Oddfellows. Keith’s first event was a Provincial Grand Master’s dance night, and he was surprised to find that people he knew were attending. Keith especially likes helping to organise and run Branch events. A particularly memorable occasion was when the District entered a circus-themed float in a local carnival. Keith was the ‘strongman’ pretending to pull an articulated lorry with two ropes. What the driver later told him was at times he really was pulling the lorry! Keith’s greatest achievements during his time as an Oddfellow were becoming the Provincial Grand Master in 1997 and the President of the Midland Group Conference in 2004. He has also found the Society very supportive over recent years when his parents passed away, followed by his wife’s mother and brother. Keith has been married to his wife Susan for 13 years and they have five grandchildren between them. In his spare time he enjoys DIY, travelling at home and abroad, gardening and spending time with his family.

Brother Barry Charles Wheaton-Mars IPPGM, Great Berkhampstead District Barry became an active member since he joined the Oddfellows in 1990. Initially, he joined for the social activities and his first event was a day trip to the Duxford Air Museum. Since then, he says that if he had to choose what he enjoys most about being an Oddfellow it’s the social side. However, Barry deserves a special mention for the time he became the Minute Secretary for the Loyal Chiltern Branch. When he took up the position the Branch had no Secretary and was in a state of disarray. The work Barry did to manage the records and procedures in that year made life much simpler for the Secretary appointed after him. Barry counts his highlights as the first time he received the honour of becoming the Provincial Grand Master in 1999 and obtaining the CAMU in 1998. For 30 years Barry was a volunteer at Barnet Hospital radio station in North London, mainly on the engineering side (he has held an Amateur Radio licence since 1977). Now that he’s relocated to Suffolk, Barry enjoys walking, cycling, going to the theatre and he also appreciates real ale.

18 The Oddfellow

Celebrating our dedicated Workers in Oddfellowship

in memoriam Prominent Oddfellows

Brother Maurice Parker Brown PG Norwich District 25 April 1944 – 24 March 2009 aurice was born and educated in Norwich. Aged 18, he joined the Royal Army Service Corps and, following his discharge, was employed in the soft drinks industry. After becoming a ‘Corona Man’, he then went on to establish a successful taxi service. Following in his father’s footsteps, Maurice joined the Oddfellows when he was only five years old. He was an active young member and became the first President of the Charles J Patching Juvenile Lodge. Due to his workload, it was only in later life that Maurice once again became active in the Oddfellows. He was appointed a Trustee and went on to become Noble Grand of the Trafalgar Lodge, Norwich District. Maurice made lots of good friends within the Society and for many years was employed by Unity Office as their publicity roadshow manager. He was always very proud of his Oddfellows Membership and held the principles and community spirit in high regard. After many years of failing health, Maurice faced the prospect of a massive double lung transplant with his characteristic positive attitude and courage. He was able to continue for another five and a half years, but sadly passed away in March this year. Maurice was an amazing and unique character, a loving and devoted husband, father and brother, and a great friend.

Sister Pat Morgan IPGM, Stepney District 2 December 1940 – 8 December 2008 at was the daughter of Past Grand Master and Unity Trustee Jim Morgan and was a keen Oddfellow from an early age. Pat was a staunch member of the Strafford & West Ham Juveniles, joining the intermediates as a young adult prior to joining the Jenny Warren Ladies Lodge, of which she became a Trustee. When this was amalgamated with the Alexander Lodge she continued with this position. Pat was an active member of the Stepney District becoming Provincial Grand Master twice, a position she expressed a wish to desire once more just before her death. She was also a District Lodge Trustee for 10 years. She always fully supported the Stepney and South Essex District Lodge. Members of the Stepney District appreciated Pat’s kind and selfless nature. They enjoyed receiving birthday cards lovingly sent from Pat, and she always made an effort to go on welfare visits. Members from across Stepney and South Essex truly miss her friendship and support, and ‘are proud to call her a friend’.

a member of the Lancaster Branch and it was here that she took on the role of Secretary of Loyal Fisherman’s Lodge. The following year she also took over the position of Secretary of the King William IV Lodge. She held this title for the next 26 years until December 1990, after completing the amalgamation of the five Lodges in the Lancaster District into one financial Lodge. Janie became a member of the Lancaster District Committee of Management and held the position of Provincial Grand Master in both 1967 and 1973. She attended many Annual Movable Conferences as both a deputy and visitor, and had the honour of being elected President of the Northern Women’s Conference. Janie was a busy lady and, late in her life, still ran an electrical business with her brother, as well as being part of the Morecambe Ladies Luncheon Club. She would always find the time to help anyone who needed it. Her attendance at Oddfellows meetings, where her advice and knowledge of the Society, together with constructive participation in debates, was greatly appreciated and will be missed.

