Oddfellows International Membership
Celebrity interview: Johnny Depp In this issue: • Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides • News from the 2011 AMC • Branch profile: Tunbridge Wells • Fundraising for the New Zealand Earthquake
since 1810
Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | June 2011 | Edition 06
Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | June 2011 | Edition 06
Welcome to the latest edition of the monthly online magazine for Oddfellows’ Members. In this month’s magazine, red carpet celebrity Johnny Depp tells us about the latest ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movie, what it’s like to play the character ‘Captain Jack Sparrow’ and his fear of insects.
Plus, general news on all things Oddfellows, we profile the Tunbridge Wells District and a recipe for you to try.
Members get a snapshot of the activities that took place at the Annual Moveable Conference in Eastbourne, as well as an introduction to the Society’s new Grand Master, Charles Vaughan.
We do hope you enjoy the magazine and, don’t forget, if you have a story get in touch at editorial@oddfellows.co.uk
ANNUAL MOVEABLE CONFERENCE 2011, EASTBOURNE Last month the Oddfellows Annual Moveable Conference took place in Eastbourne. In this edition of the e-zine we include a round-up of the main events with lots of pictures! Oddfellows from all over the UK were brought together to conduct business and meet friends old and new. One of the key issues of discussion this year was the topic of incorporation for the Society, a subject which has been covered in previous editions of the e-zine. When it came to the vote, members supported this change for the future. Saturday night was the Grand Master's Welcome Night – a fun, relaxed evening with the band Midnight Funktion entertaining members. On the Sunday, there was a church service held at the Congress Theatre, Winter Gardens, followed by Officers of the Order laying a wreath at the War Memorial. Conference was opened on Monday by the Mayor of Eastbourne Councillor Carolyn Heaps and was followed by three days of business. On the Wednesday evening members attended a Black Tie and Diamonds Farewell Dance with entertainment provided by the band ‘Harlem Nights’.
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The day after the close of Conference saw members taking part in a bowls tournament where they played for the Roy Harmer Trophy. This was created in 1991 in honour of Roy who tragically died during his term of office having been installed as Grand Master in Eastbourne in May 1990. To access key presentations from this year’s AMC - log onto the members section of the Oddfellows website and click on Members, then go to Reports and Governance, then AMC 2011. We’d like to thank everyone who attended and made the event such a huge success. See you at the 2012 AMC in Southport next year!
2011 AMC Moments
Midnight Funktion perfoming at the Grand Master's Welcome Night
Officers of the Order paying tribute with the laying of a wreath at the War Memorial
Left - Right, Daphne Harmer, Sheila Hullah, Albert Santus, Joe Winstanley and David Hirst, with the Roy Harmer Trophy
Above - Albert Santus celebrating during the bowls tournament
A toast to the new Grand Master Black Tie and Diamonds Farewell Dance
Curtain-up for Oddfellows Brass Band thanks to the Vale of York District Funding from one of the Districts will help Oddfellows Brass to beat their drums and blow their trumpets after a £500 donation from the Vale of York District. The cheque was presented at this year’s AMC and will add to the Society’s annual sponsorship which helps to cover the band’s expenses including travel, rehearsal fees and uniforms. Hundreds packed into the Devonshire Park Centre, Eastbourne for a free concert given by the award-winning brass band. John Stephenson, Prov GM of the Vale of York District presented the cheque.
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Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership
| March 03 June 2011 | Edition 06
Oddfellows International Membership Outstanding efforts praised with awards! Every year we award those who have excelled at helping to recruit new members to the Society. Here’s an overview of the people who received recruitment awards at this year’s conference.
Chris Bellis, Prov GM North West Kent District, receiving the Lilian Ogden Trophy for the Branch achieving the highest net increase in membership for 2010. Members who also received a special mention, but could not be present at the Conference this year included: Barbara Huntley from the Newtown Branch (North West Kent District), Vivien Byrne from Oswestry District and Valerie Smethurst from the Flower of Kent Branch (St Mary Cray and Dartford District).
Tracey Bellis, Prov CS North West Kent District receiving The Ken Hughes Silver Salver for the highest percentage increase for membership for 2010.
