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August 2012
Issue 20
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Sport & leisure
Culture club Inside Chatsworth
On your marks With just weeks to go before the start of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, two-time Boccia gold medallist and Oddfellows member Nigel Murray is ready. This month he talks about the final preparations for what will be his swansong games and why he’s taking nothing for granted, but is confident he can come out on top.
Head housekeeper Christine Robinson opens the doors of this 300 year old family home to reveal the secrets behind its lasting and universal appeal.
Win! WIN: A trip for two to Chatsworth House! See inside for more details
Food & drink Word on the street As organisers of the British Street Food Awards get ready for next month’s event in the shadow of the Olympic Park, food journalist and founder Richard Johnson explains why the public will be amazed by what they find on the menu. Plus: We’ve got a guest recipe from last year’s winner. Be warned, it’s not for the faint-hearted!
WIN: A dazzling pair of gardening gloves! Send George a question for your chance to win
Also featured this month Around Britain: Ahead of this year’s Preston Guild, a once in a generation event, we visit our members there to find out how they’ll be celebrating Discoveries: The latest news from the world around us, and our monthly photo competition Home & garden: Our resident gardener George Hill is on hand to solve your gardening problems Health & wellbeing: We visit Spinal Research UK to find out how our three-year, £90,000 donation is helping the charity work towards a future free from paralysis
WIN: £50 of Jessops vouchers in our through the lens photo competition! Send us your best photo inspired by this month’s theme: Friendship. (See inside for more details)
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Culture club “I love going to the theatre once in a while, so when I heard my local Oddfellows Branch was arranging a trip I couldn’t pass it up.” Sharon - Manchester
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Keeping house
Even now, 35 years later, she can’t quite explain what changed her mind – save to say that the history and beauty of the 300 year-old country estate got under her skin. “Maybe it’s the family feeling that exists here,” she explains, “or the way it feels just like a normal home, despite the luxurious surroundings. “There’s just something about it that’s different. I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. ”Obviously not. Three and a half decades after embarking on her supposed “stopgap”, Christine is now head housekeeper and a familiar figure to viewers of the recent BBC documentary Chatsworth. The show followed Christine and other staff members through the day-to-day trials, tribulations and triumphs involved in running the estate. In one memorable scene cameras followed Christine on the morning of a new season’s grand opening as she hurried to unlock 71 doors before the public arrived.
“I came across as rather short-tempered then,” she admits. “It was really busy, and they wanted to film me doing it five times. “But overall the cameras didn’t get in the way too much. We’ve done these kinds of things before and it’s always good fun – but it was a relief when they left and we got our lives back!”
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Chatsworth is about the people who work and live here as a family...Sharing their stories is the most important thing.
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Christine Robinson never planned to stay at Chatsworth House. When she joined the housekeeping team in 1976 she was part way through university, and a holiday job at the stately home seemed a useful stopgap.
Chatsworth House was built between 1687 and 1696 by the 4th Earl of Devonshire, who later became the 1st Duke of Devonshire. It closes its doors to visitors each winter, allowing staff to quite literally get their house in order. Part of Christine’s job during this time, coordinating the annual deep clean, was filmed for the show. With the three-month schedule for organising the yearly maintenance and restoration tasks planned to the day. “We’re always glad to close the doors so we can get to grips with things, but then we really look forward to reopening so we can show off all the new things we’ve done.” (Continued on the next page...)
Culture club Inside, meanwhile, wiring, plumbing and security systems have all been upgraded for the first time in half a century. Three new galleries have also been installed, along with a £500,000 lift for less able visitors. Since the decision to reopen for Christmas was taken 11 years ago, Chatsworth is now able to fund the upkeep and running of the house directly from visitor admissions. Christine believes the much improved finances and attendance figures are due to one thing alone: focusing on what people want to see.
Chatsworth House after its facelift
“To view Chatsworth as a business can sound a bit cold, but we certainly have to be businesslike. Instead of assuming people will always want to visit, we’ve got to make sure they want to come again while reaching out to a fresh audience as well.
