the Oddfellow Spring 2009 by Oddfellows

MAGAZINE

Spring 2009 www.oddfellows.co.uk

W IN GE

dancE with me

NEALOGY BOOK

SEE PAGE 25

THE MOST ENJOYABLE ROUTE TO GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

HERE COMES THE SUN!

Start planning your summer holiday with lots of great Active Travel Club offers

care in the community

Everything you need to know about the brilliant Oddfellows Care Department

tracing the past

The amazing story of how Oddfellow Fred Moloney found his family after 70 years

Contents

Win a riser recliner in luxury leather

“ My aches and pains have lessened and the stress has gone out of my life, I feel so restful.” E N, London – Willowbrook customer

100 runner up prizes too!

£150 cash for your old chair! Plus 35% discount†

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Rise to your feet effortlessly in this elegant and stylish custom built piece of furniture. Combined with the optional built-in, 5-point massage therapy system, this luxury recliner really should be experienced by people who have ailments such as stress, back pain and arthritic pains. But don’t just take our word for it – our recliners are endorsed by a Harley Street Orthopaedic Consultant.

Free 3 year parts & labour guarantee ***ODDF/08/04/09/c

To enter our FREE PRIZE DRAW call

0800 854 330 or post the freepost coupon Closing date 8th May 2009 TERMS & CONDITIONS: Your chances of winning are based on the number of entries received, no purchase is necessary. †The 35% discount applies to our retail price list and only applies to electrically powered lift and recliner chairs. For a copy of the official rules, please send a stamped self-addressed envelope to the address in the coupon. All entries received before 8th May 2009 will be placed into our monthly draw and the winner will receive a leather upholstered recliner from our range. Entry is limited to one per household. No cash equivalent available.

Mr/Mrs/Ms Please complete your telephone number so we can contact you if you’re a lucky winner.

Daytime Tel Address

Postcode Please enter me in your prize draw to win a Willowbrook riser recliner and send me a free colour brochure. Post to: Willowbrook Recliners FREEPOST SWC2458, Droitwich WR9 0BR

Please tick if you would prefer NOT to receive product/service information

Glossary of traditional terms The Oddfellows was formed in 1810, making it one the oldest not for profit, friendly societies in the country. Its long tradition of helping people continues today, from looking out for members’ health to organising social events. Truly a helping hand when you need one. In the past 200 years the Society has developed traditional terms that you may come across. For those unfamiliar with them, here is a brief guide: • Grand Master of the Order (GM) Chairman of the Society • Provincial Grand Master (Prov GM) District Chairman • Provincial Corresponding Secretary (Prov CS) District Secretary • Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master (IPPGM) Immediate Past District Chairman • Past Provincial Grand Master (PPGM) Past District Chairman • Noble Grand (NG) Branch Chairman • Provincial Lodge of Past Grands A group of members particularly interested in the history and meaning of ceremony, who have all been Noble Grands • Most Worthy Master Chairman of the Provincial Lodge of Past Grands • Sister and Brother The Oddfellows is a fraternal organisation: membership is like belonging to a family. Many members refer to each other as Brother and Sister • Initiation The welcoming ceremony • Annual Movable Conference (AMC) The governing body of the Society that meets annually

Welcome To your Oddfellows magazine

e hope that you will enjoy the latest issue of The Oddfellow. Despite the economic ‘uncertainty’ surrounding us, Oddfellows around the world are proving it need not dampen spirits, especially with summer just around the corner. Your spring issue is packed with interesting features, including dancing to keep fit, tracing your family tree and an in-depth look at the Society’s Care Department. And if that’s not enough, there are all of your regular favourites to turn to: special offers on summer holidays; educational awards; Oddfellowship workers and history; book club; and all of the social and fundraising activities that members have enjoyed over the past few months.

To contact your editor email magazine@oddfellows.co.uk

CONTENTS 4 NEWS

All the latest Oddfellowship news, including what’s planned in 2010 for the Society’s 200th anniversary

an in-depth look at hospice care; and how Equipment for Daily Life can make things easier

16 LOST RELATIVES

6 campaign

The amazing story of Oddfellows’ member Fred Moloney

The Board presents the University of East Anglia with sponsorship from the H A Andrews Memorial Fund

18 workers IN ODDFELLOWSHIP

8 ACTIVE TRAVEL CLUB

The sterling efforts of our Society’s dedicated workers

Holidays, activities, special offers and the new Travel Club Hotline

19 IN MEMORIAM

10 let’s dance

21 EDUCATIONAL AWARDS

Tributes to departed members

24 BOOK CLUB

Looking at recipients and how they have benefited

Win a copy of Who Do You Think You Are? Encyclopedia of Genealogy; plus previews, quiz and author Luqman Whittinger

12 care

23 history

26 out & about

The lowdown on the Oddfellows Care Department; Care Calls;

Highlighting Henry Ratcliffe, a most important Oddfellow

Social and fundraising activities around the Society’s Branches

Take your partner by the hand and discover a fun way to keep fit

The Oddfellow is the magazine for members of the Oddfellows, The Oddfellows, Abbey House, 32 Booth Street, Manchester M2 4QP Tel: 0161 832 9361 magazine@oddfellows.co.uk The Oddfellow magazine is published on behalf of the Oddfellows by WordWide, 4-8 Rodney Street, London N1 9JH Tel: 020 7841 8720 www.word-wide.co.uk Managing Director: John Chadwick-Jones Editor: Helen Monks Account Manager: David Poulton Designers: Sarah Browne, Jon Hart. Views expressed in The Oddfellow are not necessarily those of WordWide Communications Ltd. Printed by Stones, www.stonestheprinters.co.uk. For advertising enquiries, contact gaynor@square7media.co.uk

The Oddfellow

News

Bicentennial Celebrations – 2010

Sales Free Money Guidance New service in the North East and North West

f you live in the North East or North West of England, you are now able to take advantage of a new pilot scheme – it’s the UK’s first completely salesfree money guidance service. The service can be accessed online, face-to-face and on the telephone. You’ll be able to get guidance and information on topics such as budgeting, saving and borrowing, insurance and protection, tax and welfare benefits, jargon busting and other money issues. The aim is to give people the tools, knowledge and confidence to make the most of their money, now and in the future. This scheme is being run by the Financial Services Authority and Government. Call 0300 500 5000 to speak to a Money Guide or visit www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk As mentioned in the last edition of the magazine, Branches have also been invited to host a Making the Most of Your Money Seminar.

A trained presenter from the FSA’s Financial Capability Team will visit a Branch or Group Conference, free of charge, to deliver a seminar to its members. The presenter will arrange the seminar, tailoring it for a Branch/Group Conference audience, and all attendees will receive a financial information pack covering the same ground as the seminar. Make the Most of Your Money seminars have already been held in Bristol and Peterborough, and at the Blackpool Weekend Seminar, with more booked for the coming months. The feedback from the seminars has been overwhelmingly positive with 92 per cent of attendees indicating that their understanding of money matters had improved. To find out more details please speak to your Branch Secretary.

Help the Oddfellows to Grow

The Oddfellow

will receive a £5 Marks & Spencer voucher – and there is no limit to the amount of people who can join. The ‘Recommend a Friend’ leaflet (pictured) is enclosed within the magazine. It reminds you of the benefits of being an Oddfellow and includes a referral form for any friends who want to join. If you would like any more leaflets please contact your Branch Secretary.

Chief Executive becomes President of the AFS Philip Howcroft (pictured), Oddfellows Chief Executive, has taken over the helm as President of the Association of Friendly Societies (AFS). The AFS represents the Friendly Society movement and has around 50 members. Between them, these organisations manage the savings and investments of nearly six million people, and have total funds of over £17.5 billion. Philip proudly took up the mantle, saying, “it has been some considerable time since the Oddfellows have been represented at the highest level of the trade organisation. I will endeavour… during my year of office to further the fortunes of the Friendly Society movement.”

