January - May 2020

Cleveland and Durham Branch

Trips SportTalks & demos Games Arts & crafts Health & Business Friendship Food & drink Family History CultureCinema Live acts & music wellbeing meetings month

Trips SportTalks & demos Games Trips Arts & craftsSportTHealth alks& & demos BusinessGames FriendshipArts & crafts Food & drinkHealth & Family Business HistoryFriendship CulturFoodeC & drink inema Family Live acts & musicHistory CultureCinema Live acts & music Business Live acts & music meetings Trips SportTalks & demos Games Arts & crafts Health & Friendship Food & drink Family History CultureCinema wellbeing month wellbeing meetings month wellbeing meetings month Newly appointed Musical Director, David Hollings, leading the finale of The Last Drinks event Quizzes Speech Meet the Co ee mornings Night of The Proms supporting John Rowland and Julie Pendleton. Wellbeing Shopping Fundraise Volunteer OddfellowsTrips Trips TripsSportTSportTSporalks tT& demosalks & demosalksWalks & Gamesdemos GamesHolidaysGamesArts & craftsArts & craftsArtsSocial &Health craftsTrips & HealthWarner & Health LeisureBusinessSpor & tTBusinessTravelBusiness alksFriendshipclub & demosFriendshipFriendshipFoodGames & drinkFood & drinkFood Arts&Family drink & craftsFamily FamilyHistoryHealth & History HistoryCulturBusinesseCCultureCCulturFriendshipinemaeCinema LiveinemaFood acts & & Livedrink music acts &Live music acts Family& music History CultureCinema Live acts & music wellbeingwellbeingwellbeingmeetings meetingsmeetingsmonth month month wellbeing meetings month

Drinks event Speech Meet the Co ee mornings Meet the Drinks event Co ee mornings Dining Drinks event Wellbeing Shopping Quizzes Fundraise VolunteerShopping Quizzes Speech Walks Holidays Social Quizzes Speech Meet the Co ee mornings Wellbeing OddfellowsFundraise Volunteer Oddfellows Trips SportTWalksWarneralks Leisure & demosWalksGamesWellbeingTravelGames clubHolidaysShoppingDayArts &Trip craftsSocial HealthWarnerMeetings & LeisureFundraiseBusinessTravel clubVolunteerFriendship Food & drink OddfellowsFamily History CultureCWalks inema HolidaysLive acts & music Social Warner Leisure Travel club wellbeing meetings Out month

Social Talks HolidayMeet the Meet the DrinksQuiz eveDrinksnt eveDrinksnt event Meet the Drinks event Fred Olsen Cruises Haven Holidays Quizzes Quizzes Quizzes Speech Speech Speech MeetQuizzes the Co ee morningsCo ee morningsCo ee mornings Speech Co ee mornings WellbeingWellbeingWellbeingShoppingShoppingShopping FundraiseFundraiseFundraiseVolunteerVolunteerVolunteerWellbeing OddfellowsShoppingOddfellowsOddfellows Fundraise VolunteerWalks Walks WalksHolidays Holidays HolidaysSocialOddfellowsSocial SocialWarner LeisureWarner LeisureWarnerTr avelLeisure clubTravel clubTravel Walksclub Holidays Social Warner Leisure Travel club

Fred Olsen Cruises Haven Holidays Drinks event Fred Olsen Cruises Haven Holidays Quizzes Fred Olsen Cruises Haven Holidays Speech Meet the Co ee mornings Wellbeing Shopping Fundraise Volunteer Oddfellows Walks Holidays Social Warner Leisure Travel club

Fred OlsenFr Cruisesed OlsenFr edCruises OlsenHaven Cruises HolidayHavens HolidayHavens Holidays Fred Olsen Cruises Haven Holidays

Fred Olsen Cruises Haven Holidays Cleveland and Durham and Humber Wolds Members posing outside Crown and Cushion Pub in Welburn after Friendship Walk and Lunch.

