Oddfellows International Membership
Miranda tries to be serious.. Also in this issue: • Enjoy winter while it lasts • Navigating the tax-code minefield • District profile: Leeds • George in the garden • ... and much more since 1810
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | February 2012 | Edition 14
Oddfellows International Membership
Welcome to the February 2012 edition of the e-zine. This month comedienne Miranda Hart tells us what life as a household name is like as she takes on a new role in the BBC drama ‘Call the Midwife’. We show you how to make the most of the last weeks of winter, while our resident gardener, George Hill, helps you get ready for spring.
If you have a story to tell then why not share it with us? Email editorial@oddfellows.co.uk or call 0161 832 9361. You can find us on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook by clicking on the icons below.
We head to Leeds for our District profile, and there’s also our usual selection of news and features.
Waves of support for the RNLI
The Lifeboat fund, managed by the East Anglian Group Conference (EAGC), raises money for the RNLI’s lifeboat station at Sheringham in Norfolk.
The RNLI at Sheringham has a lifeboat called ‘The Oddfellows’, which was funded by members’ previous donations. Alison and her husband Keith, a past Chairman of the Society, met up with the boat’s crew recently – including their newest recruits, who each passed their training with scores higher than 90%.
Alison Adamson, EAGC Secretary, said: “I’d like to thank all those Districts that have sent a donation and continue to do so.
She will be giving an update on the fundraising to this year’s Society Conference in Southport on 12 May.
“The money has bought two new laptops for crew training and new radios for communication.”
Anyone who wants to make a donation can send a cheque, made payable to the EAGC, to The Oddfellows, Abbey House, 32 Booth Street, Manchester, M2 4QP.
Oddfellows members continued to donate generously to the Lifeboat Fund last year, raising more than 7,000 for new life-saving equipment.
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Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | February 2012 | Edition 14
Last of the mulled wine February is the last month of winter and often the coldest. Right now we could be forgiven for thinking warmer weather will never return. But there’s no point wishing the season away and stubbornly waiting for spring to begin.
Indoors
Instead we’ve found some inventive ways for you to enjoy winter’s final throes – and to make the most of the leap year’s extra day!
Outdoors
February marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth. To celebrate this, there are exhibitions, film screenings and other events taking place this month, with lots more throughout the year. Click here for details. Enjoy keeping active when the weather is wild by signing up to your local gym or swimming pool. Don’t let the frost or the rain put you off – a winter walk through the countryside can be invigorating. Just make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the weather, and take sensible precautions before a long or remote day’s walking. And don’t forget the camera to capture the winter landscapes.
There’s nothing better than dusting off the board games on a cold afternoon – challenge your friends and family to a game over a mug of homemade mulled wine.
If you live in a town or city, try exploring it on foot. It’s a great way to discover new places on your doorstep. You can also start planning ahead in the garden – for more ideas see George’s gardening tips on page 9.
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | February 2012 | Edition 14
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Oddfellows International Membership
Miranda plays it (almost) straight Miranda Hart has taken time out from comedy to play a midwife in a new BBC drama series. But, as we discover, she still couldn’t help but see the funny side.
“Playing Miranda in Miranda… I’m sure some people might not see it as acting, but I assure you I am. I very much see it as playing a character.”
20 minutes late for the launch, Miranda Hart picks her way across the room in the vain hope that no one will notice her.
It was Hart’s sitcom that brought her to the attention of Worth, who was in the middle of working with the BBC to develop her book into a series.
The 39-year-old comedienne is looking considerably slimmer than she was in the last series of Miranda, a weight loss she puts down to Pilates, but stealth doesn’t come easy when you’re a well-known face who’s over 6ft tall. Clocking the many pairs of eyes fixed on her, she says: “I didn’t know this had begun, this is embarrassing...” Then she tries to start afresh with a cheery: “Hello!” The only way she could have been any more like her eponymous sitcom character was if she’d fallen over on her way into the room. However, Hart is here to talk about a new role that bears little resemblance to the joke shop owner who has made her name. Call The Midwife is a drama based on late author Jennifer Worth’s memoirs about being a Fifties midwife in London’s East End. “I enjoyed being in a drama very much, thank you, yes,” says Hart with her trademark plummy politeness. “I suppose a lot of people might say: ‘Ooh, you’re doing ‘The Acting’. But in many ways it wasn’t that different to what I did before. I’ve always seen myself more as a comedy actress than a stand-up.