Since Chatsworth aired this spring, visitor numbers have gone up dramatically. This soaring popularity has not gone unnoticed by the National Trust, which is currently making a determined effort to imitate Chatsworth’s “lived-in” feel at many of its properties. The house’s permanent residents, the 12th Duke of Devonshire and his wife, the Duchess, are absolutely central to the philosophy that underpins this success. “They lead from the front, that’s for sure,” says Christine. “They’re always at the sharp end of the decision-making process, going out of their way to welcome our visitors and find out what they think.” Gone are the days when the owners of stately homes could rest on their laurels. Over the past 50 years too many have learnt the hard way that they must behave like businesses or face soaring costs, closure and bankruptcy. Chatsworth’s flourishing bottom line today seems all the more impressive considering the 80% death duties imposed on it following the death of the 10th Duke in 1950. Advisers to the 11th Duke thought all was lost, but by selling thousands of acres of land and gifting artwork and properties such as Hardwick Hall to the nation he managed to pay the debt and return to Chatsworth in 1959. He then began work in earnest to safeguard its future. This led to the creation in 1981 of the Chatsworth House Trust, a registered charity that now owns the house and to which the family pays rent. This meant that when the 11th Duke died in 2004 his successor inherited only his father’s personal wealth and the title of Duke of Devonshire.
The 12th Duke of Devonshire and his wife the Duchess “Ultimately, though, Chatsworth is about people. It always has been. It’s all about telling the stories of the people who work and live here as a family and who’ve made it what it is today. “Sharing their stories with visitors is by far the most important thing.”
What’s on at Chatsworth 31 August – 2 September Country fair 7 September – 31 October Outdoor sculpture exhibition (Beyond Limits) 9 September Autumn plant fair 21 – 25 September Flower festival
Today the Chatsworth estate boasts the house, gardens, a farmyard, shops, restaurants and an adventure playground – all set within 1,200 acres of parkland open to all. Further afield are two hotels and the now famous farmshop.
10 November Christmas opening (this year’s theme: pantomime)
The Trust continues to protect and restore the house and wider estate and for the past 10 years has been working on an ongoing £14 million restoration project.
Becoming a friend of Chatsworth Anyone can become a friend of Chatsworth, getting access to the house ahead of the crowds, special benefits and the chance to meet the Duke and Duchess at their annual Friends of Chatsworth garden party.
The house – which has featured in films such as The Duchess, Pride and Prejudice and The Wolfman – was recently given a facelift to restore the exterior to its original 18th century appearance.
For more information go online to www.chatsworth.org or call 01246 565300. All images property of Chatsworth House Trust 2012
Culture club
Win a trip to Chatsworth House for two! The 12th Duke and Duchess of Devonshire are offering a fantastic prize of a trip for two to their historic residence Chatsworth House. One lucky winner will receive a pair of adult tickets to the stately home. There they will have access to more than 30 rooms behind the newly restored house facades housing one of Europe’s most significant art collections. The winner will also get unlimited access to the 105 acre garden with its waterworks, sculptures and maze. To enter, simply sign someone up to receive Friendscene. Email subscribe@oddfellows.co.uk with the email address of a friend or family member by Friday 31 August and you’ll both be entered into the prize draw. Good luck! Competition terms and conditions 1) Please ensure you get the permission of the person you are nominating before submitting their details. Only once we have received confirmation of their willingness to subscribe will you both be entered into the prize draw. 2) Only one entry allowed per applicant (aged 18 or over). 3) The deadline for entries is before Friday 31 August – any entries received after this time will not be counted. 4) The winning entries will be chosen at random from all entries and notified within three weeks. 5) The Oddfellows reserves the right to change the details of this competition without prior notice. The prizes submitted by Chatsworth House may be subject to change, up to the value indicated above. Final decision for this rests with the Chatsworth House Trust and this decision will be supported by the Oddfellows Society. For further details please contact ezine@oddfellows.co.uk.
The Reader’s Review Book: Unforgettable Senior Jokes by Geoff Tibballs This book will be enjoyed by senior citizens of both sexes, without doubt. There are new jokes, old jokes, some rehashed and some brought up to date. But they’ve all got one thing in common; a self-depreciating punch line at the end. And therein lies the fun and enjoyment, because the jokes are aimed at us! Some of us might be getting old, overweight or unfit, but at least we can still laugh at ourselves. As an age group, senior citizens like nothing better than having a laugh at their own expense. In fact, the saucier the better is how we often prefer it. Those famous naughty seaside postcards, often so near the knuckle but uniquely British, are testament to this. I’ll look forward to my older friends attempting to relate some of these jokes and, of course, forgetting the punch lines! Laurence Manning - North London District Oddfellows
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Food & drink “My favourite thing about the Oddfellows is that all the events are aimed at foodies like me. We even went on a tour of an English vineyard recently – I’ll drink to that!” George - Brighton
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Street expectations
Buying food on the streets of Britain is only for the brave – or at least that’s what the stereotype would have you believe. Trestle tables, red-hot plates, greasy or bone-dry helpings that have been awaiting their unsuspecting victims for hours… All in all, you could be forgiven for not expecting fresh, innovative, Michelin star quality dishes. Yet that’s exactly what award-winning food journalist and broadcaster Richard Johnson wants – and he claims it represents a far more accurate picture of today’s street food than most of us appreciate. Three years ago Richard founded the British Street Food Awards. As he explains, he came up with the concept with one goal in mind: to convince people that street food can be as good as restaurant food. “It’s had such negative press for years, but in reality street food is going through a cultural renaissance,” he says. “Many people just don’t realise what’s happening on the streets of Britain. “Because it’s eaten the instant it’s ready, some street food is actually miles better than any restaurant food you’ll ever encounter. It’s just all about getting that message out there.”