Stephen Duke from the Beaver Lodge, Humber Wolds District, and Wendy Atkins from the Ipswich District were awarded the Silver Gilt Jewel for recruiting more than 20 new members.
The Certificate of Special Mention was awarded to the following members who recruited between 10-20 members in 2010: Pictured - Peter Needham, Vale of York District Bonita Hesketh, Ormskirk and Southport District Diana Randall, Castle Branch, Bury St Edmunds District Paul Eyre, South Yorkshire& North Derbyshire District
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DEPP’S MADCAP MASTERCLASS Johnny Depp is one of the most revered actors of his generation. So why does he feel shocked that any of his movies make money? There are some moments in life that can be categorised as surreal. Watching one of the world's most famous men impersonate an insect is one. "They're like millipedes but they have things that sort of stick out of them that taunt you as they're about to bite you with their ass," shudders Johnny Depp, recalling coming face to face with creepy-crawlies while shooting Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in Hawaii. Who knew Depp, charismatic, enigmatic and giant of the big screen, had a fear of bugs? But then it's easy to forget movie stars are human too - even ones of Depp's stature. It's 21 years since he wowed critics as Edward Scissorhands in the first of numerous collaborations with director Tim Burton. Up until that point he was best known as the pretty boy Officer Tom Hanson in TV show 21 Jump Street, but Burton's film provided him with the yearned for opportunity to prove his versatility. In recent years he's achieved huge commercial success, delighting audiences with weird and wonderful incarnations such as the murderous but musical Sweeney Todd and the demented Mad Hatter in Alice In Wonderland - but it wasn't always so easy. An actor who readily admits to “a fascination with the absurd”, he's always earned critical acclaim for tackling testing roles. But that hasn't always equated to box office success, as proven by films such as 1994's Ed Wood and 1997's What's Eating Gilbert Grape. He’s even on record as saying that he didn't think any of his movies would ever make money.
"The weird thing is I haven't changed a thing. The process is still the process that it always was; you just grab bits and pieces and out comes this weird little character you've created. The fact people decided to go and see a movie I was in was shocking," says Depp. The movie he's referring to is 2003's Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl in which he introduced the irreverent pirate Captain Jack Sparrow to the world. Depp has unashamedly fallen in love with his creation over the course of three Pirates Of The Caribbean movies and he returns to him once again in the fourth instalment, On Stranger Tides. "When you're done playing Captain Jack, there's a real decompression getting out of the skin, because I like being in that skin," says Depp, who turns 48 next month, though he looks like a man in his early thirties. It's four years since the last Pirates film, At World's End, but Depp says it wasn't difficult to breathe life into Captain Jack once again. "I suppose with all the characters I've played, they're pretty close to the surface and relatively accessible and Captain Jack arrives pretty quickly. A little too quickly sometimes," he jokes. "Basically I can't shake him, he won't leave me alone. He still keeps showing up at odd times, like when you're dropping your kids off at school. He'll just show up and I have to shoo him away." Speaking in low, measured tones, Depp has a thoughtful, gentle presence, but he doesn't take himself too seriously. Today, his typical grungy attire has been swapped for an eccentrically debonair ensemble of grey trousers, pin-stripe waistcoat and brown shirt, accessorised with a black trilby, 5
Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership
| March 2011 | Edition 03
Oddfellows International Membership blue tinted frames, pocket watch, chain and silver rings. And it wouldn't be Depp if he didn't have the moustache and goatee. The facial hair also happens to be an integral part of Captain Jack's physical appearance and that, along with the character's dreadlocks, bandana and kohl eyes is now copied at fancy dress parties across the globe. It's no secret Depp used his long-time friend, legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, as inspiration. A smile plays around Depp's lips as he recalls concocting Captain Jack for the first Pirates film. "I was a little worried about what Keith was going to think because for a good portion of the time I was spending with him I was sponging as much as I possibly could to use for the character," he says. Fortunately for Depp, Richards was flattered and, in a masterstroke, Depp was able to bring Richards into the fold as Captain Jack's father, Captain