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Oddfellows International Membership
Celebrity interview: Jim Carrey In this issue: • Celebrity interview: Jim Carrey • Proving friendship is good for you • Virtual Lodge launch • District profile: North West Kent • … and much more
since 1810
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | August 2011 | Edition 08
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Oddfellows International Membership Welcome to the August edition of the monthly online magazine for Oddfellows members. This month Hollywood star Jim Carrey joins us to talk about his hit new film, in which he shares star billing with six unruly penguins. We travel to South Africa to hear about the eventful past and promising future of some of our most far-flung Lodges. Closer to home, we profile the award-winning North West Kent District, which scooped two national prizes at this year’s AMC.
And we have our usual selection of stories and features, including news of our efforts to prove something we’ve all known for years – that friendship is good for you.
We hope you enjoy reading this as much as we enjoyed writing it. If you have a story to tell then why not share it? Email editorial@oddfellows.co.uk
Members Invited to Virtual Lodge The Oddfellows’ Virtual Lodge is set to hold its inaugural meeting on Monday 10 October at 7.30pm. To celebrate this, the Society is inviting members to take part in a number of informal taster sessions over the coming months. The Lodge will be part of the wider Virtual World created by Unity Office’s IT Department and will be called the Abercrombie Lodge in honour of the first Oddfellows Branch. The informal sessions will take place at 7.30pm on these dates: • Tuesday 30 August • Monday 19 September • Tuesday 3 October You can visit the Virtual World at any time, but these meetings have been arranged so that there will be someone available to talk to. The Virtual Lodge is intended to compliment local Lodge meetings rather than replace them. It will also provide an additional point of contact for any members unable to attend Lodge meetings in person while allowing them to meet other members from around the world. Using an avatar – or online character – members can chat to each other and visit different areas, such as the Conference centre or Lodge room. Members can also explore online links to the Society’s history and charity work. Anyone interested in taking part can download the Virtual World software from the Oddfellows World link in the members’ section of the Oddfellows website.
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Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | August 2011 | Edition 08
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Pirates party on the promenade Members from Ipswich District pulled on their eye patches and steadied their sea legs for a pirate-themed party by the seaside. The group met at Felixstowe promenade on 21 June for an evening of fun, festivities and a fish and chip supper. As you can see, all the guests got into the spirit of the occasion – so no-one was forced to walk the plank!
Proving that friendship is good for you Academic studies have suggested having good friends can help us live longer – and the Oddfellows has been out to prove it. Branches across the country are staging a series of special ‘friendship events’ in September as part of a national campaign. Friendship Month is inspired by a growing volume of research that claims people who can count on their friends are generally healthier and less stressed. One study even goes so far as to conclude we are less likely to catch a cold if we can rely on the benefits of good companionship. Another, carried out by Sweden’s prestigious Karolinska Institute, identifies lack of friends as second only to smoking as a potential cause of heart disease.
Lincoln Branch’s Diane Anderson said: “Knowing it’s good for your health is just another great reason to get involved with the Society. I’ve always appreciated how much fun I’ve had making new friends here, but to hear it’s benefiting my wellbeing for good measure makes it even better.” Another Lincoln Branch member, Fred Tennant, added: “The Oddfellows doesn’t just help you meet like-minded folk – it helps you meet lifelong friends. “Anyone who wants to get more out of life – not just friendship but assistance, guidance, support, care and advice – can get it here.”
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | August 2011 | Edition 08
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Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership
| March 2011 | Edition 03
Oddfellows International Membership Overseas Oddfellows This month we travel to South Africa to find out how Oddfellows members there are looking towards a brighter future. Home to 50 million people, South Africa is a country that is steeped in history and culture. From the prehistoric skeletons of our ancestors to its controversial 20th-century politics, its colourful past is now helping to shape its future. Today the country is also one of the world’s most diverse, with a staggering 11 officially recognised languages. Philip Anders, District Secretary of the Alfred Lodge in Cape Town, tells us more about Oddfellows life in Africa’s most prosperous nation. “Our Lodge was registered in 1863, and we had a growing membership that met regularly here in Cape Town.