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Worth, who died of cancer in 2011, knew immediately that Hart was the woman to play Camilla Fortescue-CholmeleyBrowne, her devout but clumsy friend and colleague who everyone referred to as ‘Chummy’. Hart recalls her summons: “Jennifer sent me the book and said; ‘When I first saw you I thought of Chummy.’ So I flicked straight to Chummy's entrance in the book and really hoped I would get to play this brilliant, eccentric woman. I didn’t want anyone else to!” Chummy arrives at Nonnatus House in the second episode of the series to work alongside the other young midwives Jenny, Trixie and Cynthia, as well as the more experienced nuns played by Pam Ferris, Jenny Agutter and Judy Parfitt. “It’s a calling for her,” explains Hart. “It makes her heart skip and she thinks God wanted her there. “Chummy is a very compassionate person. But she takes her time to get into working as a midwife. It’s not necessarily an easy ride.” She could be talking literally, as in one of Chummy’s first scenes we discover she’s never learned to ride a bike. Covering the midwives’ patch on foot is not an option, so Chummy is forced to take to two wheels.
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | February 2012 | Edition 14
Miranda and her co-stars in the BBC drama - Call the Midwife Luckily, Hart’s slapstick experience came in handy for what she calls “stunt work” when she had to pretend she didn’t know how to cycle. “When I read that scene I thought ‘Well, that’s an acting challenge,’ because apparently once you learn to ride a bike you never forget. “But actually it turns out – no offence to the other girls – I was by far the best,” she says, beaming theatrically. “They were really heavy old bikes with no gears, so it worked out that I’m – even though I say it myself, and here’s a showbiz exclusive – a natural cyclist. “I had the real confidence to wobble about, so it was quite fun.” Less fun was filming the baby deliveries, using some “spooky” prosthetic babies and having to use all her concentration to stay serious. “With a prosthetic baby covered in baby oil you would have thought ‘comedy’, but learning how to hold it and deliver it was quite terrifying. “It was weird at the end of every take saying to the director: That wasn’t funny, was it?’ Normally you say the reverse.” Hart, who lives by herself in London, has spoken in the past about loving her own company. Working with babies did nothing to make her long for a family. “I was too in the moment and thinking about the technical side to feel broody, and then one baby weed in my glove – straight down – and I thought: ‘No thanks.’” she says, shaking her head.
Being a natural wit, Hart couldn’t help but inject some humour into the role of Chummy – and, although she has been commissioned to write a third series of Miranda she’s hoping Call The Midwife will lead to some more plum drama roles. “Comedy will always be my first passion, but I think it would be an amazing luxury to have a career where I can do both,” she says.
EXTRA TIME The funny side of Miranda Hart :: Miranda – Hart plays the hapless, unlucky-in-love title character in her self-penned show, also starring Tom Ellis, Patricia Hodge and Sally Phillips. :: Not Going Out – Hart had a scene-stealing turn as clumsy cleaning lady Barbara in Lee Mack’s sitcom. :: Absolutely Fabulous – Hart popped up once in a while to play mono-browed artist Bettina in Jennifer Saunders’ hit comedy. :: Hyperdrive – Hart plays a goofy, inept space cadet in the sci-fi comedy. :: Smack the Pony – Hart assumed a ruder persona than normal, Hart appearing in dating video skits on this female-led sketch show.
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | February 2012 | Edition 14
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Oddfellows International Membership
Vital statistics
District profile: Leeds The earliest recorded Lodge in Leeds was the Loyal Mechanic, founded more than 150 years ago. Since then the District has regularly changed its size and shape. By 1933 it was made up of 33 Lodges, and 16 of these met at Queen Square – the District’s home until 1979. Last year the Queen Square buildings were honoured with a blue plaque (pictured right) in recognition of the good work the District did there. Today, Leeds includes three big Lodges – Leodis, Nelson and Northumberland. One of the largest Districts geographically, it stretches from Wakefield right up to the Scottish Borders – including the historic towns of Harrogate, Knaresborough and Newcastle. Making friends Leeds is also one of the largest Districts in terms of members. “Our members are well known for their hospitable, warm welcome,” says Margaret Lickess, District Secretary. “It’s probably due to the beautiful countryside they live in.” Helping people The Branch regularly organises charity events, raising thousands of pounds each year for good causes. Recent events include a Help for Heroes coffee morning and an annual garden party.
• Established in 1826 • The District has more than 3,400 members • It was the first District to have a full time Welfare and Social Officer • Members meet at Unity Court, 431 Meanwood Road, Leeds, LS7 2LD
Meet the team District Chairman: Arthur Barber Arthur joined the Society in 1998. He initially joined for the wide range of social activities but quickly progressed to the management of the District. His experience shows that any member with an interest in the Society can go far. District Secretary: Margaret Lickess (PGM) Margaret has worked for the Oddfellows for 25 years. She’s progressed from secretarial assistant to District Secretary, a role she has held for the past eight years. As well as holding the Society’s highest position of Chairman of the Board of Directors – or Grand Master – in 2005, she’s also the wife of current Board member George Lickess. Welfare and Social Organiser: Tracey Garczynski Tracey’s main roles include co-ordinating the District’s 10 welfare officers, who make social visits to elderly and infirm members. Away from the day-to-day business, she organises social events that raised thousands for charity.