Teague. "To do scenes with him was just amazing, one of those moments that you go, 'I'm really lucky to be here in this moment and I'm really lucky that I'm aware that I'm lucky'," Depp smiles. Listening to the actor, you can't help but think he talks about Richards in the same awed manner in which millions talk about Depp. Take away the persona, and he's just a man like any other and one who gets wobbly when meeting his idol. As a teenager growing up in Florida, he had aspirations to become a rock star and music remains a passion. It's why it took Depp 11 years before he could even touch a guitar in Richards's presence. "I mean just pick one up," says Depp, shaking his head, though the two are rumoured to have enjoyed a jam session on set. Captain Jack’s latest adventure brings him face to face with feisty female pirate Angelica, played by Penelope Cruz, who Depp starred opposite 10 years ago in Blow. "The weird thing is when we saw each other again it felt like we'd wrapped the film the week before," says Depp. "It just sort of clicked instantly, and whatever exists in terms of chemistry was just instantly firing on all cylinders." He laughs when asked whether Cruz finally managed to teach him some Spanish. "She taught me the raunchiest Spanish," he says. "It's so foul I couldn't bring myself to repeat it here and now. I'll carry it on my back for the rest of my days." And as he approaches 50, you wonder how Depp envisions the next phase of his life. "Well, hopefully it'll be smooth sailing," he says quietly. "As a parent [he has two children, Lily-Rose, 11, and Jack, 9, with partner Vanessa Paradis] all you want is true happiness for your kids. I think that's it, that's my dream." And on a professional level? "The only responsibility you really have is to deliver something which is fresh, or new, or to at least attempt that," he says. "I don't like it when things make sense. I prefer it if they don't." It's why we shouldn't expect 6
Depp alongside co-star Penelope Cruz Depp to direct a motion picture. "If I made a film it wouldn't make any sense and nobody would see it," he laughs. "Maybe I'll just make little films at home with my phone, never to be released. "Besides, he has more Pirates to be getting on with as talks are already under way about a fifth instalment. Beyond that, who knows. "I think they could wheel me in as Captain Jack while my dreadlocks get tangled in the wheels of the chair," he says, the slightly mischievous smile present once more. "With a character like Captain Jack you feel like you can just continue because if there's any potential for madness and absurdity, the possibilities are endless."
EXTRA TIME EXTRA TIME - JOHNNY DEPP
:: He was born in Kentucky on June 9, 1963. :: Depp made his on-screen debut in 1984's A Nightmare On Elm Street. :: He's directed a documentary on Keith Richards due for release next year. :: He's been nominated for an Oscar for The Curse Of The Black Pearl, Finding Neverland and Sweeney Todd. :: He's set to play Tonto in The Lone Ranger. :: Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is out in cinemas now.
Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | June 2011 | Edition 06
Meet the Grand Master Charles Vaughan Meet Charles Edward Vaughan, the Society’s new Grand Master (Chairman of the Society) who takes over the role from predecessor Alan Cole. He has been a member of the South East Lancashire District for more than 40 years having joined in 1971. Married to wife Janice, who also became a member shortly after they married in the seventies, 63 year old Charles has served the Society in many capacities before becoming the 2011/2012 Grand Master. At District level he was Provincial Grand Master, a part of the Committee of Management for more than 21 years, Provincial Corresponding Secretary for 9 years and, more recently, AMC and Group Conference Deputy. Charles has also served on the Investigation Committee, the Benevolence Committee and has been a part of the Board of Directors for 3 years.
He lives three miles west of Wigan, which is within close proximity to Unity Office in Manchester and is eager to get his teeth into his new role.
Away from the Society, he fulfilled the role of a planner at Heinz for more than 34 years and it was only in 2008 (when he reached board status within the organisation), that he decided to retire with the aim of becoming GM of the Oddfellows. Out of work he has always kept himself busy, having been school governor and a scout leader for more than 20 years. Charles has two sons and a daughter and seven grand children between the ages of 6 and a few weeks old – all of which, but the youngest, are junior members of Oddfellows. He confesses that he doesn’t get a lot of spare time or holidays having moved house just a few weeks ago in order to be closer to his family. He’s looking forward to spending much of his spare time creating his new home with Janice.
