Oddfellows International Membership
Celebrity interview: Martin Sheen and his son tell us how working together has cemented their relationship In this issue: • News from the Overseas Order in America • Educational Awards: Lucy Spencer • Branch profile • Gardening advice
since 1810
Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | May 2011 | Edition 05
Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | May 2011 | Edition 05
Welcome to the latest edition of the monthly online magazine for Oddfellows’ Members. In this month’s magazine, Martin Sheen and son Emilio Estevez tell us that working together on a movie pilgrimage has further cemented their strong bond - and that they’re supporting an errant family member.
Plus, a new monthly feature which, this month profiles the Ormskirk and Southport District, some gardening advice, news on all things Oddfellows and recipe for you to try.
Dar Childs from the overseas Order in America tells us how the Grand Lodge of Michigan is to celebrate a proud day in America.
We do hope you enjoy the magazine and, don’t forget, if you have a story get in touch at editorial@oddfellows.co.uk
A Royal knees-up at the Ipswich Branch A “Right Royal” occasion was had at the Ipswich Branch recently to celebrate Kate and Will’s nuptials. Branch Secretary, Wendy Atkins, organised high tea following the theme of the Queen’s Crown Jewels. Fortyfive members turned out, some dressed as Royalty, mimicking those actual guests who attended the wedding on 29 April. Crown-cookies, fruit jewel sticks and ruby Bakewells were had and members were treated to music from keyboard player, Richard Taylor. Oddfellows fizz, a cocktail made from fresh orange juice and lemonade, was made on the day and some of the guests were given Royal titles. Wendy wore, quite rightfully, a crown and was 'Queen' for the day because of all her hard efforts that she put into organising the event. There was a 'Duke' and a 'Duchess' of Kent as their surnames match that of the county. A friend of one member, who was from Spain, was given 'Ambassador' status and Wendy’s husband Paul was given the title ‘Baron Hard-up’ because, apparently, Wendy spends all his money.
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Members singing Rule Britannia at the Ipswich Branch The Branch was filled to the rafters and the afternoon ended with members singing rousing anthems such as Rule Britannia. Well done, Wendy - your Coronation is just around the corner... The Ipswich Branch has around 700 members. Did you hold an event to celebrate the Royal wedding? If so, we’d like to know. Drop a note and send us your pictures on editorial@oddfellows.co.uk
Grand Lodge of Michigan to celebrate proud day in America Dar Childs, District Deputy Grand Master of the Independent Order of the Oddfellows in Michigan, has been working long hours preparing for an event which will see him, and members of the Overseas Order, honouring American veterans. ‘Ride for a Reason’ takes place on 4-5 June and will be a momentous occasion where the Order, along with other organisers of the event, will encourage America to stand up and give thanks to USA veterans who fought in the Vietnam war. “It’ll be a proud day as we come together and honour all those who have served and sacrificed their lives in making America safe – 36 years overdue”, says Dar. The two day event will be opened by a renowned singer a name yet to be confirmed - who will sing the country’s national anthem. The United States Marine Corps and Veteran Committee from Michigan’s Labour Union will march in pride flying the flag throughout the district. A bike run will be led by Vietnam veterans with other motorcycling groups gathering. A blessing of the bikes will be performed by a Chaplain from the Order before the group pass through several towns within the state of Ohio, where the state itself borders Michigan.
District Deputy Grand Master Dar Childs with Sovereign Grand Master George Glover lll Finally a wreath will be laid at a Vietnam memorial site where a prayer will be said in honour of all veterans. Thousands are expected to turn out over the weekend and, it is anticipated, that the scale of the bike run will require police presence and will grab the attention of the media across the country. On the Sunday, there will be a huge display of the ultimate American sports car, the Corvette, as well as bike exhibits. Amusements too, are planned, while music from live bands and DJs will keep the crowds entertained. Medal of Honour recipient and author, Ronald E Rosser, will sign autographs. Mr. Rosser was the only Medal of Honour recipient from Ohio during the Korean War and a dinner to thank him for his contribution has also arranged. “It’ll be so patriotic - I can’t imagine the buckets needed to soak up the tears during these two days, but it’s long overdue, adds Dar. Members wishing to express their support can email Dar on rideforreason@aol.com The Grand Lodge of Michigan is in North America. The overseas Order has 981 members with plans for tremendous growth this year through similar charitable and social activities like ‘Ride for a Reason’.