Dear Reader We would like to thank everybody that has contributed, members old and new. Please continue to send your Welcome to the latest edition images and articles as without your of the Cleveland and Durham continued help there would be no District Newsletter. newsletter.

You will note that we have changed This edition we have our usual Eagle the format and presentation on Eye Quiz with a prize of £25 in Marks advice from Head Office. We have an and Spencer vouchers. All the answers Out and About Section summarising are to be found in this newsletter. three months future events as well Congratulations to Margaret Wells as the Newsletter section covering who won the last quiz. recent events as previously. We invite you to give feed- back on the change David Smith or perhaps come along to one of our District Secretary meetings to let us know your ideas. A bit about us…

The Oddfellows is a friendly society with Branches across the UK. Through friendship and social events, we help our members get more enjoyment out of life, and offer care, advice and support in times of need. We welcome everyone of all ages. To find out more visit www.oddfellows.co.uk or call 0800 028 1810.

The Oddfellows is the trading name of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society Limited, incorporated and registered in England and Wales No. 223F. Registered Office: Oddfellows House, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB. 2 Sunday Contact Strollers Details

For more details about any of the events listed, membership and the wide range of benefits available, please call:

District Secretary Cleveland and Durham David Smith 43 Landseer Drive, Billingham, Cleveland TS23 3GF Telephone: 01642 655685 Why not join us for a Sunday Email: Stroll. We can vary the distances [email protected] depending on the fitness of the strollers. It is more of a social, Social Secretary friendly outing than the number of Margaret Wells miles we cover. We always include Clover Cottage, a coffee shop stop. Palace Row, Hart Village, If you are interested, please Hartlepool TS27 3AY contact Margaret on Telephone: 01429 599323 01429 599323 on the Saturday night prior to the walk. Luncheon Club Organisers Cleveland: Sue Davies Telephone: 01429 268760 Join the conversation Durham: Pat and Neville Hind @OddfellowsUK Telephone: 01388 417035 Share your news, start a District Chairman conversation or simply stay up- (Provincial Grand to-date! If you’re on Facebook, Master 2019) make sure you’ve liked and David Ison followed our Oddfellows social media pages. Find us at:

OddfellowsUK

3 January 2020

TUES Food with Friends at WED New Age Kurling 07 Marine Hotel 15 As per 12 noon 1pm £2 menu

The menu is either two or three Why not come and have a go at our course carvery or à la carte. regular Kurling event. Cost to include Members and friends are welcome. game, tea/coffee/biscuits. Bowburn Book by Sunday 5 January. The Community Centre, Durham Road, Marine Hotel, 5 The Front, Seaton Bowburn, Durham DH6 5AT. Contact Carew, Hartlepool TS25 1BS. Contact Margaret on 01429 599323 if you are Sue on 01429 268760. planning to attend.

FRI Burns Night Supper 24 and Dance Members £12 6.30pm Guests £15

MON Branch Meeting at 13 Hart Village

11.30am Free Join us for our annual Burns Night with dancing to a live Ceilidh Band 11.30am for the Committee of and includes supper. Vegetarian Management meeting, then 12.30pm option available if booked in for Good Intent Social Branch and advance. Dress formal or lounge 1.30pm for the District Meeting. suit. Book by Friday 10 January. Hart Village Hall, Front Street, Hart West Hartlepool Rugby Football Village, Hartlepool TS27 3AW. Contact Club, Catcote Road, Hartlepool Margaret on 01429 599323 or David TS25 4HA. Contact Margaret on on 01642 655685. 01429 599323.

4 January 2020 February

TUES MON 28 Quiz Night 03 Ten Pin Bowling

£6.20 for 7pm £2 1.30pm two games Members and friends are warmly Join us for an invited. Cost includes refreshments and afternoon of fun at free raffle. Book by Sunday 26 January. Hollywood Bowl, Owton Manor Community Centre, Teesside Park, Wynyard Road, Hartlepool TS25 3LQ. Stockton-on-Tees Contact Sue on 01429 268760 or David TS17 7BU. For further on 01642 655685. information or if attending please contact Neville or Pat on 01388 417035.