Alan Cole and Jean wish Charles and Janice all the best in their new roles
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Events Events newsletter newsletter for for the the Oddfellows Oddfellows International International Membership Membership || March March 2011 2011 || Edition Edition 03 06
Oddfellows International Membership Branch profile: Tunbridge Wells
in Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Benenden, Tenterden and nearby villages. However, because of the popularity of its venue and events at ‘The Bull’ in Benenden (organised by Brian Aucutt), the Lodge also attracts members from as far afield as Sevenoaks, Hastings and Bexhill-on-Sea.
Philip Leng, Secretary of the Tunbridge Wells District, has been a member of the Oddfellows for 27 years after joining in 1984. Here, he gives us an insight into some the eventful things that have happened over the years within the District.
Tunbridge Wells has one the highest number of junior members (50) and the Society has recognised its efforts for driving membership numbers. It has won the Southern Group Conference Cup three times in the past six years, twice secured a special mention for exceeding membership targets and received the Lillian Ogden Trophy at AMC Manchester for the highest net percentage increase in membership in 2009.
Formed in the early 19th Century, the District has more than 780 members and covers a large geographical area, from Sevenoaks, across to East Grimstead to Bexhill-on Sea to Rye. Despite none of the six Lodges owning their own properties, members are extremely active and meet in licensed venues. In May 2005, the former Tonbridge District Lodge merged to form what is now known as the enlarged Tunbridge Wells District. Interestingly, the District’s Weald of Kent Lodge is one of the Society’s youngest and was established as late as 2009. It caters largely for members
The District itself is relatively unique in the way that it looks after its members, as its social programme is one of the busiest in the country. At least six events take place a month at each Branch and, due to demand among members; Philip is already planning the 2012 events schedule! If any of your family or friends are located within the District and would like to attend any events and become more actively involved please contact Philip Leng on 01892 521945.
Brian Aucutt, the Secretary of the Weald of Kent Lodge, was the winner in 2009 of the prestigious shield, which is rewarded annually to the person who recruits most new members to the Tunbridge Wells District. The trophy is presented in memory of the late Roy Hill, the previous Provincial Corresponding Secretary of the Tunbridge Wells District, who passed away in September 2004.
Member zip-wires across mighty Reds’ football ground to raise cash for charity Pam Hackett, a member of the Handforth and Altrincham District, has raised over £1000 after completing a 190 metre zip-wire experience high above Manchester United’s football ground. Pam, who has pigmentation of the retinas, which means that she is totally blind, challenged herself to the 140ft high experience to raise vital funds for Christie’s Cancer Research. Her motivation was her friend’s child, Nicholas, who was fighting a terminal tumour and who sadly died earlier this year at the young age of 21. Pam was also treated at The Christie for Breast Cancer five years ago. 8
And zip-wiring isn’t the only thrill seeking activity that she’s accomplished over the years. She’s faced, head on, 150 miles on horse back, four parachute jumps, three bungeejumps and wind surfed in howling gales – all in the name of charity! “It’s been 8 years since I last did something extreme and I wanted to help Nicholas as well as saying thanks to the staff at Christie’s. “Everyone has their challenges in life and this was mine. I was so nervous, but after completing the zip wire I wanted to do it again”, she said.
Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | June 2011 | Edition 06
NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTED TO THE BOARD Margaret (better known as Maggi) Winter We asked Maggi how she felt about being elected to the Board? “Thrilled skinny of course. Now that I've started to receive paper work it looks really exciting. “I became a member in 1950, but have often wondered if Charles J Patching hadn't taken up the post of District Secretary in Norwich and founded a Juvenile Ritual (ceremonial) Lodge whether I would have become ‘active’. I have served on each of the Unity Committees, the East Anglian Group Conference Executive and my own District Management. And, in 2006 was awarded the Unity Meritorious Service Jewel.