200 Years of Making Friends and Helping People. Your chance to get your name in the book

hroughout the past two centuries the Oddfellows has gone though dramatic changes and I have set out to write an exciting book that tells the story of the Oddfellows through the people that make it what it is,” says Dan Weinbren. Dan, who is chair of the Friendly Societies Research Group, is also the author of the book celebrating 200 years of the Society, which you can now pre-order. The book contains memories and recollections of members charting the changes that the Society has gone through during the last 200 years. Between them, the contributors have held every post in the Society. Their personal accounts of welcome ceremonies and social activities indicate the spirit of Oddfellowship, its attractions and the loyalty people have towards it. Members tell stories in an honest and open fashion of everything from games nights in the 1950s to teenage parties in the 1960s, documenting how Oddfellowship has survived and changed in their lifetimes. They explain the shift of focus towards social and care in the 21st century in terms of their own experiences. It is their lively accounts, together

The Society... has changed so many people’s lives

with numerous local examples, that make this substantial book an exciting read. The book will go on general sale in 2010 and we’re giving readers of the magazine the first opportunity to purchase it at a special subscription price. Not only that, but if you pre-order you will have the chance to have your name printed in the back of every copy sold as a ‘subscriber’. This means that your name and your District will be recorded as part of the way the Society looked in its bicentennial year. Advanced subscription copies are available at a special price of £20 plus £2.95 postage per copy. Complete the form below, visit the Oddshop at www.oddfellows.co.uk or give our order line a call on 0800 0281810. For any general queries regarding the book please contact Carnegie Publishing on 01524 840111.

ODDFELLOWS ROSE

One of the very special bicentennial items is the Oddfellows Rose. The final decision on the Oddfellows Rose will be made in June this year, once it has wintered outdoors and can be fully graded for resistance to climate, disease and ability to generate good growth and production. The decision is now between the deep purple or gold coloured roses, as shown. Members should register their interest for purchasing an Oddfellows Rose to gauge how many bushes will be required. So if you would like to have your very own 2010 Oddfellows Rose please complete the form below.

District: _______________________________________________

Name you wish to appear in the book:

Name: ________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

Billing and delivery address (must be the same):

Type of Card: Maestro (Switch)

______________________________________________________

Issue Number (Maestro):

______________________________________________________

Credit / Debit Card number:

Visa

Mastercard

________________________________ Postcode: _____________ Telephone no: __________________________________________

Start Date:

Email: ________________________________________________

Last 3 digits on the back:

If you would like us to contact you by email please tick the box

I am happy for The Oddfellows to charge my card £__________

I wish to register interest in purchasing the Oddfellow Rose Yes / No

Signed ________________________________________________

I wish to order the 2010 Oddfellows Book *if yes please fill in the details opposite

Alternatively if you wish to pay by cheque, make it payable to ‘The Oddfellows’

Yes*/ No

Expiry Date:

• For orders of multiple copies, visit our website or call our freephone order line on 0800 0281810

Please return to The Events Team, The Oddfellows, Abbey House, Booth Street, Manchester, M2 4QP Please be assured that any information you provide will be used to administer your request. The data may be shared between the local Branch and central office and Carnegie Publishing Ltd, but never disclosed to any other party without your knowledge or consent. However, we may wish to inform you about other products and services that may be of interest to you. If you do not want us to do this, please tick the box.

he benefits of being an Oddfellow can be far reaching and have changed many members’ lives for the better. The Society is always keen to grow its membership so more people can take advantage of the great social and care packages on offer. The best people to promote the Oddfellows are those who are already reaping the benefits. So we are asking you to extend the Oddfellows hand of friendship – tell all your friends about being a member and what it is that you enjoy about being a part of one of the oldest and friendliest societies in the world. If one of your friends decides to become a member then each of you

Oddfellows Insurance Manager Gary Morley (right) & Adrian Firth, Regional Manager, North West, FSA

ODDFELLOW BOOK ‘‘T ‘‘ ,,

The Oddfellow

News

The

H A Andrews Memorial Fund funds ground-breaking research

Bowel Cancer – The facts • Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK after breast and lung cancer. Almost 100 people in this country are diagnosed with the disease every day. Bowel cancer affects similar numbers of men and women. • When bowel cancer is found early, more than eight out of ten people will survive. Bowel cancer can have recognisable symptoms. If you notice any of the following changes and they last longer than four to six weeks you should report them to your GP. The symptoms are unlikely to be caused by cancer, but it's better to play safe: bleeding from the bottom without any obvious reason; a persistent change in bowel habit to looser or more frequent bowel motions; stomach

pain, especially if severe; a lump in your stomach. • Everyone in England aged 60 to 69 who is registered with a GP will be invited to take a screening test by the end of 2009. This is the first time that a national screening programme will include both men and women. • Around two-thirds of bowel cancer cases could be prevented by changes to lifestyle. We can all make choices that will reduce the risk of the disease, such as taking plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight and eating a healthy diet. • For more information on bowel cancer, contact Cancer Research UK on 020 7242 0200 or visit www.cancerresearchuk.org

Genesis – the final push! There is only one year left now to reach the pledged target of £180,000 for the Genesis Foundation. Over the last Sandra Norton, Lincoln five years Branch, has her hair members shaved for the cause and Branches all around the country have been working hard and have already raised £150,000. From coffee mornings to line dances, sponsored runs to cake sales, every penny raised has counted towards making the Breast Cancer Prevention Centre a reality.

Staff at the University of East Anglia are delighted with the sponsorship cheque

Oddfellows staff at the Manchester fun run

The UEA’s Dr Barbara Jennings (left) receives the sponsorship cheque from Oddfellows Grand Master (Chairman) Nicola O’Riordan Finley

Members of the Board and Norwich District visited the University of East Anglia (UEA) in October to present them with sponsorship from the H A Andrews Memorial Fund

he cheque for £26,373 is funding a two-year collaborative research project between the UEA and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, into the tailoring of a treatment for patients affected by bowel cancer. The project is researching the value of genetic tests in determining how well bowel cancer patients respond to chemotherapy. Dr Barbara Jennings, a Senior Lecturer in Molecular Medicine at UEA and who will The Oddfellow

lead this project over the next two years, says, “patients with bowel cancer show a very variable response to drug treatments known as chemotherapy. Some patients benefit greatly from these drugs, while others do not, and some patients will suffer from severe and distressing side-effects. “We do not know all of the reasons for these differences but genetic factors are known to be important. We need to know which genetic differences affect how cancer patients respond to their treatment so that

new tests can be designed. With such tests, doctors can choose the right treatment at the right dose for each individual.” The project kicks off a groundbreaking ten-year programme focusing on pharmacogenetics (personalising medicines and treatments) for groups of cancer patients. Dr Jennings received the cheque from the current Grand Master (Chairman), Nicola O’Riordan Finley, and the attending members enjoyed a tour around the laboratories, along with light refreshments. Nicola says, “nineteen research projects had been put forward for funding across the country, but we chose this one as everybody knows someone who has or had cancer. This research is the beginning of something that can be applied not only to bowel cancer, but to all cancers.” Since the H A Andrews Memorial Fund was established in 1971, over £500,000 has been donated to health-related projects.

The Centre – complete with the Oddfellows Lecture Room – is now fully functional, but funds still need to be raised to support the medical and research teams. The aim is to cut the statistic of women developing breast cancer in the UK from 1 in 10 to none in 10. All members can get involved in the fundraising by either speaking to their local Branch Secretary to see what is happening in their area or organising their own event. For more information and support please contact the Events Team on 0161 832 9361.

Everyone knows someone who has or had cancer The Oddfellow

Active Travel Club

Here comes the sun! Holidays galore at the Travel Club

he Active Travel Club is free to register for all members by sending membership details to: Active Travel Club, The Oddfellows, Abbey House, 32 Booth Street,

Manchester, M2 4QP. Members of the club are the first to receive the latest information on forthcoming holidays, activities and special offers, and receive regular updates on planned trips. For

further details visit www.oddfellows.co.uk or telephone 0161 832 9361. To sign up for monthly email special offers for Warner holidays, email active@oddfellows.co.uk to register your email address.

Celtic Summer Cruise 2009 31 August 2009 (5 nights) Dover – St. Peter Port, Guernsey – Cobh, Ireland – Honfleur, France – Dover Join other Oddfellows on this fully escorted ‘taster cruise’ from Dover. Visit France, Ireland and Guernsey and enjoy £40 per cabin on-board spend plus a free cocktail party. Prices start from £488pp – booking deadline 1 July 2009

Corton Beach

Summer holiday 2009 Warner Corton Coastal Resort 22 – 26 June 2009 (4 nights)

Corton is a classic resort with traditional en suite chalets on the stunning Suffolk coast. There are a number of onsite facilities to enjoy, including

The exterior at Warner Corton Coastal Resort

For details, call Wendy Atkins at Ipswich Oddfellows on 01473 251867 (Cruise BL0916)

an indoor pool, sauna/steam room, putting green, boules, snooker and games. Breakfast, meals and evening entertainment are included. Additional coach trips out of the resort are available to Norfolk Broads, Blakeney Point Nature Reserve and Blickling Hall. Great Yarmouth beach is also nearby. From only £131pp, half board (based on two sharing a twin/double chalet).