Sister Janie Illingworth PPGM, Leeds and Preston Districts 4 June 1914 – 22 July 2009 anie joined the Leeds District at the age of 43 and, by 1963, had completed her Purple Degree. When she moved to Morecambe, Janie became

The Oddfellow 19

Awards

Outstanding members

Educational Awards

JEWELLED GENT

A degree can be a vital career stepping stone, but student life is expensive and fear of debt can be off-putting. This is where the Oddfellows Educational Awards scheme can help

eet three Oddfellows who have all benefited from the Educational Awards scheme. Alistair Burgoyne, 45, was a mature student who gained a second class degree in Radiography from Derby University. 22-year-old David Wilson of Harrogate, meanwhile, recently graduated from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts with a first in Music. His younger sister Helen, 20, has just begun her third year at university. Working towards her music degree at Royal Northern College of Music, Helen is spending this academic year in Sweden studying at the prestigious Malmo Academy of Music. All three students found that the grant, which is issued at the beginning of every academic year, helped them to fully engage with university life and their studies. “Although Radiography is a very difficult degree, I was able to learn the subject in better detail with the money from my grant,” says Alistair. “It enabled me to buy a laptop and the best books, one of which cost £120.” The award allowed David to focus on his studies and not worry about his fees, while it paid for Helen to attend several summer music courses, both in the UK and abroad. Naturally, there is more to university life than studying and Alistair in particular enjoyed the extra-curricular aspects. He acted as a mentor to other university students,

became an ambassador for education and health sciences and was nominated for student volunteer of the year. He was even able to recruit some fellow students to become members of the Oddfellows. Helen was delighted to be invited to play as part of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra as it gives her “the chance to mix with others and play a different type of music.” She’ll be performing several concerts in the UK during this academic year, so the Educational Award will help towards the cost of flights.

The students found that a grant helped them engage with university life Throughout university, David has loved meeting like-minded people and “developing song-writing and production skills, as well as working with others creatively.” He’s also enjoyed becoming more involved in musical theatre this year, directing musicals and teaching a range of audition preparation classes. Several record labels have shown serious interest in David’s work – the result of plenty of hard work and some outstanding

James Sanson (front left) and Edgar Welff (front right)

The Unity Meritorious

Graduate David has musical aspirations

performances and showcases, for which tutors awarded David 80 and 84 per cent. Alistair has been extremely successful post graduation, securing a job as radiographer at the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham. David, meanwhile, has decided to stay in Liverpool after graduating in order to build up a portfolio of music and, all being well, establish himself as a song writer. After her year in Sweden, Helen will return to Manchester to complete her Music degree. When she finishes university, she would love to work as an orchestral player and soloist. The Wilsons have grown up with the Oddfellows – their immediate family are all members. Alistair also enjoys Oddfellowship with the family; his children, wife, mother and father-in-law, even his nieces and nephews, are Oddfellows. It’s fantastic that the Educational Awards were able to help these bright Oddfellows fulfil their academic potential, enjoy university life and ease the financial burden faced by most students today.

Every year the Oddfellows give out three educational awards of £750 for each year of a degree. Eligible candidates must have five years of continuous Oddfellows membership and be starting their first degree. Other criteria must be met but applicants are assessed individually.