“In my private life I spent over 40 years running my own business, as one of the few Norwich City designer dressmakers, specialising in bridal and evening wear. Unfortunately a dodgy back made me stop but now it’s stronger than most because it’s Titanium reinforced. I really enjoyed most of my work so I didn't realise how heartily sick of sewing I was until I stopped. “We, hubby and I, still run a small retail business selling die cast models at Traction Engine Rallies and the like. I started it when I decided ‘if I couldn't beat him, I’d join him,’ and now I enjoy the events more than he does. I always try my best at whatever I take on and promise to do the same on the Board of Directors.
Bicentennial roses that bloom Following our mention of the Oddfellows Rose in last month’s e-zine, we are enclosing more details of what is currently available and how to go about ordering what you want. Orders can be taken anytime, but the rose bushes (bare root) won’t be delivered until November. We will be readvertising the Oddfellows Rose in the October edition of the magazine and will take orders and pass them onto the nursery. If members want an Oddfellows Rose now, they are only available as potted plants at a cost of £5 plus £6.60 + VAT. Members should call the nursery direct on (01565) 755455 and quote ‘Oddfellows’ to get the rose at this special rate.
Also, you might like to know that the Oddfellows Rose will be joined by 30 other roses taking centre stage at the Hampton Court Flower Show in early July. Last year nursery owner, Gareth Fryer, won a gold medal for his roses – so let’s hope we win something with our rose this year!
Oddfellows Rose
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Oddfellows International Membership Districts give vital funds to help with the rebuild of Christchurch, New Zealand When New Zealand's second largest city was hit by a strong earthquake, measuring 6.3 in magnitude, no one knew the true cost of the devastation that had been caused until now. Following further quakes, it is estimated that more than $6 billion is to be spent on repairs and rebuilding the city and that’s why the Society is helping our friends overseas.
“While 85% have power, things like sewage will take much longer to restore. My thanks for your thoughts this donation will certainly help!” The Society’s contribution will be presented to the main appeaI fund. We’ll keep you posted as and when we receive pictures of the presentation.
Recently, Branches received a circular from Unity Office in Manchester asking whether Branches would be able to donate funds to help those in need (which included members of the Oddfellows). You’ll be pleased to read that Branches have raised an astonishing £12,200! New Zealand and International Red Cross agencies have been on the ground assisting thousands of people affected by the earthquake, with the Overseas District donating money too. The Overseas District Secretary, Ian Fitchett, said: “We have been speaking to a number of people in Christchurch and it will be a long time before any sought of normality resumes.
The city and its buildings before, and just after, the earthquake
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Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | June 2011 | Edition 06
Seasonal Recipes British produce shines in June, especially this year with all the sunshine we’ve been having. The seasonal array is dazzling: omega 3-rich mackerel; broad beans and peas; earthy beetroot; tangy gooseberries, raspberries and succulent strawberries. Eat like the gods! Pan-fried mackerel with warm beetroot, tomato and lime salsa recipe Ingredients • 2 whole medium fresh mackerel, filleted into 4 (ask your fishmonger to do this for you) • 2 tbsp plain flour, seasoned • 1 tbsp olive oil • 15g butter For the warm salsa • 1 tbsp olive oil • Bunch of spring onions, trimmed and diagonally sliced • 250g (about 4) vacuum-packed cooked beetroot, cut into rough chunks • 2 large tomatoes, cut into rough chunks • Juice of 1/2 lime • Handful chopped fresh curly parsley Preparation method • First, make the salsa. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over a medium heat. Add the spring onions and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the beetroot and tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, until they are hot and the juices have just started running. Stir in the lime juice and parsley, then season to taste. Cover and set aside while you cook the fish. •
Dust each mackerel fillet with seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil with the butter in a large frying pan over a medium-high heat. When hot, add the fillets skin-side down and cook for 2 minutes, until the skin is crisp and golden. Reduce the heat slightly, turn each fillet over and cook for a further 2-3 minutes, until just cooked through.
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Place 2 fillets on each plate, and spoon over a generous amount of the salsa. Serve with salad and chunks of crusty bread to mop up any juices.
Nutritional info Per serving: 716kcals, 50.3g fat (12.2g saturated), 41.8g protein, 25.4g carbs, 13.9g sugar, 0.9g salt
Image © Hans Hillewaert / CC-BY-SA-3.0 under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
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