TUES Food with Friends at 04 Marine Hotel

As per 12 noon menu The menu is either two or three course carvery or à la carte. Members and friends are welcome. Book by Sunday 2 February. The Marine Hotel, 5 The Front, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool TS25 1BS. Contact Sue on 01429 268760.

MON Branch Meeting 10 at Bowburn WED Food with Friends at 29 The Avenue 11.30am Free

As per 12 noon 11.30am for the Committee of menu Management meeting, then 12.30pm Come and enjoy food with friends. for Good Intent Social Branch and Members and friends welcome. 1.30pm for the District Meeting. Book by Sunday 26 January. The Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Avenue, High Shincliffe, Durham Road, Bowburn, Durham DH6 5AT. DH1 2PT. Contact Neville and Pat on Contact Margaret on 01429 599323 or 01388 417035. David on 01642 655685. 5 February

TUES MON Frances Wilson - Local Pack a Picnic Supper 25 Historian Speaker 17 at Hart Village Hall 7pm £2 7pm Free The History of Binns Department Store. Members and friends are warmly welcomed. Cost including free raffle and refreshments. Book by Sunday 23 February. Owton Manor Community Centre, Wynyard Road, Hartlepool TS25 3LQ. Contact Sue on 01429 268760 or David on You are invited to bring a picnic 01642 655685. of your favourite food and drink to join friends for an evening of catch up chatter. Why not make your picnic for two or more and invite a friend to come along. The evening will include a bingo session. Tea and coffee will be served. Book by Monday 10 WED Food with Friends at February. Hart Village Hall, Front The Avenue Street, Hart Village, Hartlepool 26 TS27 3AW. Contact Margaret on As per 12 noon 01429 599323. menu Come and enjoy food with friends. WED Members and friends welcome. New Age Kurling Book by Sunday 26 January. The 19 Avenue, High Shincliffe, Durham DH1 2PT. Contact Neville and Pat on 1pm £2 01388 417035.

Why not come and have a go at our regular Kurling event. Cost to include game, tea/coffee/biscuits. Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Road, Bowburn, Durham DH6 5AT. Contact Margaret on 01429 599323 if you are planning to attend. 6 March

MON 02 Ten Pin Bowling TUES Saint Patrick’s Night 17 Dance and Supper £6.20 for 1.30pm two games Members £13 6.30pm Guests £16 Join us for an afternoon of fun at Hollywood Bowl, Teesside Park, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 7BU. For further information or if attending please contact Neville or Pat on 01388 417035. TUES Food with Friends at 03 Marine Hotel

As per 12 noon menu Join us for Saint Patrick’s Night The menu is either two or three with dancing to a live Ceilidh Band course carvery or à la carte. and includes supper. Vegetarian Members and friends are welcome. option available if booked in Book by Sunday 5 January. The advance. Book by Tuesday 3 Marine Hotel, 5 The Front, Seaton March. West Hartlepool Rugby Carew, Hartlepool TS25 1BS. Contact Football Club, Catcote Road, Sue on 01429 268760. Hartlepool TS25 4HA. Contact Margaret on 01429 599323.

MON 09 Annual Summoned Meeting

2pm Free

All members are invited to attend the Annual Summoned Meeting of the Cleveland and District Branch, to hear a review of the 2019 business and to accept the Financial Statement. After the completion of business, the Branch Officers for 2020-2021 will be installed. Followed by a buffet lunch. Book by Friday 6 March. Hart Village Hall, Front Street, Hart Village, Hartlepool TS27 3AW. Contact Margaret on 01429 599323.