For details and bookings call 01442 203453, quoting code 37CX9

Dover and Cobh (inset)

‘Lets Malta Holiday Dance’ 29 September 2009 (7 nights)

Staying half board at the Qawra Palace Hotel, seafront location with excellent facilities and entertainment programme. Flying from Manchester. Cost £339pp, based on two sharing a twin/double room.

For details and bookings: call Paul Eyre, South Yorkshire Oddfellows, on 01709 838673

Experience Break 19 October 2009 (4 nights) Gunton Hall, East Anglia

Ever wanted to learn Ballroom, Latin or Sequence dancing? Here is your opportunity to learn all these dances from the Cha Cha Cha and Salsa to the Waltz and Tango. This break is designed for the beginner so why not take your first steps with confidence within a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Singles and couples welcome, or bring along a friend. From £199pp, half board (based on two sharing a twin/double chalet); price includes fee for ‘Lets Dance’ experience.

For details and bookings call 01442 203453, quoting code 72GH8

For details and bookings call 01442 203453, quoting code 26NH8

Turkey & Tinsel Nidd Hall, Harrogate 30 November 2009 (4 nights) This year’s Turkey and Tinsel festive break will be at the elegant Nidd Hall in Harrogate. The four-night stay will include all the trimmings of Christmas and New Year. Break includes: en suite Ambassador room, breakfast and three-course evening meals, live entertainment, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, fitness studio, croquet, tennis,

boules and other leisure facilities. From £209pp, half-board (based on two sharing a twin/double room).

New Travel Club Hotline A new travel club hotline has been set up with Co-op Travel to provide holiday discounts for Oddfellows members. As an independent travel agent, Co-op offers a wide selection of Tour Operator Holidays unlike many other travel clubs and they are ATOL licensed for protection. All members can now access this line by calling the dedicated telephone number to book their holiday on 01922 705987 and quoting ‘Oddfellows’ when they make their booking. Full benefits are listed as follows: • Open seven days a week for convenience

• Monday to Friday 8.30am – 10pm, Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm • Up to 7.5% off booking* • www.cooptravel.co.uk website available 24 hours a day • One-stop shop – catering for all holiday & travel requirements • Package flights & accommodation bonded by ATOL license for protection • Payment online • E-Brochures direct to desktop • Free destination guide • Become a Co-op Member – earn super dividend points and much more

• Lowest price offered every time • Price beat guarantee* Knowledgeable and professional travel consultants, Co-op can assist with travel requirements, including dedicated specialist staff in the following areas: • Cruise • USA • Far and Away • Wedding & Honeymoon Consultant

For details and bookings call 01922 705987 or click www.cooptravel.co.uk

*Terms & Conditions & minimum spend applies to all offers. Discounts/offers apply to selected Tour Operators & destinations. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

The Oddfellow

Lifestyle

Lifestyle This page: Dancers enjoy themselves more as they grow in ability; Opposite: (Left to Right) Eddie & May Knight & Alice Charlesworth

Footloose and Fit Research suggests that regular dancing can help reduce stress, increase energy and more. Here’s what you need to know: •A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2003 showed that dancing can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. • Dancing lightly bumps around the bones, encouraging the production of extra bone tissue, reinforcing the skeleton and staving off osteoporosis.

Let’s Dance

•A ctivities that raise the heart rate have been shown to ease depression by releasing endorphins – the body’s natural feel-good chemical. • Dance for half an hour and you’ll work off at least 200 calories. Salsa is the best calorie burner at 400 per 30 minutes.

Keeping fit doesn’t have to mean spending endless hours slogging away in a gym. Get dancing and you’ll never have to go near a treadmill again

hen Health Secretary Alan Johnson appealed for overweight people to follow John Sergeant’s example and take up dancing, it reinforced an important message about exercise: you don’t need to run marathons, swim laps or heave dumbbells to get fit and lose weight. You don’t even need to be good at your chosen activity, so long as you get stuck in. The not-so-nimble Sergeant proved that when he lost two stone while training for Strictly Come Dancing. Lots of Oddfellows are keen dancers and they agree that there’s no better way to shape up, shed pounds and sharpen your brain. A bit of ballroom, sequence or even line dancing

A weekly dance can help you shed pounds and sharpen your brain

10 The Oddfellow

is the gateway to good health and wellbeing. And you’ll get an exciting social life thrown in. But not all of us are as game as John Sergeant when it comes to showing off our lack of coordination in public. Don’t worry, says Sheila Adams, a 71-year-old Oddfellow from Dover who enjoys ballroom, sequence and line dancing. “Plenty of people come along for the first time not knowing a single step and, before they realise it, they’re dancing. It takes courage and confidence to actually get up but you see people improve as they come back again and again.” Keith Jones, the Life Vice Chairman of the British Dance Council, points out that programmes like Strictly Come Dancing can give people an unrealistic idea of what they might achieve in a short space of time: “it isn’t as easy as TV makes out,” he says “but some people really believe that you can learn to dance to that standard in 10 weeks. In reality, if Fred takes Gladys dancing, he’s lucky if he’s sorted his right foot from his left in 10 weeks!” But please don’t let the fact that you won’t become Fred Astaire overnight put you off, says Keith. Dancing can also be unappealing if you’re single, widowed, or your significant other

just isn’t into the idea. But you shouldn’t let this deter you, says Sheila: “sadly, I lost my husband to cancer last year and it is hard to get back to dancing when you haven’t got your partner. But life goes on and the same thing has happened to many of our club members.” The door is always open to people who come on their own for whatever reason, she insists. “Our group is very good at taking the ladies round who don’t have partners. There are widows and widowers who come along and you see them enjoying themselves and growing in ability. There have even been romances that have sprung up, which is lovely.” Companionship is a big plus, but the fitness factor can also lure people onto the dance floor. “When I was 50 I had a big operation,” says 66-year-old Helen MacDougall from Ayrshire. “I put on a lot of weight afterwards because I couldn’t do a lot. Dancing helped me lose the weight, improve my health and tone up.” Another Dover-based dance fanatic, Alice Charlesworth, 76, started line dancing 19 years ago when she lost her husband. But in 2007 a friend introduced her to sequence dancing and now she’s just as hooked on

‘‘

Dancing helped me lose weight, improve my health and tone up

that. “I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it and then suddenly after a couple of months it started to click in,” she says. “We go most Friday afternoons now.” Alice also maintains that dancing several times a week has helped keep her in good health. “I feel physically very fit,” she says. “My doctor’s very pleased. Let’s put it this way, I hadn’t seen him for a couple of years until I had my flu jab before Christmas. Afterwards he joked, ‘I’ll see you in ten years, then.’” But dancing doesn’t just keep your body in good shape – it can work wonders for the brain. “Sitting watching television, for instance, is a limited brain activity because you just sit back and absorb it,” says Keith. “But dancing gets your brain doing lots of things at the same time: moving, listening to the music and talking.”

“With sequence dancing there are thousands of routines, so it can be tricky to keep up,” says 72-year-old Eric Humberstone, who’s been dancing since 1955 and now runs a dance class near Potters Bar with his wife Marie. He suspects that sequence dancing could be particularly beneficial for the mind because there’s so much to think about. “I’ve just done the programme for our Friday dance club and there are 13 different dances on there. I’ve noticed that you don’t see many sequence dancers with dementia or Alzheimer’s, so maybe it helps.” Helen, a keen line dancer, is also convinced that dancing regularly and learning routines keeps both her brain and body active. “We get three new dances a night, so it’s a lot to remember,” she says. “I hate going to the gym – it’s boring. But dancing is an enjoyable way to keep fit physically and mentally. I would encourage anyone thinking of taking up dancing to give it a go. It’s great fun and, let’s face it, that’s what life is all about.”

Keep us posted with your lifestyle tips by emailing magazine@oddfellows.co.uk

•A Danish study of people aged 60 to 82 found that in just five months regular dancing reduced the levels of artery-furring fats found in the blood. • Exercise helps keep the mind sharp by encouraging better blood flow to the brain. Learning to dance – and regularly trying new routines – encourages the brain to create new pathways between nerve cells, allowing it to more effectively access and file information.

The Oddfellow 11

Care

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: What the Society does, care calls, home help, hospice care

‘‘

contact their Branch Secretary (also the initial point of contact for those interested in volunteering).