Radiographer Alistair benefited from an Educational Award, as does music student Helen

20 The Oddfellow

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

Service Jewel South Africa Special

Other than Grand Master, the Unity Meritorious Service Jewel is the highest honour the Society can bestow upon a member and is only awarded in recogition of exemplary service

his year has been a particularly special one for South African members as no less than three Oddfellows were presented with their Unity Meritorious Service Jewel. James Sanson and Edgar Welff were awarded Jewels in February, and Mervyn Pipes received his in July. James and Edgar’s ceremony took place in Cape Town and was marked with a celebration dinner for eighty. Amongst the diners was a party from the UK, including guest of honour, Past Grand Master Sue Doulton Smith. Both Edgar and James have served their Lodges, Districts and the Society with distinction for many years. James was Provincial Grand Master from 1993-94, while Edgar was Provincial Grand Master from 1987-88 and Prov CS from 1992-2004. Following the presentation, both men expressed their pride and humility at receiving the Jewel. Mervyn Pipes was awarded the Unity Meritorious Service Jewel after 48 years as an Oddfellow and says that it’s been the highlight of his Oddfellowship. Mervyn Pipes

“[It meant] everything,” he says. “It meant that my efforts have been appreciated.” Mervyn was presented with his Jewel by Denise Lottering, Provincial Grand Master of the Natal District. “After the presentation each and every member present stepped forward to thank and commend him on everything that he had done over the years, and what it had meant to them,” she says. “What a beautiful experience.” In order to be nominated for the Jewel, a member must be over 55 and have given 30 years’ service to the Society. If a Branch feels that an Oddfellow has given exceptional service, they can put forward a nomination. It’s then considered by the Benevolence Committee, which makes a recommendation to the Annual Conference, which in turn ratifies the decision. • The Jewel was first introduced at the 1932 Guernsey AMC. Since then approximately 238 Jewels have been presented. • In 1990, a Jewel was presented to Brother Owen Ketts of the South Africa District – the first overseas member to be honoured. • So special is the honour that of over 90,000 members only 20 are Jewel holders. • 12 UK members, five South Africans, one Canadian member, one Guyanan and a Dominican Republic member have been honoured with the Jewel.

Mike Park, from the Cambridge District, also received his Unity Meritorious Service Jewel this year. Q. How long have you been an active member of the Society? A. 49 years. Q. What made you join in the first place? A. My future wife’s family were members. Q. What do you most enjoy about being an Oddfellow? A. The friendship, social life and ritual. Q. What has been your favourite moment of Oddfellowship? A. Becoming Provincial Grand Master of the Cambridge District and my election onto Oddfellows Committees, culminating with the award of the Jewel. Q. What do your family think about your involvement? A. I have always had their full support in everything that I have done. Q. Has the Society changed much since you joined? A. Yes, it has gone from a Society joined primarily for monetary benefits to one that provides social activities. Q. Why should people join up? A. For the social life and benefits. You’re never alone if you’re an Oddfellow. Q. What does it mean to you to receive the Unity Meritorious Service Jewel? A. To receive recognition of my achievements in Oddfellowship – it’s something that I will always treasure.

The Oddfellow 21

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CREDIT CRUNCH

Could joining a Credit Union help ease your money worries? One cash-conscious father certainly thinks so...

rank sat in the Golden Lion nursing half a pint looking as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. Then, in breezed his mate Alan, who bought a pint and sat with his pal. “Blimey Frank,” he said. “You look like your lottery numbers came up but you forgot to buy a ticket!” “Funnily enough, a lottery win would really help right now,” moaned Frank. “Everything’s come at once: the car tax and insurance were due last month, and now my MOT. As if that wasn’t enough, I need new tyres, rear brakes and an exhaust, plus a service. No doubt it’ll be the best part of £800, but it has to be done. It doesn’t make finding the cash any easier, mind you. “Then Sue, my youngest, comes home from school and says that there’s a school trip to Italy next year and her friends are all going. She’s so full of life and, like her mother, when she sets her sights on something she usually gets it!” “But Frank, I know you save regularly,” said Alan. “Is it really all that bad?” “Well, I try to put money aside for regular expenses, like car tax and insurance, but

I could be the good father and not the ‘Godfather’ when a repair bill comes along the savings are stretched. And when I have to find the money for extra bits like school trips, it leaves the coffers, well, empty.” “Can I give you a bit of advice, Frank? Saving with a bank or building society is all well and good, but if your savings don’t match your outgoings when a sudden expense comes up, you have a problem. But there is a different way to handle your money. Have you thought of joining a Credit Union? I joined the Manchester Unity Credit Union and save regularly with them. “You’re probably thinking, ‘How’s that different from saving with a bank?’ Well, it’s a world apart. Regular saving is just one benefit of joining a Credit Union. Loans are also available with interest at a fixed rate