7 March April

WED MON Branch Meeting at New Age Kurling 18 06 Bowburn

1pm £2 11.30am Free

Why not come and have a go at our 11.30am for the Committee of regular Kurling event. Cost to include Management meeting, then 12.30pm game, tea/coffee/biscuits. Bowburn for Good Intent Social Branch and Community Centre, Durham Road, 1.30pm for the District Meeting. Bowburn, Durham DH6 5AT. Contact Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Margaret on 01429 599323 if you are Road, Bowburn, Durham DH6 5AT. planning to attend. Contact Margaret on 01429 599323 or David on 01642 655685. WED Food with Friends at 25 The Avenue As per 12 noon menu

Come and enjoy food with friends. Members and friends welcome. Book by MON Sunday 22 March. The Avenue, High Shincliffe, Durham Ten Pin Bowling DH1 2PT. Contact Neville and Pat on 06 £6.20 for 01388 417035. 1.30pm two games TUES Alan McKinnell - Join us for an afternoon of fun at 31 Speaker Hollywood Bowl, Teesside Park, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 7BU. For 7pm £2 further information or if attending please contact Neville or Pat on Now and Then Postcards-West Hartlepool. 01388 417035. Members and friends are warmly welcomed. Cost including free raffle and refreshments. Book by Sunday 29 March. Owton Manor Community Centre, Wynyard Road, Hartlepool TS25 3LQ. Contact Sue on 01429 268760 or David on 01642 655685.

8 April

TUES Food with Friends at TUES Dennis Wake - 07 Marine Hotel 28 Woodturner

As per 12 noon 7pm £2 menu The menu is either two or three course Local woodturner demonstrating carvery or à la carte. Members and his craft. Members and friends are friends are welcome. Book by Sunday warmly welcomed. Cost including 5 April. The Marine Hotel, 5 The Front, free raffle and refreshments. Book Seaton Carew, Hartlepool TS25 1BS. by Sunday 26 April. Owton Manor Contact Sue on 01429 268760. Community Centre, Wynyard Road, Hartlepool TS25 3LQ. Contact WED Sue on 01429 268760 or David on New Age Kurling 15 01642 655685. WED Food with Friends at 1pm £2 29 The Avenue Why not come and have a go at our As per 12 noon regular Kurling event. Cost to include menu game, tea/coffee/biscuits. Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Road, Come and enjoy food with friends. Bowburn, Durham DH6 5AT. Contact Members and friends welcome. Book Margaret on 01429 599323 if you are by Sunday 26 April. The Avenue, High planning to attend. Shincliffe, Durham DH1 2PT. Contact Neville and Pat on 01388 417035.

FRI 24 Harrogate Spring Flower Show

8.30am Members £26.50, Guests £31.50

We are once more visiting by coach what is rated UK’s best gardening event by Which. Featuring beautiful show gardens, live entertainment, great shopping and the biggest exhibition by florists and flower arrangers in the country. Limited to 33 persons due to size of coach. Pick-up points are Historic Quay at 8.30am, Blackfords Garden Centre at 8.45am and The Swan, Billingham at 8.45am. Book by Friday 27 March. Harrogate Spring Flower Show, Great Yorkshire Showground, Railway Road, Harrogate HG2 8NZ. Contact Margaret on 01429 599323.

9 May

MON WED 04 Ten Pin Bowling 20 New Age Kurling

£6.20 for 1.30pm 1pm £2 two games Join us for an afternoon of fun at Why not come and have a go at our Hollywood Bowl, Teesside Park, regular Kurling event. Cost to include Stockton-on-Tees TS17 7BU. For game, tea/coffee/biscuits. Bowburn further information or if attending Community Centre, Durham Road, please contact Neville or Pat on Bowburn, Durham DH6 5AT. Contact 01388 417035. Margaret on 01429 599323 if you are planning to attend. TUES Food with Friends at 05 Marine Hotel TUES Tony Nicholson - Speaker As per 26 12 noon menu 7pm £2 The menu is either two or three course The Langworthy Mystery (connected carvery or à la with WH Stead, former Editor of carte. Members Northern Echo). Members and and friends are friends are warmly welcomed. Cost welcome. Book by Sunday 3 May. including free raffle and refreshments. The Marine Hotel, 5 The Front, Seaton Book by Sunday 24 May. Owton Carew, Hartlepool TS25 1BS. Contact Manor Community Centre, Wynyard Sue on 01429 268760. Road, Hartlepool TS25 3LQ. Contact Sue on 01429 268760 or David on MON Branch Meeting at 01642 655685. 11 Hart Village