The Advice Line Provided in conjunction with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, the Oddfellows Advice Line is open five days a week (with an outside hours answerphone). Our team of dedicated advisors handle 1,800 phonecalls a year, and can provide information on 15,000 topics, including housing, civil rights, debt problems and benefit claims. To use the service, phone 0845 606 2620.

Unity Additional Benefits

We are the

Care Department

Oddfellows has always protected and cared for its members: ‘friendship, love and truth’ was the Society’s original motto, and it remains today. The Care Department opened in April 2001

he Care Department currently employs three members of staff: former NHS matron Dana McKiernan, administrator Steve Timms, and Head of Care & Welfare, Phil Hadfield. The Department aims to support not only members, but Districts too – achieved via seminars, Branch visits and short presentations (formal and informal).

What We Do The team spends seventy per cent of its time handling care calls. Often, these involve little more than simple signposting; on other occasions, liaison with a welfare agency may be required. For example, many 12 The Oddfellow

people feel bewildered when having to deal with their local social services but, armed with the proper information, the Care Department will happily make a referral on a member’s behalf. Activities like dressing and bathing become increasingly difficult as we grow older. Occupational Therapy is one service that helps people find new ways of performing such activities – however, the waiting list for an assessment is generally several months. If a local council will accept an independent medical report, the Care Department is able to arrange and pay for this (the service extends to other health situations, physical and mental). We may

be able to help you through complaints or issues with your GP, hospital or treatments.

Branch Visitors Vital to the running of the Care Department is the work done by the Society’s Branch Visitors, who visit sick, elderly and vulnerable members during times of need. Branch Visitors come from a variety of ages, cultures and backgrounds; what unites them is a desire to help others. Special skills are not required, though it does take a special sort of person to become a Branch Visitor – someone blessed with common sense, patience, and empathy. Members who require a visit should first

Oddfellows helplines provide advice on a variety of topics

The Society’s Branch Visitors visit sick, elderly and vulnerable members during times of need

In addition to the above, the Care Department also administers a series of member-only benefits. One of these is the Orphan Gift Fund, provided on the death or desertion of one or both parents. Recipients receive a quarterly payment of £130 – up until their 16th birthday – plus other expenses on an ad hoc basis. The Oddfellows Legal Aid scheme covers personal injury and employment issues, and is immediately available to new members (the incident itself must have occurred after the date of joining). Personal injury includes

care calls •V isually impaired, Miss A phoned the office to enquire about specialist reading equipment. A referral was made to her local Adult & Community Services, which arranged a visual aid assessment. Miss A later revealed she was grieving for a family member who had passed away 12 months previously. The Care Team informed Miss A she might benefit from a convalescence break. Miss A later completed the application form, and enjoyed a two-week break at Herne Bay.

falls, road traffic accidents, and accidents in the workplace; immediate family is also covered. In some circumstances, medical negligence cases will be considered. Our experienced legal team will work hard to ensure your matter is dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible. Convalescence is another great Oddfellows benefit. After two years in the Society, members can apply for a stay in one of our comfortable convalescence homes (at Bridlington, Herne Bay, Dawlish or Porthcawl). Provided they meet the required medical criteria, applicants are entitled to apply for a fortnight’s break. Convalescence feedback from members is 97 per cent positive.

We’re just a call away! As you can see, the Care Department can help with all manner of problems, big and small. We are also able to provide information on specialist equipment, medical conditions, advocacy, accommodation, local voluntary organisations and counselling services.

Telephone 0845 606 3102 Mon – Thu, 9am – 5pm Friday, 9am – 4pm

•M r H required information on making a will, but other issues presented themselves: his wife had recently died, and he was suffering from frequent panic attacks. In addition, his pension and benefits had been accidentally stopped: the Oddfellows Advice Line liaised with the Department for Work and Pensions to correct this situation. Mr H’s Branch arranged a small benevolence grant to tide him over. The Care Department also provided the member with details of a local bereavement counselling service.

CALL FOR HELP The Credit Crunch has hit hard. The TV and newspapers are filled with doom and gloom, businesses are closing, and bank executives are struggling to smile behind the egg on their faces. It’s official – we’re in the midst of a recession. The Oddfellows can’t find or create jobs, nor do we have the power to prevent companies from going under. But there are various other ways we can support our members through these difficult times. We operate two special helplines, which provide advice on a wide variety of topics. We provide numerous member benefits including free legal assistance: if you feel you have lost your job unfairly, or suffered an accident where another is at fault, we can help. We also offer a signposting service, and can refer members to other useful agencies and organisations. No problem is too big or too small for us to assist with. We offer a sympathetic ear and are always ready to listen. Keep our telephone numbers handy – you never know when you might need them. For help and advice, call the advice lines: Consumer Issues 0845 606 2620 Care Service (health issues, NHS, social services, legal aid) 0845 606 3102

The Oddfellow 13

Care

Care HOW TO OBTAIN AND PAY FOR EQUIPMENT

MAIN, TOP RIGHT, BOTTOM RIGHT The Shooting Star Children’s Hospice, Hampton, Middlesex

HOSPICE CARE Hospices have been vital to the care industry for over 40 years

he UK’s first modern hospice opened in 1967. Today there are 220 hospice and palliative care inpatient units in the country.

What is a Hospice? Hospice care is available to all. Hospices help people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses, including neurological conditions (e.g. Motor Neurone Disease), HIV, heart and lung conditions. The majority of hospices offer palliative care (from the Latin palliare, to cloak) – a form of medical treatment that concentrates on reducing the severity of the symptoms. It aims to improve the situation of those with a potentially incurable illness, and help them live the remainder of their lives as actively as possible. Palliative care extends beyond the patient to include support for friends and family.

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Today there are more than 220 hospice and palliative care inpatient units 14 The Oddfellow

Day Hospices Day therapy allows people to spend time in a hospice without being an inpatient. More importantly, this provides patients with an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, as well as access medical services, and complementary therapies. Transport to and from the hospice may also be provided.

At Home Service

Volunteers & Donations

Several hospice and palliative care teams now provide an ‘at home’ service, which supplements the work of the district nurse. This could be for end of life, during a crisis or for respite care. Many palliative care teams offer 24-hour nursing. Similarly, community palliative care nurses – like Macmillan or Marie Curie nurses – can offer advice on managing symptoms, as well as emotional and psychological support.

Vital to the successful running of hospices are the contributions of volunteers – more than 100,000 people currently give up their free time to help hospice patients. Similarly, hospices need additional funds to keep going, and rely on charitable donations. Many Oddfellows Branches support local hospices: Richmond (Surrey) District has been involved with the Shooting Star Children’s Hospice – based in Hampton, Middlesex – since 1998. The centre offers specialist care to life-limited children: each child is unique and shines bright but, like a shooting star, they are gone too soon. Explains Secretary Derek Cleveland: “when my partner died in 1998, we had a donation instead of floral tributes, which collected over £1,000. Since then the Branch has made regular grants, and there have been several Grand Master Appeals.”

The Shooting Star hospice offers care to life-limited children

To find out more about local hospices, including patient referrals, volunteering and raising funds, visit www.helpthehospices.org.uk or call 020 7520 8200. Other useful websites and numbers: www.mariecurie.org.uk or 020 7599 7777; www.macmillan. org.uk or 020 7840 7840

HELP AT HOME Life is made easier for many with Equipment for Daily Living

quipment for Daily Living is the general name for aids and adaptations that can help you to remain independent in your home. For example: grab rails and bath seats to help you bathe; special seats fixed to the wall of your shower; raised toilet seats to enable you to access the toilet easier; non-slip mats to keep your plate still while eating or cutting food; jar openers and tap turners; two-handled cups to make drinking easier; pulleys to enable you to get in and out of bed; dressing sticks to allow you to put on socks/tights; talking books; specially adapted telephones for sight or hearing problems. There are thousands of other aids to help you in everyday tasks.