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Tell Your Friends! The joint membership scheme for Credit Union and the Oddfellows is now running. The scheme offers the benefits of both the Oddfellows and the Manchester Unity Credit Union for a basic £7 per month, £5 of which is the minimum savings to the Credit Union. Family and friends who are not yet Oddfellows could find the joint membership package attractive. Plus, £2 from your monthly payments goes towards next year’s Oddfellows subscription, so your second year’s membership will be paid for in advance, in manageable instalments.

For further information on this scheme please call 0161 832 9361 between 9am and 2pm, Monday to Friday, or email info@manchesterunitycu.co.uk

The Credit Union is regulated by the FSA. Minimum contribution levels are subject to terms and conditions. Further information is available on request.

of one per cent per month, the idea being that you take out a loan rather than cashing in your savings. Most people reduce their saving to a minimum – in my case £5 a month – and the rest pays off the loan. So your savings will be greater when you finish paying off the loan than when you started. “It works for me, and you have nothing to lose by checking it out.” “Thanks mate, I’ll definitely look into the Manchester Unity Credit Union. I have nothing to lose and perhaps a lot to gain. When Sue’s Italy trip comes up I could be the good father and not the ‘Godfather’.”

Credit Unions: what you need to know

• Credit Unions are financial cooperatives owned and controlled by their members. They offer savings and great value loans, plus they’re local, ethical and they know what their members want. • Each Credit Union has a ‘common bond’, which determines who can become a member. The Manchester Unity Credit Union common bond is membership of the Oddfellows. • In Ireland, 50 per cent of the population belong to a Credit Union, while in America and Australia, the figure is around 30 per cent.

WEBSITES Where to go for more information: www.manchesterunitycu.co.uk www.abcul.org

The Oddfellow 23

win a cookbook!

A Life Saving Partnership Oddfellows and the RNLI have been firm friends for centuries...

he Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) recently awarded the Oddfellows a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of the strong partnership that the RNLI and the Oddfellows have built up over nearly 50 years. This half-century friendship is an important one, but the history of the Society and the RNLI can be traced back even further. On 17 August, 1868 the first Oddfellows sponsored boat was launched at Cleethorpes and was the first vessel to set off from the newly opened station. An issue of Oddfellows Magazine from October 1868 looks back at this monumental event: “It was a great day for Oddfellowship at Cleethorpes, in consequence of the launch of the ‘Manchester Unity’ lifeboat. Special trains from various parts arrived at Grimsby, from which place an enormous procession marched to the place appointed for the launch, which was successfully effected amid the cheering of many thousands. One report says 70,000 persons were present. The ceremony of ‘christening’ the boat was performed in graceful style by Miss Walker, daughter of the Grand Master of the Order.” The article went on to describe how the boat will ‘self-right’ if capsized: “When

The Duke of Kent presents the award to Keith and Alison Adamson

24 The Oddfellow

upset she will instantly right herself, and her buoyancy is such that unless completely battered to pieces it is impossible to sink her.” This Manchester Unity boat was at the technological forefront in 1868 and cost £620, including the transporting carriage and boathouse. This past union between Oddfellows and the RNLI can be viewed as a precursor to the Society’s current relationship with the Sheringham RNLI.

design THE ODDFELLOW BAG

A chance for young Oddfellows to be involved in 2010. A commemorative bag will be produced for use throughout our bicentennial year at special events and our International Conference. We want young Oddfellows to produce the bag design by submitting a picture on the theme ‘Friendship’. All winning entries Temple Way will receive a bag featuring the design and a selection Bristol of treats. Entrants must be 16 or under. To enter, BS99 7HD2009, to Young send your design, by 30 November Oddfellow Competition, the0117 Oddfellows, Abbey House, Tel: 934 3621 32 Booth Street, Manchester, M2 4QP stating your name, age, Branch and contact details.