11.30am Free

11.30am for the Committee of Management meeting, then 12.30pm for Good Intent Social Branch and 1.30pm for the District Meeting. Hart Village Hall, Front Street, Hart Village, Hartlepool TS27 3AW. Contact Margaret on 01429 599323 or David on 01642 655685. Image designed by macrovector/Freepik

10 May Look Out For...

WED Food with Friends at Hanging Basket Workshop by Howard Leslie The Avenue 27 Following the successful Christmas As per Workshop Howard Leslie has 12 noon menu promised to return on a date to be decided to hold a hanging basket Come and enjoy food with friends. workshop. You may bring your own Members and friends welcome. Book basket and compost and plants will by Sunday 24 May. The Avenue, High be provided or all materials to be Shincliffe, Durham DH1 2PT. Contact included as a separate cost. Neville and Pat on 01388 417035.

SUN Coach Tour staying at Please book as 31 The Oxford Belfry Hotel soon as possible TBC £310

We will depart on Sunday 31 May for a five day with four night stay at The Oxford Belfry Hotel on Dinner, Bed and Breakfast basis. Leisure and spa facilities. Three day excursions. Deposit of £50 per person required by Friday 10 January. Single supplement of £25 per person, per night. Cheques should be made payable to Cairngorm Travel. The Oxford Belfry Hotel, Milton Common, Thame OX9 2JW. Contact Margaret on 01429 599323.

11 A Yorkshire View - Oddfellows Trip to Rudesheim Germany - August 2019

This was our first trip. What a start. We were collected five minutes from home and whisked away to meet the main coach at Grantham Services. We were a little conscious of being the ’newbies’ but everyone was so friendly and made us welcome- especially Margaret, our leader and ‘Wonder Woman’.

Hit roadworks just short of the Tunnel which entailed a two hour detour for our driver Steve, followed by another delay on t’ other side .We finally reached our overnight stay in La Louviere, Belgium in the dark and pouring rain. After a good night’s sleep we set off in anticipation of our arrival in Rudesheim, but first a lunch stop in sunny Koblenz with lovely views Rüdesheimer Schloss. of the rivers Moselle and Rhine only to be marred by a wasp sting- ouch! the hotel Altdeutsche Weinstube we were warmly welcomed on check-in, the rooms The drive alongside the Rhine to our being comfortable and spacious. We had hotel was lovely, pretty villages, castles a three-course meal every evening which and vineyards stretching up the valley as perhaps lacked a little in variety but was far as the eye could see. On arriving at well cooked and presented.

12 Hazel and Nancy enjoying refreshments whilst cruising the Rhine. Where is Dorothy?

This hotel did not have a bar/lounge small pick- up point at Kaub admiring the which was a disadvantage not only for beautiful landscape cruising the Rhine for those less mobile but also meant we were a couple of hours with a drink! not able to meet and chat as a group. Wednesday-This was no music trip We had two free days on this trip so plenty on ‘Route 66’ to Frankfurt for Steve of time to relax and explore. Our first day on his birthday due to closures of the we explored Rudesheim, taking the cable motorways. The majority of people made car up the mountain to spectacular views of their way to the old quarter of Frankfurt the Rhine Valley simply stunning. Locally relaxing around the main large square there was a wine and music festival held in either viewing magnificent buildings or the market square which was buzzing. shopping. The evening was rounded off with a party for Steve in the International Another day we drove down to picturesque Bar with him leading the conga. Boppard and returned by boat to the Continued on the next page

Taking time out in Boppard before boarding Rhine Cruise.