Victoria Lodge Secretary Dawie Marais
Meetings were held in the same building until 1950, when The Group Areas Act – an apartheid law designed to segregate people by race – forced us to move to Retreat, a township in the south of the city. Our new building, known as The Jolly Carp, sat on the banks of Princess Vlei, a lake and popular fishing spot. In 1956, the South African Government passed legislation known as the Friendly Societies Act, which limited the benefits and services we could offer. Our medical aid had to stop, and though we tried to offer different schemes, we struggled to compete with the big companies and the vast number of schemes available. As a result, only the Alfred and Victoria Lodges remain open in Cape Town today.
Members enjoying a breakfast
But the future looks bright for the South African Oddfellows, with a strong core of members already making plans for our 150th birthday in 2013. We’re working hard with the local press to promote our Branch, including advertising our upcoming events and open nights. We meet at least once a month – every third Tuesday at 8pm – and we get together frequently for dances, karaoke and other events. We are also well respected in the community and by the charities that we support. South Africa is also home to the Natal District, and we often invite each other to special events. Members from the UK often come and visit too, which lifts the spirits of all our members here and is something we always look forward to.”
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Other members from the South African Oddfellows
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | August 2011 | Edition 08
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p-p-picks u p y e r r a C pa Jim Carrey is back doing what he does best in new film caper Mr Popper’s Penguins. The actor opens up to Kate Whiting about his need to make the world smile. For a man who arguably owes his film career to animals, it’s fitting that Jim Carrey’s return to comedy sees him teaming up with a troupe of six dancing penguins. His first lead role in 1994 film Ace Ventura: Pet Detective made him an overnight success and follow-up hits The Mask and Dumb And Dumber cemented his name as one of Hollywood’s hottest comedic talents. In recent years he’s flexed his serious acting muscles with the likes of thriller The Number 23 and I Love you Philip Morris, the true story of a convict. But the appeal of “funny roles” hasn’t faded. “I just go all over the place. I’m a creative, so I like to do it all,” says the Canadian-born actor, flashing his worldfamous manic grin. Mr Popper’s Penguins is based on a children’s book published in 1938. While the original Mr Popper is a painter who lives in small-town America, the film version features Carrey as a divorced businessman in New York, who’s more interested in sealing the deal than seeing his two kids until his explorer dad bequeaths him six penguins. “Some people resist working with children and animals for fear of being upstaged,” says the 49-year-old. “But I love capturing the spark of innocence. And what’s better than penguins, in our case, and children to bring that out in us?”
penguin
He admits identifying strongly with his feathered friends, played by Gentoo penguins. “There's no mistaking their innocent purity and there's this quality about them that's odd. They're not quite at home in the water, they're not quite at home on land. “Are they fish? Are they fowl? What are they? I think everybody who looks at them has that same feeling about themselves – I know I do. Where do I fit in? That's what we love about them. They're awkward!” Carrey beat off competition from five “major comedians” for the role, according to producer John Davis, who says: “Some of them showed up at my office with penguin statues and said: ‘I have to do this movie because I love penguins.’” But the actor’s ability to bring more than just comedy to the role won him the part. “He has a rare kind of emotional accessibility,” says Mean Girls director Mark Waters. Carrey is certainly in touch with his emotions. Having openly battled with depression, he’s long been on a mission to make people laugh. “My major quest in life is freedom from concern – that’s my MO [mode of operating]. It's what I've done since I was a kid. “People always ask me where the comedy comes from. Well, my mother was a sweet, sweet lady, but she was struggling with so much I felt like it was my responsibility to lift her out of it and free her from concern. I spent my life doing that.
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Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership
| March 2011 | Edition 03
Oddfellows International Membership Then it was for my family when money was tight, and for my friends. I realised I could fit in like a glove if I made people laugh, and now it's become this worldwide obnoxious pilgrimage.” The film will certainly put smiles on the faces of its audience, as Mr Popper struggles to accommodate the needs of his new, messy housemates – named Captain, Lovey, Bitey, Nimrod, Stinky and Loudy after their traits.