Picture left to right: Rebekah Assembly President, Vickie Beaver, Deputy Sovereign Grand Master Delmar Burns and wife, Barbara, and District Deputy Grand Master, Dar Childs.
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Events newsletter newsletter for Events 2011 || Edition Edition 05 03 for the the Oddfellows Oddfellows International International Membership Membership || March May 2011
Oddfellows International Membership SHEEN EMBRACES THE FAMILY WAY
Martin Sheen and son Emilio Estevez tell us that working together on a movie pilgrimage has further cemented their strong bond - and that they’re supporting an errant family member. . Filming may have wrapped on The West Wing five years ago but Martin Sheen, who played US president Josiah Bartlet in the hit US show, still exudes all the gravitas of his most famous incarnation. The 70-year-old is in London with his director son Emilio Estevez to promote their new movie The Way, but the politically switched-on actor and campaigner can't help getting distracted by events further afield. Despite their pressing schedule and the gaggle of journalists waiting outside the plush hotel room, he and Estevez insist on catching the news about the unrest in the Middle East and North Africa. Finally beginning the interview, Sheen muses on global events, with Estevez listening intently, his respect and admiration clear. "It's a great reflection of dissatisfaction," Sheen says of the turbulence. "The world is hungry and in desperate need of justice, peace, harmony and sharing. I don't think you can say it enough we're desperate to find ourselves and to share it with humanity." Finding oneself is a key theme of The Way. Half Spanish, half Irish, Sheen stars as US doctor Tom, who embarks on the 4
500-mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in the present day while grieving the death of his son - played by Estevez, who also wrote and directed the film. Along the well-trodden route from the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela in the north west of Spain, Tom befriends a handful of international fellow pilgrims, among them actor James Nesbitt, who plays a garrulous writer. The quiet and unassuming Estevez, who penned and directed the Golden Globe-nominated 2006 film Bobby that also featured his father, reveals he looked at the film like a retelling of The Wizard of Oz. "Martin's character is Dorothy, Nesbitt's is the scarecrow, and they're looking for the wizard. Instead of Oz, they're going to Santiago de Compostela.� The initial idea for The Way came eight years ago when Sheen undertook the Camino by car with Estevez's son Taylor and "an old dear friend" Matt Clark, who also makes an appearance in the film as a priest. "The first miracle and the most powerful one was that Taylor met his future wife in a refugio (hostel) in Burgos. He's been living in Spain for eight years now, and so that really started
Emilio Estevez and father - Martin Sheen the whole personal interest," Sheen recalls. "I came back with stories and I begged Emilio to have a look at this phenomenon and he did, became entranced by it and started reading about it - finally ending up with a father-son story." Sheen and Estevez's own father-son tale has not been without its drama. The Apocalypse Now and Gandhi star struggled for years with alcohol addiction before rediscovering his Catholic faith and eventually joining Alcoholics Anonymous in the mid-1980s. Estevez has previously recounted how his father's drinking in earlier years led to "horrible" violent situations. These days, their strong bond is palpable. Both listen carefully to each other, fluidly finish one another's sentences and chuckle warmly at shared jokes. "In a way, with my father it feels like we're friends rather than father and son, and I have the same relationship with my son," Estevez admits. "With my father we kind of grew up together. He was only 21 when I was born. It was the same for me,� says the director who has two children, son Taylor and daughter Paloma, from his relationship with model Carey Salley. “I matured with my children and grew up with them." For his part, Sheen says Estevez would be his "first choice" to collaborate with on another film project, adding: "He understands my ticks and eccentricities." The father-of-four's relationship with his third son Charlie, however, hasn't been so straightforward. The Two And A Half Men star's erratic behaviour and well-publicised battle with drink and drugs is clearly a cause of major concern to his family. Estevez nods solemnly in agreement as his father says he is supporting Charlie "with prayer". "We lift him up and we ask everyone who cares about him to lift him up, and lift up all those who are in the grip of drug and alcohol abuse," Sheen continues, the wide grin and ready laugh now absent. Would Sheen, who acted alongside Charlie in several films including the 1987 hit Wall Street, like to work with his troubled son again? "That would be another miracle and we'd look forward to it, very much so," he says quietly. Turning his attention back to The Way, Sheen says the walk itself attracts people who "want to touch the sacred somehow". He adds: "I think that's why people use drugs and alcohol, people are looking for some transcendental experience in their lives. "But the actual work of finding that transcendence is generally inward and it's very exciting and a very worthwhile journey." Estevez, who turns 49 this month, encountered plenty of obstacles on his own journey making the film. "It was not an easy film to get made," he sighs.