Times Magazine, he had never even considered moving into food journalism until a friend who was an editor at The Independent approached him. Despite his protests that the only thing he knew about food was that he loved to eat it, Richard took the job. It proved a wise move. He has since been a judge on Channel Four’s Cooking School and presented the BBC’s Full on Food and Kill it, Cook it, Eat it, as well as co-presenting Radio 4’s The Food Programme. His first book, Street Food Revolution, which was inspired by the UK scene, will soon be followed by a second, based on his travels abroad. It was while on Sunday Times duty overseas five years ago, surrounded by the glitz and glamour of New York, that Richard first had the idea for a grass-roots celebration of British street food. “Somehow I ended up accompanying Marco Pierre White to a party hosted by Jay-Z, the rapper,” explains Richard, adding almost sheepishly: “Very much as a ‘plus one’, of course! “The next morning we both woke up feeling the worse for wear and in need of a substantial breakfast.
Thankfully, Richard’s background will help him do just that. Having begun his career as a features writer for the Sunday (Continued on the next page...)
Food & drink
At the inaugural event, staged in 2009, Richard struggled to fill a small Shropshire car-park with street fare worth serving and could offer only a humble food-mixer as a prize. Now the competition attracts more than 3,000 applicants a year and Jonathan Williams, owner of last year’s winner Café Mor, earned a business makeover from Marks and Spencer. Working out of a beach hut shaped van he built from driftwood, he went on to serve his locally sourced Pembrokeshire seafood to athletes at the London 2012 Olympics.
So it’s in the capital, in the shadow of the Olympic Park, that the cream of the British street food industry will convene in September. This year’s contest will feature 20 street food finalists battling it out outside Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant. The event is being billed as the biggest and best street food spectacular that Britain has ever seen. The winner will receive a business makeover and a chance to represent the UK in a street food “fight” against the USA’s best next year. Before they can win, though, they’ll have to impress a judging panel of industry experts and famous faces – including Richard himself. “We’ve chosen 17 finalists so far,” he says, “but I’ve left a few spaces because things are so exciting right now. I want to have space for a few last minute entries to heat up the competition.”
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Street food is going through a cultural renaissance...people just don’t realise what’s happening on the streets of Britain.
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“So we ended up in a Manhattan park, having by far the best burgers we’d ever tasted from a street vendor. That’s when I thought: ‘Why can’t we do it this well back in the UK?’” The result was the British Street Food Awards.
Jonathan beat rivals including a cupcake business operating out of a converted pink and white ’60s VW campervan and a seaside-themed fish and chips stall contained in a striped hut complete with foldout sandpit and seagulls.
Behind all the rivalry, however, the true legacy of the awards is being developed. Richard passionately hopes local councils will see how inventive street food can help tackle two blights on modern Britain – youth unemployment and the decline of the High Street.
“People do tend to be surprised when they arrive at the awards,” says Richard proudly. “It’s just so exciting. These are wonderfully British, truly idiosyncratic ventures.”
“They’ve got to make it easier for start-ups,” he says. “There are so many young people out there who want to trade but aren’t being allowed to do so.
It all sounds a far cry from the greasy kebab outlets so commonly seen in town centres at weekends. These are the very antithesis of what Richard is trying to achieve. It’s perhaps surprising, then, to hear that this year’s awards could welcome a kebab stall as a finalist.
“I want councils to come and see what can be done to regenerate the High Street rather than just opting for yet another ‘cookie-cutter’ restaurant chain.”
“Ever since I went to Istanbul in search of ‘the real donner’ for Radio 4 I’ve been convinced that kebabs can be so much better in this country,” says Richard. “Now two writers from London have started a street food business giving customers real kebabs. They’re made with amazing Welsh lamb and served with homemade flatbread. If they make the finals this year their food will really confound people’s expectations.” So far the event has only been held outside London – a conscious decision by its founder. “I didn’t want it to be just another London thing,” says Richard. “It was important that this was rooted in British food as a whole.” But the Olympic year has presented Richard with a golden opportunity to bring the awards to the place he feels is still the beating heart of the street food revolution. “Every week in London there’s a new night market springing up with new traders doing exciting things with seasonal British ingredients in great looking imaginative stalls,” he says.