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In one scene, Mr Popper sits the penguins down for a ‘civilised’ meal that turns into mayhem as the birds leap on to the table and gobble down their sardines. “That was a highlight for me,” admits Carrey. “The penguins were maniacs – all they wanted to do was attack the dinner plates. I liked working with them because it was always spontaneous; you never knew what was going to happen. All they want is fish, so I carried fish around with me - in my pockets, shoes, everywhere.” Besides the smelly pockets, the actor suffered for his art in another way. “It was freezing on set all the time, just 30 degrees [Fahrenheit] – I was dying, but the penguins were very happy. Then we’d go outside and do a scene on the roof where it was 80 degrees and I had to be in a Parka and five layers of clothing. I literally almost fainted at one point. I was like; ‘Get it off’ and they had to tear the coat off me. Last year was an emotional rollercoaster for the twicedivorced actor: he split from long-term girlfriend Jenny McCarthy and also became a grandfather for the first time when his only daughter gave birth to a son. Just as Mr Popper learns what’s important in life and comes to appreciate the value of family, Carrey has also learned a few lessons from the film. “When things you don't necessarily want interrupt your life, they're there for a reason – to open you up to something you're missing. I've gone through periods where I was selfish or wasn't necessarily there as much as I should have been. I guess that's why I was called to do this part – because I could be that guy. We can all get caught up in our little quest for greatness, discovery and things that fascinate us. And there's something so much more fascinating sitting right there.” 6
Jim Carrey with one of the feathered co-stars of Mr Popper’s Penguins
EXTRA TIME EXTRA TIME - POPULAR PENGUINS :: Happy Feet (2006) This animation told the story of young penguin Mumble, who discovers he has a talent for tap dancing, which doesn’t go down well with the leader of the Emperor penguins. The sequel, Happy Feet 2, about Mumble’s son, is out in December 2011. :: March of the Penguins (2005) Morgan Freeman narrated the American version of this Oscar-winning French documentary following the annual journey of the Emperor penguins as they walk 100km in single file to their ancestral breeding ground in Antarctica. :: Batman Returns (1992) Danny DeVito plays twisted baddie The Penguin, who plots to kill all of Gotham City’s first-born sons as revenge for being abandoned by his own parents. A pack of rocket-powered penguins play his sidekicks. :: Mr Popper’s Penguins is out now.
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | August 2011 | Edition 08
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Branch profile: North West Kent Our spotlight stops in the South east this month as we tell you everything you need to know about Kent. We start with a visit to one of the Society’s youngest Districts – North West Kent – to find out how they got started. North West Kent District didn’t even exist until two-and-ahalf years ago. Before that it was part of Woolwich District and had been for over 100 years. But a group of members in Kent decided that it wanted to branch out on their own. So they went through a threestep process to set up their own financial District. The process required Branch, Board of Directors and Fraternal Board approval. This achieved, the District of North West Kent was born on 1 January 2009. It covers the towns of Dartford, Wilmington, Greenhithe and the picturesque Darent Valley. Chris Bellis, current Trustee and Past District Chairman, said: “We still have close links with Woolwich, but it’s great to be able to run things ourselves and push things forward.”
Chris Bellis pictured collecting their award And members will have no shortage of events to host in their new Lodge. North West Kent always keeps the social calendar full thanks to its two Social Secretaries, Barbara Huntley and Sarah Robinson. Upcoming events include cheese and wine evenings, quiz nights and guest speakers.
A successful recruitment drive undertaken last year is testament to this, with their first Branch, the Hope of Dartford, quickly followed by a second, Newtown, in July 2010. The recruitment efforts of North West Kent’s members were recognised at this year’s Annual Moveable Conference (AMC) and Southern Group Conference. They won national awards for the highest net and percentage increase in membership during 2010. Chris and his wife Tracey and her husband Chris were at the AMC to collect the awards. Member Barbara Huntley also received a Certificate of Special Mention for recruiting over 10 new members in one year. They now have 250 members in their District, so to meet the demands of this growing membership the branch is spending £150,000 on their Lodge over the next six months. Chris said: “We’re investing in the long term by extending the meeting room, building a new office and improving disabled access. It’ll be a much brighter, nicer place to visit once it’s all finished.”
Members on a trip to Biddenden Vineyard
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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 08
Oddfellows International Membership Focus on: Kent
To mark this month’s Branch profile – North West Kent – we take a trip to the home counties to find out what life there is really like. From Canterbury Cathedral to the Turner Contemporary in Margate, Kent is firmly established as one of the country’s most popular tourist resorts.
Canterbury Cathedral
It’s also a key link to Greater London. The Dartford Crossing and the Channel Tunnel terminal are both in the county, with the latter meaning that France is only a 30 minute train ride away. On a clear day you can even see the continent from the White Cliffs of Dover. Kent’s reputation as the Garden of England is well founded. As one of the warmest corners of the UK, it’s home to orchards, seaside resorts and, with sales of Kent-made wine continuing to grow, even vineyards. Kent is a popular holiday destination and well worth considering if you and your family are planning a cost-saving staycation. Leeds Castle •
Kent takes its name from the old Celtic term ‘cantus’, meaning ‘border.’