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There are thousands of aids to help you in everyday tasks

If you are experiencing difficulties in your daily life you can get help from your local authority, the NHS and other organisations. Ask your local Social Services at the local authority for an Assessment of Needs and they will send an occupational therapist to your home, which is free. The Assessment will highlight the type of difficulties with daily living and the equipment needed to overcome them. Depending on your financial circumstances, you may have to pay or contribute towards the cost of expensive equipment. If you have problems with mobility, ask your GP to refer you to the Occupational Therapist at the hospital or the surgery physiotherapist. If you require a wheelchair ask your doctor to refer you to the free local NHS Wheelchair Centre. (However, powered wheelchairs have to be paid for.) If you have problems with incontinence, and require pads, ask you GP for a referral to the Continence Foundation. Sometimes you will have to pay for this service. The British Red Cross often loans items of equipment such as commodes, wheelchairs and walking aids for short term use. There is usually a nominal charge. The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB, 0845 766 9999), and the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID, 0808 808 0123), can give lots of information on suitable equipment for the sight and hearing impaired. You can also purchase equipment privately. For advice on this, contact the Disabled Living Foundation (020 7289 6111), which operates a telephone and letter advice service on all types of disability equipment and reputable local suppliers. If you would like to try out equipment and get advice on suitability, visit a Disabled Living Centre near you. There is often an Occupational Therapist on site and the service is free. If you want to buy second-hand equipment contact the Disability Equipment Register on 01454 318818. Some companies selling new equipment also sell reconditioned equipment – for example, stair lift companies.

If you require any help with contacting any of the above organisations, or have any general queries on obtaining equipment, please contact the Care Department on 0845 606 3102

The Oddfellow 15

Hobbies

Hobbies Back row – Fred’s family; front row (left-right) – Nan Jones, Betty Price, Fred Moloney, Queenie Evans, Margaret Marl

Edith and little brother Fred, aged just five years old

Dig Up Your Family Tree Genealogy is fast becoming the nation’s favourite pastime. Oddfellow and genealogist, Karen Stuart, has some top tips

Meet the

When Oddfellow Fred Moloney sat down to breakfast on holiday two years ago, he never dreamt it would open the door to his long lost family

fter being asked by the cruise ship waitress if he minded making up the numbers on a table, Fred Moloney pulled up a seat and introduced himself and his wife to the other guests. One of the diners was Nan Jones from Merthyr Tydfil. He didn’t know it yet but, incredibly, Fred’s chat with Nan would lead him to the brother and four sisters he’d last seen in 1939 when, aged seven, he was evacuated from London to a farm near Rugby.

“When I found out that Nan was from south Wales, I mentioned that I’d had five sisters – Ethel, Queenie, Betty, Maggie and Edith – who were evacuated there during the Blitz,” says Fred. “She happened to know a couple of ladies called Margaret and Betty so she promised to investigate further.” Three weeks later, back home in Brinklow, Warwickshire, Fred received a letter with a Welsh postmark. “Dear Mr Moloney,” it read. “Or should I say uncle Freddie! My name is Joan and I’m Margaret’s daughter. You gave your address to my friend Nan on holiday…” “I was flabbergasted,” says Fred. Joan had enclosed her mother’s number so Fred got straight on the phone. “Hello Maggie,” he said when a woman answered. “Oh,” she said. “There’s only one person who ever calls me that: my little brother Freddie.” “Well, you’re talking to him,” replied Fred, now 76.

Tearful reunion

Fred (left) with brother Frank in 2007, meeting after 70 years apart in Christchurch, England

16 The Oddfellow

That July, Fred and Brenda made a trip to Merthyr Tydfil to meet his three older sisters, Queenie, Margaret and Betty. “It was all very emotional,” he says. “Especially meeting Queenie because by all accounts she helped bring me up.”

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My birth family were told I had died in the Korean war

71 years later: Fred and his longlost sister Edith, in Christchurch, New Zealand

“Later I got another shock when they told me I had a brother, Frank, living in Bournemouth. So I phoned him and said, ‘Do you remember having a little brother called Freddie? Well, you’re speaking to him.’ “‘Bloody hell,’ he said. ‘I thought you were dead!’”

All in the past In fact, the entire Harrison family believed that Fred had died in service during the Korean War. “There was someone in my battalion who got killed and his name was Harrison,” says Fred. “So my family were mistakenly notified that I had died. But by that time I had taken my adoptive parents’ surname, Moloney.” When he left London in 1939, Fred – still a Harrison at this point – was placed with the Moloney family near Rugby. Two of his sisters, Betty and Maggie, were put next door. “They were always crying and wanted to go home,” remembers Fred. “So after a few weeks they must have got in touch with my mother and dad and they came and fetched them. When I went to bed my sisters were there, but when I got up they’d gone.” Betty and Maggie were later re-evacuated to south Wales, and Fred never saw his mother and father again.

After the war the Moloneys adopted Fred and he vowed not to look for his birth family while his adoptive parents were still alive. “They were strict but gave me a good life,” he says. “Later, when they’d passed away, I tried to find my family but had no luck.”

One more surprise In August 2007, Fred and Brenda made another trip, this time to Bournemouth to see Fred’s 93-year-old brother Frank. “I rang the doorbell but he came round the back and said ‘Hello Freddie.’ It was like looking at myself. We were both dressed the same and we looked the same.” And there was another shock to come. “Frank told me I had a sister, Edith, in

aren suggests talking to older family members before doing anything else. “Find out as much as you can about who you’re searching for, even down to the correct spelling of their name.” Something as simple as a misspelling can lead to dead ends, she warns. “Just because you think someone’s name is one thing, don’t assume. They change and get abbreviated.” Next, Karen recommends getting relevant birth, marriage and death certificates. “These will confirm some key facts and give you further information,” she says. “You can get copies from websites like www.ancestry.co.uk. Or, if the people you’re looking for were local, pop into a local registry office.” But, she warns, there is a charge per certificate. “Hopefully your certificate search will take you back as far as 1911, because the 1911 census has

Christchurch, New Zealand,” says Fred. “He didn’t have a phone number – only an address on a five-year-old letter. So we got in touch with a friend of ours who has relations over there and they found me a number. I phoned up Edith, said I was calling from England and asked if she happened to have a little brother called Fred.” “Yes,” she said. “Horrible little bugger, I hated him.” “Hold on a minute,” I said. “This is Fred!” Like Frank and the other sisters, Edith thought her younger brother had died and couldn’t believe that this man was Fred. So he flew to New Zealand to meet her. “The

just been released,” says Karen. “Here you might find information about your wider family, plus occupations and addresses. Unfortunately, though, you do have to pay, but it’s all available online at www.1911census.co.uk. “Also, have a look in your area for local family history groups that are part of the Federation of Family History Societies (www.ffhs.org. uk). In addition, lots of colleges run genealogy courses.” Karen warns against answering the ads in the paper offering to research your family history. “Some of them are good,” she says. “But they can over-charge, so if you do decide to instruct a search, make sure you give them clear guidelines and establish what you’re going to pay in advance. Remember, there’s a lot you can do yourself and I’d recommend giving this a try first. It’s addictive when you get going.”

local paper was there when I knocked on the door and Edith said, ‘You’re better looking than I thought you’d be.’ We stayed with her for three weeks and it’s her 90th birthday this November so we’re going back over.” “I can’t quite believe my luck in that sitting next to someone so many miles away from home would lead to a family reunion that would take me halfway around the world. It was worth every bit of effort to finally see all my surviving family after 70 years apart.”

Email magazine@oddfellows. co.uk if you have a family reunion story The Oddfellow 17

Workers in Oddfellowship

Obituaries

Sterling efforts Celebrating our dedicated Workers in Oddfellowship

ere we celebrate the achievements of members who have served the Society with commitment and enthusiasm over the years and award them with their own Workers in Oddfellowship portrait.

These seven members have been nominated by their Districts for their tireless contribution to the Society. Applications are considered by the Benevolence Committee, and its decision then has to be ratified by deputies at the

Sister Ghale Cynthia Lynnette Smith, PPGM, Hamilton, Bermuda Ghale has been an Oddfellows member for 54 years and has been active for the majority of them. She was inspired by her father, Henry L Conyers, who was the District’s Secretary – an active, knowledgeable and hard-working man. Ghale has served in all the offices up to and including Provincial Grand Master and attended many International Conferences. In her spare time, she is involved in many charitable organisations: as a member of the Orchid Charity Club; as a missionary worker at the Bethel AME Church; and as Secretary of the Children’s Benefit Gift Club. Ghale enjoys the fellowship of other members, how her leadership skills have been developed and the opportunity to help and serve others.

Brother Henry George Collings, PPGM, Mersey Henry was initiated into the Oddfellows in 1969. He became an active member immediately, serving as a sick visitor, Lodge Secretary and on the District Committee of Management for six years. The highlight of his time as a member was becoming Provincial Grand Master in 1985. Henry has had the honour of being appointed deputy for the AMC a number of times and enjoys both the ritual and social side of being a member. In his spare time, Henry likes to garden, carry out DIY and travel. In his previous years he also played the euphonium and tuba in the Liverpool Corporation Transport Band. 18 The Oddfellow

Annual Movable Conference (AMC), before the honour of having a portrait featured in the Oddfellow magazine is given. If you think that someone in your District deserves to be recognised with a portrait, please contact your District Secretary.