And so Richard’s real plan is revealed: to use the British Street Food Awards as a vehicle to drive innovation and imagination back on to our High Streets and into the minds of our young people. However unlikely its beginnings, it sounds like a recipe for success.
The British Street Food Awards 2012 will take place at fifteen Street, Hoxton, London, on 15 and 16 September. Tickets are available online now. Please book online before the day. For more details visit www.britishstreetfood.co.uk and sign up to the newsletter or visit www.facebook.com/britishstreetfood.com. Richard’s first book, Street Food Revolution, can be purchased online or from any good bookshops. The follow-up is due for release in Autumn 2013.
Food & drink
La Bomba Created by Jonathan Williams, founder of Cafe Mor This drink won the award for best drink at the 2011 British Street Food awards.
Ingredients (serves two) 6 fresh tomatoes (washed) 2 limes 2 tbsp of good honey A dash of olive oil A few drops of Tabasco sauce A handful of fresh shellfish – prawns, mussels and cockles. (Brave cooks can use raw oysters, while sliced lobster is great for special occasions.) Salt and pepper Dried powdered Dulse seaweed or sea grass
Method Place the tomatoes in a blender and whizz up until you’ve got a smooth consistency. Next, add the lime juice, honey, olive oil and Tabasco sauce and blend it all together. Remember you can adjust quantities according to your taste, but the sweetness of the honey should be balanced against the lime juice and the kick of Tabasco. Keep tasting it to find your own favourite mix. Once you’re happy with the taste, season with salt and pepper and pour into shot glasses. To finish, top with fresh shellfish and sprinkle with the Dulse or Sea Grass. Then, depending on how brave you are, sip it slowly or drink it in one go!
Cafe Mor was established in 2011 by Jonathan Williams to celebrate local produce in a new and inspiring way. All of Cafe Mor’s produce is locally sourced wherever possible and a sustainable ethos runs through the core of the business. Visit www.cafemor.co.uk for more details.
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Around Britain “These days we take ‘staycations’ in the UK to keep costs down. But wherever we go there are always Oddfellows events to entertain us.” Lesley - South Yorkshire
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Preston This month we visit the cultural centre of Lancashire to discover its proud, sporting and industrial past.
A rich history The Romans built roads close to the place where Preston now sits and its first parish church was built around 705AD. By the 13th Century, Preston was one of the wealthiest towns in the Country.
The golden city Preston was officially granted city status in 2002 as part of HM The Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. It became England’s 50th city in The Queen’s 50th year on the throne and has a population of almost 115,000.
Many decisive battles were fought here during the English Civil War, and the 19th Century’s Industrial Revolution turned Preston into a leading producer of cotton. It was even the first town outside of London to be lit by gas.
The beau t
i
ful game As one of the Footb all Leagu founding e’s me football c mbers, the city’s lub, Presto n North E were the nd, firs champion t team to be crown e s in 1888 . The team d the nickn earned ame ‘the inv same yea r by stayin incibles’ that g unbeate league an n in the d the cup .
s Famous facehplace of these well-known figures
ter e birt Preston was th land Test cricke ng E er rm fo ff, into usic journalist • Andrew Fl bs, DJ and m ob H e nn A y • Mar otballer nney, former fo ce and Gromit • Sir Tom Fi eator of Walla cr d an or at im an • Nick Park, ft) le d re (Pictu
To sum it up in one sentence…
Park ©iStockphoto.com/Nick
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“[Preston is] a pretty town with an abundance of gentry in it, commonly called Proud Preston.”
Edward Calamy, 18th Century English Presbyterian church leader
Around Britain On the ground: Oddfellows members from Preston
Gaynor with Social Organiser for Ormskirk & Southport District, Judith Cattton Gaynor Colman only became Social Organiser for the Preston District in May of this year, but she’s already been busy planning a packed social calendar for the rest of this year. Here she explains how she’s getting on. I decided to join the Oddfellows originally because I wanted to find out more about what the Society did. Since joining three months ago, I’ve realised that there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye and I can’t wait to share it with the rest of Preston. Thankfully, the new events diary for the next few months should keep everyone entertained.
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As a newcomer myself who’s still learning about the great work the Society does, I can’t wait to welcome everyone along and show them exactly what we’re about.
There’s a shopping trip to the Trafford Centre, a day of walking and fresh air in the Lake District and much more. The District does a lot of its work in the town of Penwortham, but our events take place right across the region. Talking to people in the local area, I’m always struck by how many people are interested in getting out and about and want to hear more about the events we offer. As a newcomer myself who’s still learning about the great work the Society does, I can’t wait to welcome everyone along and show them exactly what we’re about.