Central Press Features

Terms and Conditions 1) It will not be possible to include or acknowledge all contributions. 2) Contributions will be selected by an editorial panel. 3) The editorial panel’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. 4) Successful contributors will be notified by

The joint history can be traced back to the 1860s The Oddfellows has now funded three lifeboats for Sheringham. The most recent, ‘The Oddfellows’, cost £135,000 and was launched in 2007. It boasts an innovative VHF radio direction finder, which allows it to quickly reach people in need. Over the years a unique relationship has developed with Sheringham. It started with the coxswain, Henry ‘Downtide’ West PGM, who steered the first gift of the Oakley class lifeboat ‘Manchester Unity Friendly Society’. It was launched on 10 July 1961. The boat was recently hoisted 12 ft off the ground into the bowels of a new museum that will be her final resting place. The £1 million museum will house the Unity, two other lifeboats, some fishing boats and a range of local heritage displays from a relocated town museum. Over the years almost £600,000 has been donated to the RNLI for projects at Sheringham. Jo Colvile, RNLI High Level Donor Fundraiser said: “The RNLI is very grateful for the support of the Oddfellows over

WIN!

As part of our 2010 celebrations we will be producing ‘The Oddfellows Little Book of Friendship’. The book will include comments and thoughts on friendship from our members and will be available for purchase throughout 2010. For your chance to contribute simply answer the two questions below and send your entries on a postcard to: Book of Friendship, the Oddfellows, Abbey House, 32 Booth Street, Manchester M2 4QP or email magazine@oddfellows.co.uk stating your name, Branch and contact details. All submissions will be entered into a prize draw and one lucky winner will be sent a copy of Antonio Carluccio’s Simple Cooking. All entries must be received by 30 November 2009. 1) What does friendship mean to you? 2) Name five ingredients for a good friendship

the years and is proud of its history with such a well-recognised and respected organisation.” Alison Adamson, East Anglian Group Conference Secretary of the Oddfellows, said: “We have been associated with Sheringham for nearly 50 years. In that time the lifeboats have developed and changed enormously but what hasn’t changed is the crew’s dedication and commitment to saving lives. The team at Sheringham have become great friends and it is a privilege to be associated with the station.”

To find out more about the RNLI visit www.rnli.org.uk. If you wish to hold or attend a fundraising event for the RNLI/ Oddfellows partnership then contact your local Branch.

Puzzlebreak

Image: www.christaylorphoto.co.uk

Competitions

No. 10,152

30 December 2009. 5) There are no cash alternatives to the prizes offered. 6) By submitting any contribution, respondents expressly grant the Oddfellows licence to use such the designs and words. Respondents that do not consent to this should not submit their contribution. 7) The Oddfellows reserve

the right to amend or redesign the winning contributions. 8) Contributions may be used for future promotion or for marketing purposes for the Oddfellows. Successful contributors may be required to provide a photo for publicity purposes. Last issue’s winner: Mr Albert R Hunt, Bristol District

EASY COFFEE–TIME CROSSWORD

ACROSS DOWN 1 2 3 4 1. School of fish (5) 2. Extreme fear (6) ACROSS 9 6. Strike with the hand (5) 3. Descend by rope (6) 1. School of fish (5) 9. Clerical cap (7) 4. Illuminated (3) (5) 10 6. Strike with the hand 10. Highest point (5) 9. Clerical 5. Citrus cap fruit (7) (5) 12 10. Highest point (5) 11. Firearm (5) 6. Attacking footballer (7) 11. Firearm (5) 12. Man’s name (5) 7. Principal (4) 13 14 12. Man's name (5) 13. Skyline (7) 8. Underground room (6) 13. Skyline (7) 17 15. Domestic fuel (3) 15. Domestic 12. Style of car fuel (3) (5) 17. Spoken (4) 17. Spoken (4) 13. Hang in the air (5) 19 office (6) 18. Term of office (6) 18. Term 14.ofQuick (5) 19. Animal's trail (5) 19. Animal’s trail (5) 20. Eatable 15. Relish 20 21 (6) (5) 20. Eatable (6) 16. Number (5) (4) 22. Eyelid inflammation 24 (3) for drying (5) 22. Eyelid inflammation24. (4) Colour 18. Cloth 25. Garland (7) 24. Colour (3) 19. Slim (7) 26 26. Escargot (5) 25. Garland (7) 21. Defers 27. Destined (5) (6) 27 28. Types (5) step (6) 26. Escargot (5) 22. Long 29. Imaginary sea creature (7) 27. Destined (5) 23. Over there (6) 29 30. In motion (5) 28. Types (5) Movies (5) 31. Rips25. (5) 30 29. Imaginary sea creature (7) 26. Type of house, DOWN 30. In motion (5) informally (4) 2. Extreme fear (6) ANSWERS ON SIDE OF PAGE 31. Rips (5) 28. Equipment (3) 3. Descend by rope (6) 13. Hang in the air (5) 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Illuminated (3) Citrus fruit (5) Attacking footballer (7) Principal (4) Underground room (6)