Brother tony Peter Luckett, PPGM, Coventry Godiva Just over 15 years ago, a friend invited Tony to an Oddfellows meeting following an enquiry about what went on with the promise of a free drink afterwards. Tony was taken with the Society and immediately became active. His proudest achievements are being appointed Provincial Grand Master twice and being elected to the Benevolence Committee in 2008. Tony was also recently elected Vice-President of the Midland Group Conference. He finds most of his time is taken up with the Oddfellows, with both his wife and daughter being active within the Society. However, Tony, a builder by trade, also makes time to sit on the Federation of Master Builders and plays darts for relaxation.

Brother David Alan Norton, PPGM, Coventry Godiva David was initiated into the Oddfellows in 1962 after a colleague at workplace, Dunlop Aviation Division, introduced him to the Society. He enjoys getting into the nitty-gritty of the rules and the accounts, a passion that has served him well during his many years as Secretary for his Lodge for 14 years and his District for 19 years; and most recently as Secretary for the Midland Group Conference. David is a keen train enthusiast, stamp collector and member of the National Trust. He would encourage people to become members so they can meet and mix with like-minded folk.

Brother Stephen Keith Glanville, PPGM, Derby Keith joined the Oddfellows Society in January 1954 when he was just 16 years old. Both of his parents were members, with his father also serving as Provincial Grand Master. The tradition has continued with his wife, son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren also becoming Oddfellows. Keith enjoys being fully involved with the social side of being a member, as well as enjoying the ritual aspects and is always keen to promote the Derby District. One of his proudest achievements is starting up and organising the successful Walking Group for his District. Keith is also known for his very generous nature and is always ready to offer his services and wealth of experience to those around him.

Sister Helen Ceritia Cross, PPGM, Bristol Helen was introduced to the Oddfellows by a friend and fellow Morris dancer in 1997. She has always been actively involved in both meetings and social events. Helen enjoys attending the AMC and the Southern Group Conference. The highlight of her time as an Oddfellow was becoming the Provincial Grand Master in 2006 and raising money to enable young carers in WestonSuper-Mare to enjoy social activities. Helen has been involved in folk dancing and singing since her schooldays. She used to teach English and Welsh clog dancing and travels the country extensively with her husband, Bob, who also Morris dances.

Brother Les John Twiddy, PPGM, Great Berkhampstead Les became a member in 1963 at the age of 24. He almost immediately began serving on the Lodge Committee of Management, a position which he still holds to this day. In 1980 he was elected as the Provincial Grand Master and has served on the District Committee of Management for a number of years. In his spare time, Les is a keen gardener and National Secretary for the British Pelagonium Society. During his time as the Provincial Grand Master, Les met a fuchsia hybridiser who agreed to cultivate a special ‘Oddfellows’ fuchsia which was introduced at AMC in 1981.

in memoriam Prominent Oddfellows

Brother James Arthur Cowell, PGM 27 June 1912 – 18 August 2008 immy, born in Cambridge, spent most of his adult life working at Few and Kester solicitors. He started as an office boy and worked his way up to become a partner, leaving the firm at the age of 70. In 1939 he married Evelyn, the day before war was declared! He was reserved occupation, but then joined the Cambridge Mobile Platoon of the Home Guard. His daughter Susan was born in 1943, by which time Jimmy was with the Royal Signals in the Middle East. In the 1970s two grandsons, Mark and Richard, came along, followed by two great granddaughters. He joined the Oddfellows in 1938 and although his time in the Middle East caused a disturbance to his progression, on his return home he became fully involved again. He was elected to serve on various Unity Committees including the Benevolence Committee and the Investigation Committee. He represented the Oddfellows at the National Conference of Friendly Societies in 1975 and proudly took on the mantle of Grand Master in 1986. Jimmy had a love of music and often attended concerts as well as taking part in a number of local drama productions. After he and Evelyn retired they travelled widely in Europe and beyond. A great deal of Jimmy’s spare time was devoted to the Oddfellows and he leaves many good friends behind.

Brother Kevin John Kirby, PPGM Prov CS, Preston, 12 June 1945 – 18 January 2009 evin was encouraged to join the Oddfellows in 1964 by Tom Nicholson, who later became his father-in-law. It was rumoured that Kevin had to become a member before he could marry Tom’s daughter Judith. In 1965 they married and had children Sarah and Mark. A few years after he joined the Society he became Lodge Secretary, a position he held until his death. Kevin was also a conscientious welfare visitor. In 1989 Kevin was awarded a gold jewel at the AMC for introducing 61 new members. In 1990, he was elected Provincial Grand Master and in 1992 became Provincial Corresponding Secretary. He also created special links with nearby Districts Blackburn and South East Lancashire. Kevin organised the annual District Dinner Dances and a number of special events including Tom Nicholson’s Grand Master dinner for nearly 500 people. There were many facets to Kevin’s life. Aged 15 he worked as an apprentice blacksmith, then a time study engineer and a project engineer. He was a semi-professional footballer, then a coach and a manager. He also played cricket and crown green bowls. Kevin’s District Committee of Management is determined to honour his memory by following the excellent example of Oddfellowship that he set.

The Oddfellow 19

Outstanding Members

Young Oddfellows

Educational Awards Attending university is a key step in achieving a dream career, but the high costs and fear of debt can be off-putting. The Oddfellows can step in and help, with the Educational Awards

Bill Millett

Rob McIntosh

The Unity Meritorious

Service Jewel

The Oddfellows place great importance on recognising their outstanding members

he Unity Meritorious Service Jewel is one of the highest awards that the Society can bestow upon a member, the exception being Grand Master (Chairman of the Board of Directors). Referred to as the Victoria Cross of the Society; it is awarded to mark exceptional, exemplary service given to the Society by members. It was first introduced at the 1932 Annual Conference in Guernsey, and the following year at the Brighton Conference nine were awarded. Since then nearly 240 Jewels have been presented. In 1990 a Jewel was presented to Owen Kets of the South Africa District, he was the first overseas member to be honoured. So special is the honour that out of more than 90,000 members, currently only 19 are

Our survey said... Around 1,300 members responded to our membership satisfaction survey, with almost three quarters saying they would be likely or very likely to recommend the Oddfellows to other people.

Jewel holders. There are twelve UK holders, four South African members, a member in Canada, one Guyana member and one Dominican Republic member. Two recent recipients of the Unity Meritorious Service Jewel are Bill Millett and Rob McIntosh, who have been members of the Oddfellows since 1965 and 1961 respectively. Both count receiving the Meritorious Service Jewel as a highlight of their membership, with Bill saying, “I felt very humbled but happy to be given it.” His proud daughter Angela Gibb adds, “we are extremely proud of Dad’s achievements.” Rob became an Oddfellow at the request of his late wife, all his family are now members and they encourage his participation. When asked what it meant to him to receive the distinction, he says, “there’s

real satisfaction knowing the Society have appreciated my serving them over the many years of my membership.” In order to qualify for nomination of the Jewel, a member must be over the age of 55 and have given 30 years’ service to the Society. If a Branch feels that the member has given exceptional service to the Society they can nominate them. The nomination is then considered by the Benevolence Committee, which makes recommendations to the Annual Conference, which in turn ratifies the decision.

Feedback was generally positive, with many praising representatives of their local Branch. Communication with local Branches was rated as very good overall, with friendliness and helpfulness of the Branch scoring the highest.

Members’ suggestions for future improvement within the Society will be presented to the Board of Directors for discussion. Thank you to all who took part – your feedback and time are appreciated.