"It was the first time for me directing a film in a foreign country. It's hard enough to get people who speak the same language to make a movie and communicate on the same level, but now throw in that other barrier of the language. "Yet the Spanish crew was probably one of the best crews, if not the best crew, that either of us had ever worked with. They got it. There was only about 50 of us so a lot of the crew were doing three and four jobs, and we did the entire Camino. We were both incredibly proud." Sheen shrugs as he jokes that making films with one's relatives is "very cheap". "You don't make any money when you're working with family," he says, his hearty laugh returning. "But you do get to play great parts and see great things."
EXTRA TIME EXTRA TIME - MARTIN SHEEN :: Martin Sheen, real name Ramon Gerardo Antonio Estevez, was born in Ohio on August 3, 1940 to a Galician father, Francisco, and an Irish mother, Mary Ann Phelan from Co Tipperary. :: He married art student Janet Templeton in 1961 and the couple went on to have four children: sons Emilio, Ramon and Charlie (who adopted his father's stage surname Sheen) and daughter, Renee. :: He has appeared in more than 65 feature films, including Apocalypse Now, which earned him international acclaim for his role as Army Captain Benjamin L Willard, and Gandhi, in which he played journalist Vince Walker. :: A keen social justice campaigner and demonstrator, Sheen has been arrested about 67 times. :: The Way was released in cinemas on Friday, May 13
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Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership
| March 2011 | Edition 03
Oddfellows International Membership Educational Awards scheme sees young members excel Every year the Oddfellows give out three educational awards of £750 for each year of a first degree. Nineteen-year old Lucy Spencer is one of the lucky few having been awarded the bursary. Lucy, from the Derbyshire District, is studying clinical psychology at Oxford University and says that without the funding she’d not have been able to do, and achieve, half the things that she has.
demonstrating some form of commitment. The team visited a training camp in Italy this year and I wouldn’t have been able to accompany the rest of team without these additional funds”, she added.
“Text books for the course are costly. Buying as many as eight a year can equate to a couple of hundred quid. I’ve recently bought a graphical calculator costing £40 – the money from Oddfellows is certainly helping!”, she said. Lucy has been a member of Oddfellows since birth and it was her father, John, who made her aware of the additional support that she’s been given.
After graduating, Lucy would like to enter the world of advertising and marketing.
A keen swimmer, Lucy was recently made captain of Oxford Swimming Club for the forthcoming year. “I don’t think I’d have made captain without
The number of bursaries are limited and are awarded on a competition basis. Applications are invited from Branches around June of each year, with the deadline for submission to the Benevolence Committee being early September. Interested members are therefore advised to keep in touch with their local Branch Secretary.
Quiz -- Annual Annual Moveable Moveable Conferences Conferences over over the the years years Quiz With the Oddfellows’ Annual Moveable Conference well underway, take a look at where they’ve been held already over the past ten years. Can you guess the missing places, dates or the Grand Master who presided that year?