PAGE 25 CROSSWORD ANSWERS ACROSS: 1 Shoal; 6 Smack; 9 Biretta; 10 Crest; 11 Rifle; 12 Colin; 13 Horizon; 15 Gas; 17 Oral; 18 Tenure; 19 Spoor; 20 Edible; 22 Stye; 24 Red; 25 Festoon; 26 Snail; 27 Fated; 28 Kinds; 29 Mermaid; 30 Astir; 31 Tears. DOWN: 2 Horror; 3 Abseil; 4 Lit; 5 Lemon; 6 Striker; 7 Main; 8 Cellar; 12 Coupe; 13 Hover; 14 Rapid; 15 Gusto; 16 Seven; 18 Towel; 19 Slender; 21 Delays; 22 Stride; 23 Yonder; 25 Films; 26 Semi; 28 Kit.

Prizes and Puzzles

History

14. 15. 16. 18.

Quick (5) Relish (5) Number (5) Cloth for drying (5)

22. 23. 25. 26.

Long step (6) Over there (6) Movies (5) The Oddfellow 25 Type of house, informally (4)

Out & About

Out & About Oddfellows around the country have been extremely busy with numerous events and activities

he ‘Out and About’ section is a chance to be updated on members’ stories, charitable giving and different events happening around the Districts. Good quality, quirky photos and interesting tales about your Branch outings and Oddfellows’ experiences are always welcome.

Please send contributions to: magazine@oddfellows.co.uk or The Oddfellows, Abbey House, 32 Booth Street, Manchester, M2 4QP, marking it for The Oddfellow magazine. Please note that although we try and include as much as possible, due to space restrictions we can’t guarantee that your submission will be included.

Chinese New Year 2009 (Derby) Members joined in the fun and dressed to impress for an evening to celebrate the new Chinese year of the Ox. They took part in a quiz about China and learnt a little about Chinese traditions and the Chinese alphabet. Over 35 oriental dishes were provided by a member which everybody enjoyed in a buffet style. Junior members got involved after dinner too, by decoratively painting plates. To finish off the evening, traditional Chinese gifts, small envelopes containing money, were made. The event was enjoyed by all, especially Mary and Colin Smith, who were awarded the prize for best fancy dress.

(Leeds) A tremendous total of nearly £10,000 was donated to various causes at the Leeds District’s annual presentation this year. Clic Sergeant Cancer Care, PDSA and the National Association of Colitis and Crohn’s Disease were just some of the worthwhile charities to receive a cheque. Money was also raised for other appeals through social events and raffles held by several Branches in the Leeds District.

Tiring trip to Burton Agnes Hall (Bradford) Burton Agnes Hall near Bridlington played host to a group of 35 members from the Bradford District on a beautifully sunny day. Everybody was shown around the wonderful historic house and the extensive gardens, with magnificent flower displays and vegetable plots. After a tiring day, the group visited the Humber Wolds District, where they enjoyed a wonderful buffet tea.

100th Birthday Celebrations (Exeter and Swansea) More and more members are now receiving their 100th birthday telegraph from the Grand Master. Peggy Barker from Exeter celebrated her centenary in 2009 – a year that has seen her play an active part in her local Oddfellows Branch, in particular with social activities. Peggy even became Noble Grand. David Thomas from Swansea also turned 100 this year, and celebrated with a family party. Having lived in Swansea since birth, David protected the city’s docks as part of a Barrage Balloon team in the RAF during World War II. He now enjoys life with his daughters and grandchildren.