Get in touch with us on magazine@oddfellows.co.uk if you know of any worthy members

Tom Whyntie

ach year the Oddfellows gives out three educational awards worth £750 per annum. Eligible candidates must have five years of continuous membership of the Oddfellows and be starting their first degree. There are other criteria that the applicants must also meet, but each case is considered on personal merit. In this issue we look at a previous recipient who is working on the greatest scientific experiment in history. used to take pictures of conditions similar Tom Whyntie, 25, studied Natural to those found a few billionths of a second Sciences at Cambridge University graduating after the Big Bang. in 2007. He says that the Oddfellows However, although Tom worked hard Educational Awards eased his financial at university, the like-minded friends he pressure and, “more importantly, meant met there ensured that he still enjoyed that I could take part in research placements socialising and he also found time to in the summers. As well as providing me with invaluable LHC superconducting radioexperience, it also meant I could frequency cavity in the LHC tunnel actually see what life in the world of scientific research was like.” One of these placements was at CERN, Geneva, where the preparations for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiment were well under way. Tom became hooked on the experiment and soon went back for more. He continues,

LHC superconducting radio-frequency cavity in the LHC tunnel

20 The Oddfellow

“the LHC at CERN, the largest experiment ever attempted, is a phenomenally complicated system – as its recent problems have highlighted. However, this size and complexity is necessary for answering some of the most fundamental questions we have ever been capable of asking.” Tom has moved into further education and is now studying for a PhD in High Energy Physics at Imperial College London, working on the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment, part of the LHC at CERN. CMS is essentially a cathedral-sized, 12,500 tonne digital camera that will be

Without a doubt, the supporters of the Oddfellows Educational Award helped me get where I am today

play the double bass for the Cambridge University Jazz Orchestra. Tom, whose mother, grandmother and brother are all Oddfellows, is very thankful for the Educational Award, saying, “without a doubt, the support of the Oddfellows Educational Award helped me get where I am today.”

latest recipients The 2008 chosen recipients of the Educational Awards are: Fiona Charlotte Clapperton from Capital of the Fens; Katie Farrell from South East Lancashire; and Laura Katherine Louisa Smith from South London.

Updates on Recipients Chris Arnold, who received the Award in 2004, has now graduated from Loughborough University with a 2:1 in Economics and Business. He is now employed as a Trainee Executive for N M Rothschild merchant bankers. “The financial assistance was a great help enabling me to purchase the many reference books and study materials Chris Arnold required for my course.” Helen Wilson is now in her second year at the Royal Northern College of Music. She has been busy touring with the award-winning group “F-ire Collective”, performing with the Bolton Symphony Orchestra at the Bolton Albert Hall and getting a first class grade in her initial year of study.

Anybody who wishes to apply for the Educational Awards should contact their Branch Secretary for more information

The Oddfellow 21

History LEFT Esteemed Oddfellow Henry Ratcliffe BELOW After restoration with Michael Riley

Original Oddfellows Restoration of monument highlights a most important Oddfellow

he grave and monument of esteemed Oddfellow Henry Ratcliffe has been restored to its former glory. Michael Riley, Parish Archivist for St Paul’s, Sale, noticed that the monument’s inscription had faded to illegibility over the 130 years since Mr Ratcliffe had been buried, so he contacted the Manchester Office, which organised for it to be repaired. This act brought to light the life and times of Henry Ratcliffe, who had been a leading figure in changing the way friendly societies were organised. Born in Tyldesley on 4 November 1808, Henry became a member of the Travellers’ Rest Lodge, Chowbent District on 7 December 1833. On the night of his welcoming ceremony he immediately started to undertake duties with a zeal and intelligence which became a trademark of his work. Henry appeared to be following in the footsteps of his brother William, who was serving as the District Secretary, and Henry did indeed take over this position following a scandal. In 1846 the great Irish famine broke out, and in answer to an appeal from the Cork District in 1847, several hundred pounds were subscribed throughout the Society. Some of the money went to Ireland,

but some was sent to Manchester, where William had it banked with the general funds of the Society, instead of opening an Irish Famine Fund account, as he had led the Directors to believe. When he was asked to remit the balance of the fund to various places in Ireland, he drew the money from

This act brought to light the life of Henry Ratcliffe the general fund, remitted one third, and put the other two thirds in his pocket, where they joined the subscriptions which had been sent direct to him. William was suspended and charged with fraud and Henry was appointed as District Secretary in his place. The incident was looked on by many as a blessing. Henry’s cordial manner and work on the state of his District’s welfare came when the area was suffering severely from a trade depression. His name was always on subscriptions where benevolence and charity needed aid and he was key in the forming of the Widow and Orphan Fund.

In 1871 Henry was entrusted to prepare a valuation of the assets and liabilities of every Branch in the Society. The work took two years and its publication marked one of the most important eras in the history of friendly societies. The Royal Commission approved it and its example was followed by other societies in both Britain and abroad bringing in a welcome change to how friendly societies were managed and administered. Henry was due to attend the 1877 Annual Conference (AMC) being held in Oldham but his seat was vacant, and soon news spread that Henry was suffering from a recurring illness which would claim his life prior to the conclusion of business. Henry Ratcliffe was remembered as the father of friendly society actuarial science. Lancashire men, whose “Cottonopolis” had the honour of entertaining the AMC, remembered with pride that although his work was far reaching, Henry Ratcliffe was one of themselves, that he was born, bred, lived, worked, and died in their midst.

Anybody who has an interesting Oddfellows history story should email magazine@oddfellows.co.uk The Oddfellow 23

Book Club

Book club

hat books have you been reading? Did your winter break unveil a novel that you wish to recommend to Oddfellow members? We would love to hear more about the books you like. If there is one that you couldn’t put down, inspired you to do something new, or simply made you giggle, then tell us the title or write a review. We look forward to hearing about them!

Send your reviews and recommendations to: Book Club, The Oddfellows, Abbey House, 32 Booth Street, Manchester M2 4QP, or email magazine@oddfellows.co.uk

Luqman Whittinger Inspired by his daughters and the Qur’an, LOOKMAN is not your typical children’s author

uqman Whittinger says he was born at a time when children adventurously roamed freely and made their own entertainment. But now, it seems the popular children’s author is responsible for entertaining many others, too. More interested in Mathematics than English at school, Luqman started his writing career as a press officer in the Young Liberals and later for the Constituency Party. Some of his campaigning work reached the quality press and about 20 years later, he worked as a recruitment consultant writing CVs for clients in technical and scientific disciplines. “In the mid-1990s, I had intentions to write a children’s novel and a book 24 The Oddfellow

about prophesies for the millennium,” explains the author. “Neither project got any further than my laptop.” Despite this, around 2006, he completed his unpublished first novel called The Gossiping Tree and once he began writing for his youngest daughter, he found that he could not stop. Born Raymond Henry Whiting, his interest in Sufism led to his use of the pseudonym LOOKMAN, which derives from the wise sage in the Qur’an. Luqman explains, “I converted to a Muslim-Sufi community and took the name Luqman by opening the Holy Qur’an at the 31st chapter. Most English people can’t pronounce the long ‘aa’ in ‘maan’ of Luqman. I converted it to LOOKMAN. Later I inserted two eyes where the o’s are.” With a number of published books under his belt, including Children From The Sea, Mihte’s Quest: Kids In The Underworld and Henri And The Alien, the imaginative author sends his characters on all sorts of incredible adventures. The father of four girls, Luqman credits his daughters as his inspiration. “I suppose a lot of the ideas come from my own childhood but they take on a life of their own,” he says. “I write for children because of

New book Previews A Night Out With Robert Burns: The Greatest Poems, Andrew O’Hagan Sainted, painted, tormented and toasted, Scotland’s most famous poet is explored in never-before seen detail in Andrew O’Hagan’s superb collection of Robert Burns’ work. Novelist and Scottish essayist, O’Hagan has selected a number of poems for the reader – some famous, some obscure – whilst offering his own introduction to the poems and personal commentary on the life, loves and lyrics of, in his own words, “the world’s greatest and most loveable poet.”

Oz And James Drink To Britain, Oz Clarke, James May On a quest to find the drink that defines modern Britain, Oz and James embark on a summer road trip around their homeland. Exploring the very best and worst of British booze, the improbable duo travel the length and breadth of the UK, visiting pubs, maltsters, small breweries and distilleries, sparkling wine makers, hop growers and many more, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the British countryside. Oz and James drink Britain dry in this tippleorientated travelog.

Puzzlebreak Just The Beginning

The Lieutenant, Kate Grenville Based on a true story, Kate Grenville’s new novel The Lieutenant transports us to the period of white Australian settlement at the end of the eighteenth century. When quiet hero, Lieutenant Daniel Rooke, astronomer with the First Fleet, lands on the unknown shores of New South Wales, he struggles to establish a settlement for his crew and their cargo of convicts. Rooke eventually befriends Tagaran, a young Aboriginal girl, who changes his life in ways he never imagined.