For more details call Margaret on 0113 242 4002, email margaret.lickess@oddfellows.co.uk or click here for the Districts’ events page. 6
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | February 2012 | Edition 14
Vital statistics
Lodge focus: Northumbria
• The Lodge has 400 members • Members meet at the Wier boating club, Sunderland, on the first Wednesday of each month at 2pm
(Part of the Leeds District)
Each District in the UK is made up of smaller Lodges where members often meet and socialise. Northumbria is geographically one of the largest, with a strong and active membership. Here we take a closer look.
Bamburgh Castle, Northumbria
Lodge Secretary David Anderson
Our neighbourhood The Northumbria Lodge covers the urban areas of Newcastle and Sunderland – two cities that make no secret of their fierce rivalry.
Come together Members meet in Sunderland at least once a month for business and social events and try to mix up the venues around Sunderland to keep things interesting.
Both cities flourished during the industrial revolution through ship-building. Today the ships might have gone, but the recently regenerated docks attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
The Northumbria Lodge arranges trips to towns, castles and stately homes, as well as boat trips. It also joins with the Cleveland District for events in nearby Durham.
The Angel of the North
Local attractions include the Millennium Bridge in Newcastle, the Angel of the North and the Penshaw Monument – built in 1844 to imitate an ancient Greek temple.
David Anderson, Lodge Secretary says: “It’s an interesting and diverse area to explore, and visitors can rely on the friendliness of local people.” For more local information call David on 01915 492 602 or email david.anderson@oddfellows.co.uk.
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | February 2012 | Edition 14
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Oddfellows International Membership
To celebrate this month’s Lodge profile, Northumbria, we travel to Alnwick to find an inspirational recipe for you to make at home.
Recipe Goats’ cheese crostini with red onion marmalade Preparation time: 1 hour Cooking time: 1 hour Serves: 6
Ingredients 150g red onion thinly sliced 25g butter 40ml red wine vinegar 40g brown sugar 1 small sprig of thyme, with leaves stripped 6 thin slices of baguette, lightly toasted with a little olive oil 100g goats’ cheese, cut into bite-sized pieces Method 1. Sweat the onions and thyme leaves in the butter. 2. Add the red wine vinegar and cook for 2 minutes on a medium heat. 3. Add the sugar and cook over a gentle heat until it turns thick and sticky, then allow to cool. 4. Spread onion marmalade thinly on to the toasted bread. 5. Top with a piece of goats’ cheese, and season with a pinch of cracked black pepper to finish.
This recipe was generously supplied by The Treehouse, at the Alnwick Garden in Alnwick. It’s one of the most beautiful and unique restaurants in the world. Nestled high in the treetops in a copse of mature lime trees, the beautifully crafted dining room has a cosy atmosphere with twinkling lights and a roaring log fire in the centre of the restaurant, creating a magical and unusual setting.
Call 01665 511 852 or email treehouse.enquiries@alnwickgarden.com to book. 8
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | February 2012 | Edition 14
George in the garden
Top tips from our resident gardener
Fruit garden Finish off pruning your autumn-fruiting raspberries and your fig trees. It’s also a good time to prune your cobnut trees. Cut them back really hard – being careful not to remove all of the catkins. Try to trim the tree into a goblet shape to keep the air circulating well around it.
My favourite plants right now The common snowdrop is a lovely flower. Plant it in moist, open soil and the bulbs will increase quickly. It’s a wonderful sight and it looks after itself. And, best of all, it signals the start of spring. The crocus is another sign that winter is nearly over. Bees love this plant – when you hear the bees in the flowers of early spring shrubs you know that things are on the move.
Flower garden Keep your herbaceous flowers growing by working in some fertiliser – bone and fish is best – as a top dressing. The plants will benefit from this throughout the summer months. Pot up any chrysanthemum cuttings that you rooted in your greenhouse before Christmas. Use three-inch pots and grow them in a cool greenhouse now before moving them outside later in the year. Try to prune and tidy most of your shrubs – particularly any winterflowering ones. This winter’s horrendous gales have played havoc with the shrub gardens. Remove any damaged branches and, if necessary, replace any shrubs that are damaged beyond repair.
If you’re growing peaches or apricots on a wall or in the open, don’t prune them too much. This protects the branches where blossom will fall from any late frosts. And plant out any remaining fruit trees you intend to plant now to give them time to get established before the drier ground comes along.