Picture top left: Coming off the Rhine Cruise ship.

13 Continued from the previous page On Thursday our second free day some took the train to Koblenz with its huge fortress while Margaret and co spent several hours shopping for ‘sparklers’ in Rudesheim. Hilariously funny requesting them from the shopkeepers.

Our return overnight stop was Valkenburg, Holland a lovely town with lots of restaurants and bars, great atmosphere. Boys being Boys. Universal agreement we all enjoyed this visit with a wish to return.

A trip to remember for a different reason for the Varley’s and the Neary’s! Another tale in itself. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, haven’t laughed so much for a long time and can’t wait for the next trip.

Sheila and John; Jenny and Richard (Beverley Branch) Margaret trying to use a camera.

Where is Carol?

14 Friendship Month 10th Anniversary

We kicked off Friendship Month with well attended interesting presentation a presentation on the ‘Past, Present was followed by afternoon tea and Future of the Oddfellows’ given giving members and friends an by our friends of the Yorkshire Group opportunity to gain more knowledge Executive, Barbara Needham, Colin of Oddfellows. Pictures below are our Woodward and Derek Stansfield. A Friendship Month Coffee Morning.

Helen Ison and Phyl Hubbard The card says it all. Celebrating ten manning the cake stall at the years of friendship. Alan and Audi Friendship Coffee Morning in aid Troilett always up for a good time! of Macmillan Nurses.

Alice, Pat and Eileen welcomed by Michael Neary holding out the hand of friendship.

15 Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel Black Tie Charity Dinner

On Saturday 16 November we held our District Chairman (Provincial Grand Master) charity evening in aid of Alice House Hospice Hartlepool and District.

David Ison, District Chairman welcomed Barbara Hewitson, Ian Hewitson, all our guests and hoped everyone had an Wendy Snowdon and (Deputy enjoyable evening. We were entertained Chairman) Deputy Provincial by the fabulous Rockoholics, as we danced Grand Master Ian Snowdon. the evening away with friends. During the interval the raffle was drawn which raised David Smith the grand sum of £213.30. District Secretary

Rockoholics performing at Black Guests dancing at Black Tie Dinner. Tie Dinner.

Margaret Crossley, Joan Terrington Clive Wormald, Sandra Wormald with District Secretary, David Smith and District Chairman, David Ison, dining at Black Tie Dinner. sharing a joke!

16 Past Branch Chairman Michael Past Branch Chairman John and and Edith Neary. Margaret Collins.

Sheila McDonald, Edith Ward, Tracy Dr Julie Neary and Mr Mohamed Woodward and Eileen Manners El Menabawey. relaxing at Black Tie Dinner. Last Night of the Proms Concert

John Hubbard, winner of the hamper, in the raffle to raise funds The Hartlepool Ceremonial for Alice House Hospice, with Mayor, Councillor Brenda Loynes, Margaret Wells at the Black Tie greets Mohamed El Menabawe, Charity Dinner held at Hardwicke Freeman of Hartlepool, before the Hall Manor Hotel. start of the concert.

17 Social Evenings at Owton Manor Community Centre and Marine Lunches

where they meet is cosy and the activities they have are varied. Light refreshments are served and there is a free raffle… all for £2 per person.

Please let Sue know (01429 268760) in order to ensure there is a seat available. ‘Food with Friends’ luncheons at the Marine Hotel continue to be popular,attracting 20-24 people on the first Tuesday of every month. Harry Connell and Margaret Scott at the Marine Christmas Lunch. The food is good and reasonably priced with a carvery or one, two or three course We have seen 18-25 members and friends on the last Tuesday of meal for less than £7 per head. Members, every month. Sue wishes to thank family and friends are all welcome but all the members who stepped into please let Sue (01429 268760) know if you the breach to look after the events will be there. following her accident. The room

Top: Members Christmas lunch group photograph on Tuesday 3 December.