Vital statistics • Established in 1830 • As well as Preston, the District covers Blackpool, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancaster, Lytham and Cleveleys • The District now has nearly 1000 members For further details contact Gaynor on 07874 205268 or email gaynor.colman@oddfellows.co.uk.
Around Britain Events being organised by Preston District Wednesday 12 September – 9.30am Windermere Day Out Join us for a wonderful day out by Windermere in the heart of the Lake District. Transport has been booked from Penwortham to the Lakeland Store in Windermere where we will have a coffee before the day gets going. We’ll then have time to explore Windermere and enjoy the quaint shops before meeting for lunch at Francine’s Restaurant at 1.30pm. There’ll be time for more exploring, shopping or relaxing after lunch before travelling back to Penwortham in the early evening. It’s sure to be an enjoyable day out. Cost: Transport £14 (members) or £16 (non-members). Address: Depart from Penwortham Library, Penwortham, at 9.30am Tuesday 30 October – 11am Botany Bay Day Out Our monthly coffee morning in October will be combined with a shopping trip to Botany Bay in Chorley. After meeting in the coffee shop at 11am, we will have ample opportunity to discover the delights of this converted Victorian mill. Home to a delightful Christmas shop, the mill offers a mixture of giftware and collectables available from Dickensian-style shops and the outdoor garden centre. The restaurant also has an extensive menu to choose from during lunch. If you’re interested in this trip please contact Gaynor.
© Copyright Mr T and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
Cost: No charge for entry but there will be a cost for coffee and lunch. Address: Botany Bay, Canal Mill, Bothany Brow, Chorley, PR6 9AF.
Tuesday 13 November – 9.30am onwards Trafford Centre trip Come and take advantage of a day at the Trafford Centre. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or getting some early Christmas presents, there’s a shop for almost everything. You could even catch a new release at the cinema There’ll be a chance to meet for a late morning coffee, then lunch later on in the food hall. Either join us at Penwortham Library for transport at 9.30am, or meet us there.
Cost: Transport £12 (members), £14 (non-members) Address: The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AA
If you have a query or would like to join us for any of these events please contact Gaynor on 07874 205 268 or email gaynor.colman@oddfellows.co.uk
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Active Travel “I love the Oddfellows’ Active Travel Club. My friends and I go on active and culture trips, weekends away and holidays abroad. It lets me meet new people, and it was free to join!” Roger, London
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First time festival goers
Mud-covered, alcohol-fuelled youngsters listening to loud music and getting covered in mud. The stereotypes that many of us believe about music festivals are reaffirmed by the papers almost endlessly. But contrary to what you might think, the fast-growing UK festival scene has something for everyone, no matter how old you are.
‘80s Rewind (17-19 August 2012) Rewind festival features a line-up of some of the ‘80’s greatest rock legends. This year’s festival offers posh nosh in the form of Jamie Oliver’s Fast Feasts, a selection of upmarket meals and snacks and a Pizza Express on site. You can go ‘glamping’ in luxury, exclusive camping accommodation with ready-pitched tents and hotel quality facilities, and there’s even When Nature Calls; a luxury loo company! Ticket Price £50-£100 Location Henley-on-Thames
The Big Green Cardigan (7-9 September 2012)
Glastonbury (2013 Date TBC)
Nestled in the Sussex countryside, the Big Green Cardigan is one of the UK’s most intimate music festivals. With capacity limited to 500 people, it’s a great way to sample the festival lifestyle for the first time.
Glastonbury, has been run by 76 year old Michael Eavis for 42 years, but it’s often associated just with young people. Yet 1 in 9 of Glastonbury’s 138,000 guests last year were over 50; that’s more than 15,000 people. It isn’t difficult to see why the festival is popular to all ages; the 2011 line-up included U2, Paul Simon and BB King, who played the festival at 85 years old.