Year 1) 2001 2) 2002 3) 2003 4) 2004 5) 2005 6) 2006 7) 2007 8) 2008 9) 2009 10) 2010
Place
Grand Master who presided
..................... , 21 – 25 May Scarborough, 27 – 29 May Bournemouth, .................. Eastbourne, 24 - 26 May .................. , 30 May – 1 June Scarborough, 22 – 24 May Eastbourne, ...................... .................. , 28 – 28 May Eastbourne, 28 – 30 May .................. , 14 – 16 June
Eric A Ogden ..................................... David J Nelson ..................................... D A Porter ..................................... Daphne Stephenson Keith Adamson ..................................... Dorothy Deacon
Answers can be found on page 10 6
Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | May 2011 | Edition 05
Branch profile Bonita Hesketh, Secretary of the Ormskirk and Southport District, gives us a potted history of the Oddfellows at Branch level over the years. The Ormskirk District was formed in 1834, which at the time included Lodges meeting in Southport. In 1842 more Lodges opened and the Southport District was formed. In 1916 the two Districts merged to become the Ormskirk and Southport District with Branches across three counties in the North West of the UK. Today the District has more than 700 active members. In its early years, the Society’s first juvenile Lodge was established within the area where members were Oddfellows from birth. Pioneered by the late Charles Surma in 1902, these younger members were part of the juvenile Lodge until they reached the age of 16.
In 2001, it formally became known as the Ormskirk and Southport District and, in 2009, was rewarded for achieving the highest net percentage increase in membership. Bonita goes onto explain, “during our bicentennial celebrations, we opened an exhibition of historic Oddfellow’s regalia; documents and photographs which were displayed to the public. The District retains a number of historical artefacts, one in particular is a copper bowl dating back to 1825, which was presented to the Friendly Society at the Stanley Gate Inn one of the very first meeting halls in the area where members once gathered. “And membership numbers continue to grow with 14 new members joining since the beginning of the year. Quite simply, the range of social activities on offer are endless, with a schedule of events that boasts an array of interests. From pantomimes, visits to stately homes, a number of dinners, care and welfare talks to theatre outings members are kept busy!
Encouraging them to continue with their membership post- “Regular coffee mornings are held at 10.30am on the first 16, the District contributed to their first year fees when they Wednesday of the month at The Royal Clifton Hotel, Southport – the perfect time and place to introduce a friend moved to an adult Lodge. to the Branch and the Society.” Interestingly, in 1946, Mildred Grayson became the If any of your family, or friends, who are located Society’s first female Chairman (Provincial Grand Master) within the District's area and wish to become an who presided over the District. In addition, Southport has active member, then contact Bonita Hesketh hosted Oddfellows’ Annual Moveable Conference five on 01695 424 149. times and it will be doing so again next year!
Bonita Hesketh, District Secretary, receiving the Ken Hughes Silver Salver having achieved the highest net percentage increase in membership in 2009
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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 05
Oddfellows International Membership Blooming Marvelous – The Oddfellows Rose is to be seen by thousands
Its official, the Oddfellow’s Bicentennial Rose will take pride centre place at the world’s largest flower show this year. You’ll recall that, to mark our Bicentennial anniversary last year, Fryer’s Nurseries created a new rose especially for the Society. The lavender floribunda is ‘prolific and bushy, easy to grow, disease free and has huge trusses which goes well in mixed borders’, according to the nursery. The rose will make its debut at Hampton Court Flower show between 5 – 10 July and will be one of eight roses that the nursery will exhibit. It is estimated that there will be as many as 2000 varieties of roses on show over the course of the week. Last year, one of the nursery’s roses secured a gold medal so it’ll be interesting to see how well this special rose does at this year’s show. To celebrate this achievement, we’d like to know how well your Oddfellows Roses are progressing. We’ve had lots of sunshine already this year – an ideal climate for roses to bloom earlier than usual. We want to know your top-tips and how you’ve managed to make your roses look blooming lovely! We’d love to see snaps of you with your roses in the garden, so send us some pictures at editorial@oddfellows.co.uk and we’ll feature them in the magazine. If you’ve not got one of the Oddfellows Rose bushes, don’t worry, they are still available. Contact either Vanessa or Emily at Manchester Unity for details - 0161 832 9361.