First female pensioner moves in (Cinque Ports Warden) Winifred Phillips (right) was delighted to hear she had been invited to reside at the new Margaret Thatcher Infirmary in London, with her fellow Chelsea Pensioners. At the age

26 The Oddfellow

£10,000 of charity cheques

of 82, Winifred has been given the privilege of living in the new facility, where she joins only one other female pensioner – her friend, Dorothy Hughes. The famous scarlet sporting ex-service personnel were welcomed into their new home in March 2009, following a £35 million refurbishment of the hospital.

Luke’s poem wins the prize Overseas Branches, share your Oddfellows experiences! The Oddfellows is an international organisation and we would like to hear more from our overseas Branches so we can share the global Oddfellows experience. Please send pictures and details of your events to magazine@oddfellows.co.uk or post them to The Oddfellows, Abbey House, 32 Booth Street, Manchester, M2 4QP.

(North West Kent) The Oddfellows in this District recently ran a competition to write a story or poem about Christmas. Luke Robinson, age 7, won the children’s section, receiving a prize of £20 and the chance to give £50 to his chosen charity. Luke decided on The Ellenor Shining Lights for terminally ill children. He presented Tracie Dempster, Leader of the Children’s Team, with his cheque in April.

The Oddfellow 27

Out & About

Out & About Dinner Dance in honour of the IPPGM

Launch of two Branches

Young Oddfellow’s success in Germany

Slimming World Sausages (Leicester) Slimmers can now pig out on fine sausages without worrying too much about the calorific consequences. Oddfellows member, Chris Hollis has developed a new low-fat sausage, which has been given the seal of approval by weight loss group Slimming

World. Chris, a former Lodge Secretary, has focused his efforts on Gamble and Hollis butchers of Syston, since his term in office as a Branch Secretary. Chris’ reduced fat sausages have proved such a hit that he’s had to move premises to cope with the sudden rush of business!

(Boston and Lincoln) Niam Payne, a Young Oddfellow, who now lives in The Netherlands, has broken an athletics record in nearby Northern Germany. The 10-year-old smashed the 1000m record set seven years ago with a phenomenal time of 3 minutes 27 seconds. Niam and older sister Elana, also a keen sportswoman and Young Oddfellow, are currently living in Holland whilst their father serves in the Royal Air Force.

(Tunbridge Wells) There are two new additions to the Tunbridge Wells District, in the form of new Branches. Brian Aucutt was appointed Secretary of the Weald of Kent Lodge while Allan Bula has been elected the role of Secretary of the Bexhill Lodge. The Launch of the Bexhill Branch saw members enjoying fish and chips and a quiz, with Alan outlining the new Events Diary, which is full of exciting activities.

Amsterdam Trip (East Anglian Group Conference) Forty members and friends joined the Conference trip at the end of June. The group decided to try out a new city for their third excursion abroad so travelled to the Dutch capital, Amsterdam, for a long weekend. Everyone enjoyed exploring the historic city, and even had time to take an enjoyable tour on the Saturday.

Golden & Diamond Anniversaries (Deeside – Leigh & Bolton) Mary and John Tyrell Jones (right) recently celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. After meeting when Mary was just a toddler, the couple have gone on to enjoy 50 glorious years of marriage together, marked by a party for friends and family. Rather than the usual assortment of gifts, the Jones’ asked their 95 guests to make a donation to the Parkinson’s Disease Society. Over £1,000 was raised for this great cause. Tommy Bleakley and his wife Eleanor (left) celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary in August, marking 60 years of marriage. The couple enjoyed a day of celebration with their family, after receiving a congratulations card from Her Majesty the Queen!

28 The Oddfellow

(St Mary Cray and Dartford) The District gathered for a dinner dance and celebration evening to honour Liam Haydon, Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master. The guests toasted Manchester Unity, speaking of how they do their best to help members in any way they can. Despite not being well, he has worked hard during his year as Provincial Grand Master, in particular, raising money for the National Association for Colitis and Crohn’s Disease.