©iStockphoto.com/Glastonbury
With the chance to take part in early morning yoga sessions or relax in an evening cafe, the Big Green Cardigan seems more akin to a restorative weekend break and is set apart from what some might call the ‘brash’, mud-covered atmosphere of the stereotypical music festival. The low cost day tickets means camping is not a necessity; great news for those who aren’t thrilled by the idea of roughing it. For more information visit www.biggreencardigan.co.uk Ticket price Weekend packages £55-£60 Day tickets £15-£30 Location Robertsbridge, East Sussex
Although Glastonbury is not on this year, it will return to Somerset in 2013. Tickets go on sale in October but sell out quickly, and prices will be confirmed in the coming months. Ticket price TBC Day tickets TBC Location Worthy Farm, Glastonbury, South England
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Home & garden “Sorting out the garden is how I like to relax. An expert gave a talk at my local Oddfellows branch – it helped me no end.” Christine - Derbyshire
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Ask George Is your garden giving you grief? Well, fear not, help is at hand. George Hill is here to answer your gardening problems. If we publish your question in next month’s edition we’ll send you a fantastic gardening kit absolutely free! This includes one brand new pair of dazzling gardening gloves and five packs of assorted seeds to get you started. All thanks to Joe’s Garden and Suttons Seeds. Email ezine@oddfellows.co.uk with your question today. Q: “How can I protect my salad boxes from squirrels and birds?” Laura, Cambridgeshire A: The best thing for you to do is put a little ring of wire around them and over the top. Make sure it’s tied tightly without any gaps, otherwise birds can get stuck inside. But that’s really the only way to make it safe and secure against grey squirrels.
Q: “What can I do to protect the plants in my greenhouse during very hot weather?” Gareth, London A: Try putting up a shade in the greenhouse, especially on the south side where the heat of the sun will be strongest. You can create whitewash for the windows to soften the sun’s rays, or you can use netting, fleece or anything like that to create some partial shade.
Q: “What should I be doing with my kidney beans now to get the best crop later?” William, Cardiff A: If they’re already getting going, then adding a nice mulch of organic matter will stop them drying out. You can use well-rotted compost or farmyard manure to keep the moisture in. Kidney bean plants are very thirsty but also very worthwhile too. I think a good row of kidney bean plants is a must in any good vegetable garden.
Q: “I’ve neglected my garden so far this year. What can I do to get some very quick results?” Neil, Burton-on-Trent A: You can sow this year’s final crop of lettuce to produce some nice salad towards the end of the season. Again, a sowing of turnips grows very quickly and they’re succulent when used in a stew or a stir fry. Alternatively, a Chinese winter cabbage grows quickly too with good results. (Continued on the next page...)
Home & Garden
George’s focus: August
August is the height of summer and the full results of the year’s hard work outdoors should now be evident. With any luck we’ll get a good mixture of sunshine and rain because too much of either makes life tough for gardeners. Important jobs this month I would be going through my Dalias and disbudding them, keeping all the side shoots out to create some nice buds later. This lets the flowers perform at their best, producing nice bright flowers on the stems. Try staking them down too, with the stems tied in so that the wind won’t break any of them off. The same applies if you’re growing outdoor chrysanthemums; don’t let them dry out in the hot weather. All of your flowering plants should be kept nicely moist but not overwatered through the summer. Staking up your gladioli this month is really important too. The great indoors In the greenhouse, keep pinching out the side shoots on your tomatoes. When you’ve got around five or six strong growing shoots, pinch the growing top out to let the plant focus on fruiting. Do this at the end of the month and you’ll help the fruit to grow to a bigger size and ripen well in September.
Smelling sweet Continue to keep an eye on your sweet peas this month and don’t let them go to seed. If you do then they’ll stop flowering, meaning you won’t get all those vivid colours for as long as you should do. Very berry Check all of your soft fruits this month to make sure they’re growing well. All of these fruits should be cropping now and you should pick them only when they’re reaching full ripeness. These will then be good for bottling, eating or jamming. And don’t forget to keep your raspberries mulched with plenty of moisture in the soil.
Keep your cucumbers mulched with something like dried blood. However, don’t give them a nitrogen feed or they can grow too fast and have a bitter taste when you come to eat them.
Members with green fingers Suttons is an internationally renowned supplier of flower and vegetable seeds, young plants, bulbs, fruit bushes and other horticultural products to amateur gardeners. Members are eligible to receive a 10% discount on anything at www.suttons.co.uk, from seeds and bulbs to gardening equipment and greenhouses. To take advantage of your exclusive Oddfellows 10% discount click here*. *You will need to be signed in as a member to access the Members' Benefits page.