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Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | May 2011 | Edition 05
GREEN FINGERS COULD MEAN RED HANDS FOR GARDENERS
The avid gardeners among members should take greater care of your green fingers. Ten percent of people in the UK suffer from hand eczema, a painful and debilitating condition causing red blisters beneath the skin, itching, swelling, scaling and deep cracks that can become infected. And a recent study has found that gardeners and growers suffering from skin conditions, such as hand eczema, are failing to protect their hands adequately in the garden. The research reveals skin problems were so serious among gardeners that professional medical treatment was sought. And the warning is clear, you could be the one in ten people forced to stop gardening because your hand condition is so chronic. Certain plants could be the root of the problem, as seemingly harmless flowers such as chrysanthemums, tulips and Alstromeria can be a trigger for hand eczema or hand dermatitis. In addition, the soil can have a drying effect. Medical research has shown that those exposed to horticultural environments can be more at risk of developing hand eczema. In a study of employees in plant nurseries, around 23% had hand eczema, whilst 20% of gardeners and greenhouse workers said they had suffered from the condition at some point.
The research was carried out by www.myhandeczema.co.uk to raise awareness of skin problems amongst the 41 million people in the UK who have access to a garden.
Other fast facts that the can aggravate the condition, which the gardeners among you should know: •
Temperature/weather conditions affect 55% of gardeners’ hands, yet nearly a third (29%) don’t consider caring for their hands after digging and planting
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Skin problems are more prevalent on the hands of women gardeners (30%), compared to 25% of men
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Nearly four out of 10 (39%) have seen a dermatologist because their hand eczema was so severe, with male gardeners most likely to seek specialist advice (51%)
BBC gardening presenter Alys Fowler, who suffers from eczema, offers Oddfellows who garden the following advice:“My hands are my livelihood so I always look after the skin on my hands as much as I care for my plants. There are many hidden dangers in the garden and your hands are constantly exposed to the elements. What look like beautiful flowers can actually cause some very ugly skin reactions, so familiarise yourself with irritant or allergic plants and handle them with care.” Added Alys, who fronts BBC’s ‘The Edible Garden’ and has presented ‘Gardeners’ World’: “If you do suffer from a skin problem like hand eczema, seek help from a dermatologist or skin specialist as soon as possible. I know from experience that the longer you leave it, the more severe the condition can get, leaving you unable to continue your hobby or, in some cases, even carry on working.”
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Oddfellows International Membership Seasonal Recipes British classics pave the way to summer, led by majestic Jersey Royals and May’s crowning glory, asparagus. Make a meal of these seasonal big-hitters with tender young lamb and samphire. Asparagus Risotto
Although the season is very short, British asparagus is well worth the wait for its unbeatable flavour and freshness. We show you how to cook asparagus to perfection. Ingredients For the risotto
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1 tbsp olive oil 1 shallot, chopped 1 garlic clove, chopped 200g/7oz risotto rice (eg carnaroli or arborio) 250ml/9fl oz white wine
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500ml/18fl oz hot vegetable stock 4 asparagus spears, blanched, chopped 25g/1oz unsalted butter 75g/2¾oz parmesan, grated salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the parmesan crisps
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150g/5½oz parmesan, grated
Preparation method
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For the risotto, heat the oil in a frying pan and gently fry the shallot and garlic until softened but not coloured.
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Add the rice and fry for one minute, stirring frequently, until coated in the oil.
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Add the wine and simmer until absorbed by the rice.
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Add the hot vegetable stock a ladleful at a time, stirring between each addition to allow the liquid to be completely absorbed, until the rice is cooked and all the stock has been absorbed.
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Add the asparagus, butter and parmesan, season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper and stir well.
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For the parmesan crisps, place six small handfuls of grated parmesan onto a non-stick baking sheet at wide intervals. Press the piles of parmesan down to flatten them, then transfer to the oven and bake for 6-8 minutes, until golden-brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool and set.
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To serve, divide the risotto equally among two serving dishes and top with the parmesan crisps.
Page 6 Quiz Answers: 1) Eastbourne 2) David G Phillips 3) 24 - 27 May 4) Ron Munro 5) Scarborough 6) Margaret Lickess 7) 28 – 30 May 8) Southport 9) Nicola O’Riordan Finley 10) Manchester. 10
Events newsletter for the Oddfellows International Membership | May 2011 | Edition 05