Great member benefits to tell your friends about

Burton go to Bath (Burton on Trent) 42 members and friends travelled down for the day to the historical city of Bath. The group enjoyed a “Hop on Hop off ” bus tour around the famous sights, with breathtaking views and excellent commentary from the conductor. There was time for shopping and a visit to the Roman Bath and Pump Room, too. The weather stayed fine for the entire day and the group even had the time to enjoy a hot chocolate!

Absolutely Fabulous visit to Lodge (Canterbury) Joanna Lumley, champion of the recent campaign to allow Gurkhas to reside in Britain, visited the Cheriton Lodge earlier this year. The nationally acclaimed actress joined members at the club when a regiment of Gurkhas were given the “Freedom of the Town”. Joanna was greeted with gifts of flowers by Nepalese women and children.

Our members are entitled to a wide range of benefits* for just £25 a year, or £23 if paying by direct debit. • • • • • …

Local social events Active Travel Club Dental and optical benefits* Oddfellows Advice & Care Services Legal Aid Scheme* and much more

To recommend someone you know call 0800 028 1810 or visit www.oddfellows.co.uk *Key Facts: Terms and conditions apply call 0800 028 1810 for details The Oddfellow 29

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Or complete the coupon and post to: High Tech Health Ltd, (Dept OF859), Communication Centre, Par Moor Road, Par, Cornwall PL24 2SQ

Claiming VAT relief? Please complete this section if you are eligible. You only pay the ‘Without VAT’ price shown plus appropriate postage. I (full name) at the address shown opposite declare that I am chronically sick by reason of: (please give full description of your condition)

The goods I am receiving are being provided to me by High Tech Health for my own personal use and that I claim relief from Value Added Tax under Group 12 of Schedule 8 of the VAT Act of 1994. Signature Should not be used by persons in the first trimester of pregnancy, fitted with a pacemaker or AICD, or being treated for an existing deep vein thrombosis.

Please send me (Qty) Circulation Booster v3™ at £199 each or £173 (without VAT - fill in the form opposite) + £4.95 delivery for UK mainland or £9.95 for N.Ireland (Fast delivery via DHL - 3-5 working days). I enclose a cheque for £ (made payable to High Tech Health Ltd) or charge my Mastercard/Visa/Maestro account. No Start Date Expiry date Signature Issue No. Security Code (last 3 digits on reverse) Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms Address Tel No.

Post Code

Please post to: High Tech Health Ltd, (Dept OF859), Communication Centre, Par Moor Road, Par, Cornwall PL24 2SQ. Delivered by DHL in 3-5 working days. Offer applies to UK Mainland and N. Ireland only. Please advise us in writing if you do not wish to receive further information about our latest offers. *If returned within 30 days, full refund of purchase price less postage and packing.

TWO ONE

OPTION 1

Buy ONE RISE & RECLINER CHAIR, get another matching one FREE!!

OPTION 2

Buy ONE RISE & RECLINER CHAIR, get an ADJUSTABLE BED FREE!!

OPTION 3

Buy ONE RISE & RECLINER CHAIR, get a matching 2 SEATER SETTEE FREE!!

OPTION 4

Buy ONE ADJUSTABLE BED, get another ADJUSTABLE BED, FREE!!

Introducing The Great British Mobility Customer Charter 18, 25, 40 and 50 stone models available with chairs available in any width, depth or seat height

➜ We always focus on your needs ➜ We never pressure sell ➜ We continue to care after your purchase is made ➜ We custom make chairs to your exact measurements if required

➜ Our two year no quibble guarantee and loan service ➜ The Gold standard level of service ➜ Customer Handbook with every purchase

INTEREST FREE 0% APR† TYPICAL

DELIVERY ORDER BEFORE 2PM AND WE GUARANTEE NEXT DAY DELIVERY Over 400 beds and 600 chairs ready made for Superfast delivery.

BUY NOW, PAY LATER pay INTEREST FREE in 12 months

Terms and conditions apply, subject to status.

†

Call for our NEW FREE 92 page colour all products brochure or to arrange a FREE home demonstration. Don't buy anywhere else until you have spoken to us.

0800 980 0970

*On selected ranges. Free item may be of the same value or less than your chosen item and must be ordered at the same time. #On chairs and beds ordered from stock, place your order before 2pm and pay in full with either cash, credit or debit card. UK mainland only.