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Sport & leisure “I’ve never really been ‘sporty’, but I try to keep fit. My local Oddfellows branch now hosts a walking club. It’s great to get some fresh air, and we always have a good time.” Diana - Essex
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With the Paralympic Games just weeks away, for two-time gold medallist and Oddfellows member Nigel Murray the wait is almost over. This summer’s London homecoming will be the Boccia champion’s swansong. So before he bids farewell, he reveals his hopes for the games’ lasting legacy and how he fully intends to go out with a final flourish. This summer marks the culmination of four years’ preparation for Nigel Murray. His sport, Boccia, is a cross between bowls and boules that dates back to Roman times and there’s both an individual and team event at the Games. Nigel, who has cerebal palsy, will be competing in both. A modest yet confident man, Nigel knows what he and his Team GB teammates can achieve, but only if they perform to the best of their abilities. Such self-awareness should serve him well on his quest for that all important third gold. “I know that on our day we can beat anyone in the world, but, to use a cliché, there’s no easy games when you compete at this level. “Any one of 12 teams could win in London. It’s just all about finding the momentum and keeping our confidence high.” Nigel took gold in the individual event in 2000 in Sydney, followed by gold in the team event in Beijing eight years later; his proudest moment to date. “Winning in Beijing meant the most because of the camaraderie of the team. I enjoy both but the team event is my favourite. It’s the blue ribbon event that’s still seen as the ultimate achievement.” The fact that the 2012 Games are in London inevitably puts an added pressure on Team GB to succeed. But as a seasoned athlete, 47 year old Nigel is sure that being on home turf will be more of a help than a hindrance.
“Of course it brings more pressure. With the advantage of playing at home comes huge expectation. We’ve just got to use that pressure positively and I’m sure the home fans will help us do just that.” And with this home advantage, Nigel hopes there’ll be a lasting sports legacy in the UK. “The Paralympics will open peoples’ eyes I think. We’ve got to inspire the next generation of young people, both ablebodied and those with disabilities, to step up and take part in sport. “The long term success of these games will be judged on whether or not we use this opportunity we’ve been given.” For Nigel, competing one last time in London will be a fitting end to a world beating career. But while he’s in no doubt that now’s the right time to call it a day, he still got the fire inside him to go for glory one last time. “If it was decided on will and desire alone then I’d definitely win gold. It’s the right time and place for me to finish and I can’t think of anything I could want more than to win here.”
Nigel’s Beijing 2008 team gold medal
Nigel Murray is a member of the Lemington Spa Branch of the Oddfellows
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Discoveries “I’ve promised myself I’ll try new things, and I can do that thanks to the Oddfellows. My friends never thought I’d try paragliding, but it was of the best things I’ve ever done!” Karen - Nottingham
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Cutting edge news from the world around us It’s all in the genes, for now Incurable genetic disorders could one day be a thing of the past as European medical chiefs debate the use of experimental gene therapies on patients. Genetic diseases occur when part of a person’s DNA, the blueprint inside each cell in the body, is either missing, duplicated or not working correctly. Genetic abnormalities cause afflictions such as Haemophilia, Cystic Fibrosis and Down’s syndrome. Gene therapies work by infecting the patient with a virus containing a copy of the affected gene that works correctly. Doctors at the European Medicines Agency recently recommended the technology for use when treating patients with lipoprotein lipase deficiency; a rare disease affecting one in a million people whose bodies struggle to break down fats. The final decision now rests with the European Commission, but, if approved, it could pave the way for a revolution in the way we treat genetic defects.
Moon made by ‘hit and run’ Scientists from Switzerland have come up with a new theory to explain the much debated question of how the moon came to orbit the Earth. Researchers at the Center for Space and Habitability in Bern believe they’ve found evidence that suggests the moon is the product of a high-speed celestial crash billions of years ago between the Earth and another much larger planet. Instead of previous theories which pointed to a relatively slow motion collision with a planet the size of Mars, the Swiss team ran computer models that support their new theory. This evidence, they say, explains why metals found in moon rock samples are almost identical to those found on Earth. More of a glancing blow than a head on crash, the result of this impact would have been a hot disc of debris being thrown out into space. It was from this debris that the scientists believe the moon was eventually formed.
Did you know? You can keep up to date with the latest news from the Oddfellows throughout the month on Facebook. There’s photo galleries, events information, entertainment and more. Visit www.facebook.com/OddfellowsSociety to see for yourself.
Discoveries Through the lens – photography competition
The theme of this month’s through the lens photo competition is ‘friendship’; ahead of our second annual Friendship Month in September. So we’d like you to send us photos that show what friendship means to you. If we choose your photo to appear in the next edition, you’ll win £50 of Jessops vouchers to spend in-store. So go and get snapping. You can enter by emailing your photo to ezine@oddfellows.co.uk, posting it on our Facebook wall or sending it in a tweet that mentions @oddfellowsUK. Click on the links below to visit our social media sites.
Terms and conditions 1) Entries can be submitted at any time and still be included in this competition. However the cut off date for each edition will be the first day of the month. For example, this month’s competition closes on 1 September. 2 If successful, you will be contacted by the Oddfellows to arrange delivery of your prize. 3) If your photograph contains an image of a person, building or private location please ensure you get permission from the person/building owner before submitting your entry. 4) By submitting a photograph to this competition you are confirming that you have given permission to use and reproduce this image and that the Oddfellows can use this photo in future publications and marketing material, both online and printed. 5) The Oddfellows will assume your consent has been given once your entry is submitted unless you directly state otherwise.