Vegetable garden Now’s the time to start sowing early vegetables, like onions, in a greenhouse. If you like broad beans, sow the seeds individually in three-inch pots and you’ll get a nice early crop. Sow your sweet peas now too. Take a three-inch pot and put three or four seeds in roughly one inch of compost. Water it well and then cover it with a piece of glass to keep the mice away. Mice go mad for sweet peas and can play havoc with your crop. Start growing your early lettuces or leeks. Leeks especially take a while to mature, so get them going early to get a better crop in the autumn. Top-dress your asparagus beds by lightly forking in bone-and-fish fertiliser. And you can also top-dress the spring cabbages that you planted last autumn. These should be ready to harvest in April.
Top tips for improving your patch • Clean your patio using a good hard brush and diluted patio-cleaning solvent • When pruning fig trees, don’t cut too much off – just the overlapping branches • Don’t plant many early broad beans – you’ll get a better crop later from the ones you plant outside • Work lime into the soil where you plan to plant cabbages, cauliflowers or kale. Use four ounces for every square metre and lightly fork it in.
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | February 2012 | Edition 14
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Oddfellows International Membership
Cracking the tax code This is the time when you’ll be expected to read, understand and, if necessary, contact HMRC about your tax code for the year ahead. HMRC’s new computer system is now running at 98% accuracy which is brilliant news and means that for most of us our tax affairs will all be in order. However, there are roughly 35 million people paying their tax through the ‘pay as you earn’ method (PAYE) and another five million paying by both PAYE and Self Assessment. So 2% of that amounts to 800,000 people who will encounter problems. You need to check your coding notices and statements carefully – especially if you’ve got multiple sources of income, have recently retired or been bereaved or had any change in your circumstances.
2012/13 tax rates* Basic rate band (20% tax) Higher rate band (40% tax) Additional rate band (50% tax)
£0 to £34,370 £34,371 to £150,000 £150,000 and above
2012/13 personal allowances* Under 65s £8,105 65 to 74 £10,500 (Can be claimed at the start of the tax year if income for the year will be less than £25,400) 75 and over Married couple’s allowance
£10,660 (As above) £7,705
This is available only if you or your spouse were born before 6 April 1935. It’s restricted to 10% and you are allowed to share this allowance with your spouse. If you’ve done so then check your coding notices carefully. Blind person’s allowance
£2,100
You don’t have to be completely blind to claim this but you do need to register with your local authority on the blind register (in England and Wales). If you think you qualify, ask your doctor to refer you to an eye specialist. This allowance can also be shared with your spouse, and if your own income is low it may be beneficial to do this. Two examples to help you check if your tax code is right: 1) Mrs A is 63, is still working, has deferred her state pension and doesn’t have any other income. She will have a personal allowance of £8,105 before she pays any tax and her code will be 810L this will be sent to her employer. (2) Mrs B is also 63, receives a state pension of £7,105 and has a work pension and a part-time job. She has the same personal allowance of £8,105, but her state pension – which is taxable but can’t be taxed at source – needs to be subtracted from her allowance (£8,105 minus £7,105, leaving £1,000). This will be sent to her pension, as it’s a continuing source, as code 100L. As all of her allowance is used up, any other income is taxed at the basic rate of 20%.
*All figures may be subject to change in the May 2012 Budget This article is written by Tax Help for Older People (TOP), a registered charity that offers free tax advice to older people on incomes below £17,000 a year. Its helpline number is 0845 601 3321.
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Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | February 2012 | Edition 14
Reader offers Extra benefits for Oddfellows members Members can take advantage of five discount offers, available throughout the year and exclusive to members of the Oddfellows. To find out more about these products and to access the special discounts, log on to the members section of the website. Go to www.oddfellows.co.uk and click on members benefits.
Offer 1 - 15% off over 15,000 designer led gifts, art and homeware at Bouf.com
Offer 2 - 10% off French cooking holidays with Cook in France. Learn to cook the way you’ve always dreamed on one of these fun, friendly cooking holidays in South-West France. They offer flexible programmes to suit novice, intermediate and advanced cooks alike. And there’s no washing up to do either.
Offer 3 - 50% off limited edition Royal Wedding dolls from Arklu.com. Celebrate the marriage of Prince William and Princess Catherine with your very own collectable. Each doll is numbered and Arklu will make a £1 donation to the RNLI from each sale.
Offer 4 - Buy one get one free on 100% natural soluble food supplements from ‘Works with Water’. They’re scientifically proven to help maintain low cholesterol, blood pressure and healthy skin.
Offer 5 - 15% off comprehensive exercise programmes with Home Exercise and Rehab. These video programmes are suitable for all – whether you’re recovering from injury, have muscle or joint problems or just want to stay fit.
DISCLAIMER: Links to third-party sites do not constitute an endorsement by the Oddfellows and use of the advertised products and services is entirely at your risk. The Oddfellows does not accept any liability or responsibility for any third-party material appearing in the e-zine or on the website. The Oddfellows has not investigated the claims made by any advertiser and product information is based solely on material received from suppliers.
Newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | February 2012 | Edition 14
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