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The Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 began in Kent, with Wat Tyler leading a group of 50,000 into London.
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During the 17th and 18th centuries, the county was a key strategic coastline for the Royal Navy as it fought wars against France and the Netherlands.
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The county played a pivotal role in World War Two, especially in the summer of 1940 when the Battle of Britain was fought in the skies above.
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Today it is home to over 1.5 million people.
The White Cliffs of Dover
Images courtesy of Visit Kent 8
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | August 2011 | Edition 08
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Local recipe
Kent Twice Laid
An interestingly named egg savoury snack from Kent. Similar to modern fishcakes, this was once a way of using up leftover fish. The recipe has been kindly supplied by Kent County Council, which is promoting Kentish Food Week from 26 to 30 September 2011. Click here for other recipes Ingredients • 300g white fish • 300ml milk • 350g mashed potatoes • 2 eggs, hard-boiled
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1 egg for dipping 100g fresh wholemeal breadcrumbs pinch of ground black pepper
Preparation 1) Poach the fish in milk. When the fish is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan (reserve the milk for later). Carefully remove and discard any bones or skin from the white fish fillets. 2) In a bowl flake the fish and mix in the mashed potatoes. Add a little of the reserved milk to the mixture to help it bind together. 3) Shell the hard-boiled eggs and chop. Gently stir into fish mixture. 4) Add pepper to taste and divide the mixture into 8 balls. 5) Dip into the beaten egg, roll in breadcrumbs and oven-bake until crisp and golden.
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | August 2011 | Edition 08
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Oddfellows International Membership
George in the garden Top tips from our new resident gardener By now we’re all thinking that autumn is just around the corner. The season of mist and mellow fruitfulness: it’s the time when your garden becomes awash with colour as trees and shrubs begin to turn. You’ll probably be working hard to get everything looking tidy before the rain and frost come along, but let’s hope that they both come a little later this year. My favourite plant right now Hydrangeas are wonderful plants – and now’s the time to take cuttings. Cut off three inches of the soft wood just below the leaf, dip it in rooting compost and plant in a four-inch clay pot. After six weeks it should be ready to pot again – this time into a threeinch pot. Keep it in a cool greenhouse away from frost and you’ll have some lovely plants next spring. Flower garden Now’s the time to plant your daffodil, crocus and tulip bulbs. Good daffodil varieties include Carlton, Pheasant’s Eye and Red Devon, a lovely yellow flower with a red cup.
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Vegetables Now you can really start cutting off extra foliage on your tomatoes. This allows more light and air in to help them ripen. Ease off on the watering as well, even if the plants starts to droop, because they’ve finished growing now and it’s important to help them ripen. You can now plant out the spring cabbage that you sowed in July. Be sure to leave 18 inches between each row and 15 inches between each plant. Water them and tread them in well, because a good firm soil helps to make a good solid head of cabbage next spring. It’s also the time to plant your Japanese onions. These are less susceptible to disease, and I grow quite a lot myself. Try and buy bulb sets from Holland and remember to leave 15 inches between each row and 12 inches between each set when planting. These should be ready next June.
Red Riding Hood is a lovely bright red tulip with mottled foliage. It grows between 8 and 11 inches tall and can be planted in exposed places like tubs without getting damaged by the weather. Roses are having a second flush right now and a variety of other seed heads can be left alone to develop pods – like lilies and poppies.
And remember to keep your leeks well watered if we do have a dry autumn.
Fruit garden Right now, some early fruits – such as crab-apples – are ready for picking. But I like to leave the cooking apples on the trees for another month or two. Then pick them on a dry day and store them in a frost-free building on trays not touching each other – that way if some go rotten they won’t rot the others around them.
If your hydrangeas fail, leave on the deadheads. This protects the young buds until the spring.
Secrets to improve your patch • Use clay pots for your hydrangea cuttings. They hold in the moisture and stops them drying out.
• Give your shrubs and plants some compost now and they’ll hold in moisture come the autumn. • If your tomatoes don’t ripen, use them in a chutney. Green tomato chutney goes very well with roast beef.
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | August 2011 | Edition 08