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Health & wellbeing “The Oddfellows give so much. I wish more people knew about the great services they have to offer.” Paul - London
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Daring to think the unthinkable
The visitors were overwhelmed by the hi-tech methods at first, but thanks to the clear explanations from their tour guides they soon felt like experts. After the tour, Charles Vaughan presented the Spinal Research team with the third of three annual donations; a cheque for £30,000.
But that could all be about to change, as Oddfellows Board members found out when they visited Spinal Research UK’s research centre at King’s College London (KCL).
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To announce a significant breakthrough in this field would be worldwide news, and I feel we’re now in a phase where it’s actually conceivable.
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Despite all the medical obstacles modern science has conquered, finding the fabled cure for paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries has long seemed impossible.
Dr Mark Bacon, speaking to Friendscene in April 2012
They were shown cutting-edge research made possible by a three-year, £90,000 donation from the Society’s H A Andrews Fund.
The aim of the H A Andrews Memorial Fund is to raise money to support medical research projects.
Visitors on the day included the Society’s Chairman Charles Vaughan and Directors George Lickess, Clive Taylor, and Maggi Winter, (pictured from left to right above).
It honours the man who was Society Secretary for more than 30 years while playing a pivotal role in the creation of the UK’s National Insurance scheme.
After being welcomed by the research team, the party was given a tour of the labs where the skill, dedication, and enthusiasm of the team became clear.
Since its inception in 1971, the fund has donated more than £650,000 to medical research projects across the UK.
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Left to right: Oddfellows Directors Maggi Winter and George Lickess, Director of Fundraising (Spinal Research) Dr Mark Bacon, Trust Manager (Spinal Research) James Clark, Oddfellows Director Clive Tayler, Professor Stephen McMahon (KCL), Oddfellows Chairman Charles Vaughan, PhD students (KCL) Claudia Kathe, Karen Bosch and Dr Elizabeth Bradbury
Researchers already know that in the case of spinal injuries, some neurons become damaged beyond repair. That’s why the majority of their research now focuses on looking for new ways to encourage undamaged neurons to compensate for damaged ones. The first part of the three-year research project centred on the enzyme called Chondroitinase, which breaks down scar tissue to aid functional recovery. The second stage has been to develop new ways for the researchers to visualise the effects of this enzyme to understand how this functional recovery takes place.
After years of research, the progress of the team – led by Professor James Fawcett and Professor Stephen McMahan – is gathering pace. The information gathered and techniques developed mean that the prospect of human clinical trials within the next decade is now highly likely. Thanks to the Society’s donation, researchers are daring to think what was previously considered unthinkable; about a future free from paralysis.
Dr Mark Bacon with Maggi Winter, Charles Vaughan and Karen Bosch
For more information about Spinal Research or to get involved in fundraising, please contact James Clark on 01483 898786 or visit www.spinal-research.org. You can donate £5 to Spinal Research today by texting SPIN41 to 70070.
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Money “When I had money worries the Oddfellows put me in touch with the right people who could help. They were with me every step of the way.” Pam - Cambridgeshire
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Society welcomes its first female CEO The Oddfellows' Central Head Office in Manchester was delighted to announce the appointment of its new CEO last month; current Finance Director Jane Nelson. As the first woman to hold the role, Jane, 46, from Cheshire, took the top job this month less than a year after being awarded the UK’s top marks for exams run by the Institute of Directors, seeing off competition from 266 other candidates. “I was delighted to get the chance to take this prestigious position,” said Jane, “and being the first woman to hold the role adds an extra special dimension.” She takes the Society’s senior role at a time when gender inequality within the workplace remains an all too familiar issue. Government figures predict that women will hold more than 25% of UK board-level positions by 2015, they still only account for 6% of top senior executive roles today; a figure Jane hopes will soon change for the better. “Hopefully this achievement and others like it will inspire more women to realise they can reach the very top. That’s the future I hope to see.” Jane has more than 25 years’ experience in the financial services and accountancy industries. Since joining the Oddfellows in 1995 as Financial Controller she has worked as Company Secretary since 2000 and Finance Director since 2007. Her knowledge of the Society and experience of running one of the world’s largest membership organisations made her the obvious candidate.Before the announcement was made, Jane had been acting CEO. Charles Vaughan, Chairman of the Oddfellows, said: “On behalf of the Society, I would like to wish Jane all the best in her new role. We’re all looking forward to the future and the ideas she will undoubtedly bring to the Society.