Picture Caption Book Prize Win a copy of Who Do You Think You Are? Encyclopedia of Genealogy

Can you match these opening lines with their book title? LEFT Editing Children From The Sea in Egypt with his daughter ABOVE Pages from Henri and the Alien

perceived difficulties during childhood. As an author of juvenile/young adult novels, I free the growing human from the drudge of living, to a place where people like them can do incredible things without the restrictions of school, study and keeping social relationships. The reader knows the characters are not real and yet can learn and experience things that they would never dare do or experience. Growing up is not easy. Well, life is not easy...”

1. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...” 2. “Mr and Mrs Dursley, of number four Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much.” 3. “As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.” 4. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” 5. “It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn’t know what I was doing in New York.”

WIN!

6. “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” 7. “Who’s there?” 8. “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

Answers: a. The Bell Jar b. A Tale Of Two Cities c. Anna Karenina d. Pride And Prejudice e. 1984 f. Hamlet, Prince Of Denmark g. Metamorphosis h. Harry Potter & The Philosopher’s Stone

Can you think of an amusing caption to this photo? Send entries on a postcard to Caption Competition, The Oddfellows, Abbey House, 32 Booth Street, Manchester M2 4QP Last issue’s winner: Mr Graham S Nosely, Leicestershire

The Oddfellow 25

Just The Beginning answers: 1b, 2h, 3g, 4d, 5a, 6e, 7f, 8c

Oddfellows

Out & About

Hog Roast Delight (Southampton) The Oswald Branch held a popular hog roast, which was attended by 65 members, friends and children. Games were held for the children as well as rabbit racing, which everyone could join in with. The food was good and plentiful, with the raffle raising £56 to go towards the Genesis Appeal.

Oddfellows around the country have been extremely busy with numerous events and activities

he ‘Out and About’ section is a chance to be updated on members’ stories, charitable giving and different events happening around the Districts. Good quality, quirky photos and interesting tales about your Branch outings and Oddfellows’ experiences are always welcome.

Please send contributions to: magazine@oddfellows.co.uk or The Oddfellows, Abbey House, 32 Booth Street, Manchester, M2 4QP, marking it for The Oddfellow magazine. Please note that although we try and include as much as possible, due to space restrictions we can’t guarantee that your submission will be included.

Junior member plays in the Golf World Championships (Reading) Harry West has overcome serious illness to become a rising talent in the world of golf. Harry, 8, was left unable to walk after suffering from the debilitating childhood illness, HSP. He was determined to recover from the illness and last year went on to win the British Junior Golf Tour. He has now secured a place in the World Championships in San Diego, where previous winners include Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.

Raising Money for Search and Rescue (Bristol) The Burnham-On-Sea Area Rescue Boat (BARB) was the recipient of a £600 cheque from the Immediate Past District Chairman, Sandra Harding. BARB is a registered charity that operates two life-

saving rescue hovercrafts and an inshore rescue boat in the Bridgwater Bay area. The Branch also made a donation to West Park St Margaret’s Hospice in Taunton, Somerset.

Inter-District Bowling Cup (Bristol, Reading, Cardiff and Swansea) September saw Bobbie Shannon arrange for members and friends to come together in Nailsea and play for a cup in memory of her late husband Colin. Teams from the Nailsea Club, Reading, Cardiff, Swansea and Bristol attended. The cup was eventually won by the Nailsea Team but such was the success of the day that it is planned to become an annual event.

26 The Oddfellow

Croquet Day (Beds and Bucks) Members young and old gathered together to play a game of croquet. The day started with thick fog and dew but soon turned into beautiful sunshine. Seventeen members attended and were coached by the patient John Burridge, who also organised the day.

Derby District Under Fire (Derby) Walkers from Derby District found themselves in a precarious situation after setting off for a walk on a cold, misty morning. The route was already proving to be a challenge, wading through clinging mud and water, but the sound of gunshots froze the walkers in their tracks! Quick thinking Keith Glanville blew his whistle to warn that there were walkers in the vicinity. However, a second round of gunfire sent a few members diving for cover. All was revealed as flag-waving figures made their way towards the group declaring, “it’s alright to carry on walking ladies, we’re only shooting young birds today, not old ones.” The spotting of some pheasants with the party lead to much relief and laughter.

90th Birthday Memories (Leigh & Bolton) Ernest Williams celebrated his recent 90th birthday with a splendid black tie evening for 90 guests with champagne, cocktails, a three-tier cake, a four-piece band and everyone, including Ernest, dancing till after midnight. Ernest has been a member of the Oddfellows from almost the second after he was born on 5 January 1919. The Society’s collector happened to be calling at the house and

when he heard the newborn baby cry suggested he should be made a member straight away! The picture shows Ernie at his 90th birthday party and taking part in an Oddfellows pageant (he’s the boy in the middle) at about 12 years old.

The Oddfellow 27

Out & About Vale of York Sponsor Regatta (Vale of York) Once again the Vale of York Oddfellows were one of the sponsors of the Humber Cruising Association Regatta. Peter and Barbara Needham attended with Past District Chairman

Isobel Garforth. The weather was very windy meaning choppy waves and more excitement. Peter’s skill prevailed, though, as he won the races on both of the days!

Bluebell Railway Trip (Tunbridge Wells) The Bluebell Railway was the order of the day for 45 Oddfellows and friends. The trip started with a lunch at the real ale bar and restaurant on the Sheffield Park platform before a tour of the museum and engine sheds. The group then journeyed on the beautiful vintage train through the countryside to Kingscote where ice creams were enjoyed before heading back to Sheffield Park.

Tall Ships Visits To Liverpool Annual Barn Dance (Worcester) Members from the age of nine years old to 95 enjoyed themselves at Worcester’s Annual Barn Dance. The lively music had everyone up dancing, with a professional caller giving out the instructions to keep people moving. The popular event keeps people coming back year on year.

(Leigh & Bolton) Jack Cartwright, 14, grandson of Oddfellow Greta Harbour, visited the Leigh & Bolton Branch to give a talk on his wrestling success. He has been wrestling since he was nine and regularly travels abroad to compete internationally and is improving all the time. He has a strict training regime, wrestling three nights a week and on Saturday mornings, as well as running on the other days to increase his stamina. Jack’s aim is to represent Great Britain in the World Cadets and then ultimately at the Olympics. To assist with some of the costs, the Branch is sponsoring his next trip to wrestle in Latvia.

Stormy Day on the Train (Cinque Ports Warden) Thirty-nine members and friends braved the stormy weather for a trip on a vintage Victorian steam train. Although the view was obscured by rain, the buffet, local ale and stylish carriages meant the journey was still enjoyed. At Tenterden they were taken to a Dickens festival in the town. Many 28 The Oddfellow

(Border Counties & South East Lancs) Both the Border Counties and South East Lancs Districts took a trip to Liverpool to see the tall ships. Most of the tall ships were in the Wellington Docks with the smaller classes in the Albert Docks. There were 60 tall ships from all over the world. They were visiting as part of Liverpool’s European Capital of

Young Wrestling Success

wandered into the local pubs, some visited the local craft fair and Ann Woodbridge even met a couple of Morris Dancers who were keen to show off their badges.

100th Birthday Celebrations (Poole, Bridport & Yeovil) As introduced in the last edition of the magazine, members who turn 100 are now being given a ‘telegram’ from the Grand Master. Ada Tonkings celebrated her 100th birthday on 31 December 2008, with the telegram being presented by Peter Morris, Past Branch Chairman. A beautiful floral display was also sent as a gift from the Loyal Phoenix Branch.

Culture year prior to the start of the 2008 race, which will take them to Norway then onto the Netherlands for the finish.

Dropswell Farm Shop (Cleveland & Durham) The foggy, wet, miserable weather did not deter over 20 members and friends from venturing along country roads to Dropswell Farm. The first surprise was to be greeted by the sight of a whole pig carcass before being shown how the pig was cut into joints. Paul, the butcher, then asked for a volunteer to make sausage. Pauline Coltman put herself forward and amused the groups with her attempts to make and link the sausages. The fun evening

ended with tea, coffee and homemade biscuits and the opportunity to buy some delicious local produce.

Overseas Branches, Share Your Oddfellows experiences! The Oddfellows is an international organisation and we would like to hear more from our overseas Branches so we can share the global Oddfellows experience. Please send pictures and details of your events to magazine@oddfellows.co.uk or post them to The Oddfellows, Abbey House, 32 Booth Street, Manchester, M2 4QP.

The photos featured in this issue show members and friends from the Loyal Sons of Concorde Branch from Bridgetown, Barbados. The procession and group shot were taken after the 57th Annual Church Service.

The Oddfellow 29

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