18 Sunday Strollers setting off on the annual Santa Run to support Alice House Hospice

Wreath Making Event

Joyce Golightly and Dr Julie Neary Lucy Dawson, Jean Armstrong and taking liquid refreshment during the Grace Lewis with their finished wreath-making exercise. Christmas Wreaths.

Howard Leslie with his pupils. Valerie showing the fruits of her labour.

19 The story of Le Strange trip with Oddfellows

As a life member of the society but never an active member it was with some trepidation that I had persuaded Sue and friends George and Liz to accompany me on a trip to Thursford to see a Christmas Spectacular.

We were picked up at Stockton and headed for the Le Strange Hotel, Hunstanton, Norfolk. We can certainly vouch for the fact that this trip was one of the most enjoyable week-ends that we have had. The ‘Oddfellows’ certainly know how Lifetime member, Stuart Forrest returns to the fold. Back row: to put on a trip, thanks to the tremendous George Eveson, Margaret Wells organisation by Margaret. When Margaret and Stuart Forrest. Front row: Sue handed out chocolates and wine on the Forrest and Liz Eveson. coach we were very pleased. When we mentioned this to Margaret she retorted One point however, a planned trip to ‘It gets better’. What could be better than Stratford on the way down was a non- chocolate and drink? Drugs maybe? event (joke), I think we were bard! (another joke), but an impromptu visit to The other passengers certainly made us Springfield Discount Shops on the way feel at home and couldn’t have made home was most appreciated by the shop- us feel more welcome. The hotel, the keepers, who would have preferred us to Christmas spectacular and coach were stay for more than two hours! all first class and the fellow Oddfellows should certainly be proud of being called George and Elizabeth Everson (Liz), a friendly society because they most were so impressed with the trip and the emphatically are!

20 Oddfellows that they have made enquiries about becoming members and are waiting for the necessary information and documentation to arrive. They felt that the hard work and effort put into making the trip so successful was very much appreciated thank you all very much.

Personally I’m pleased I’ve reconnected with odd-fellowship and I’m sure we will certainly be joining them on further social outings.

Muses from the Forrests and Eversons Tuesday 12 November 2019 Branch Chairman David Ison with Top left: Group photograph of Margaret, Joan and Helen (left to those attending the Thursford right) relaxing after dinner. Christmas Spectacular.

Oddfellows Summer Holiday Join with other 6 – 10 July 2020: 4 nights (half-board) Oddfellows and Standard room from £321 per person enjoy a wonderful Signature room from £361 per person summer break Warner Cricket St Thomas Hotel, Chard, Somerset TA20 4DD

To book call Warner on 0330 1009 772 (Booking reference 4373341) and quote ODDFELLOWS

All holidays are booked through third party travel companies and terms and conditions apply. Holidays are open to Oddfellows members and their guests only. For more information ask the reservations team when booking. 21 Last Ten Pin Bowling session of the year Photographs and report by Harry Connell

Eileen Manners handing the trophy to Neville Hind.

Doesn’t do justice to the occasion, Maureen Smith dancing with the wooden spoon before handing it to Malcolm.

Maureen presenting the wooden spoon to Malcolm.

22 Eagle-Eye Quiz Why not have a go at winning £25 in Marks & Spencer vouchers* in our Eagle- Eye Quiz? All you need to do is find the answers to our 10 questions below, which can be found throughout this newsletter. So get reading and get spotting!

Send your answers, along with your name, address and contact number to [email protected] by Saturday 1 February. You can also enter by post: David Smith, 43 Landseer Drive, Billingham TS23 3GF. The competition is open to Cleveland and Durham Oddfellows members only. Good luck! Questions 1. On the tour to Germany where was the first overnight stay? 2. Who had a Birthday during the Rhine Tour? 3. During the Friendship Walk with members from Humber Wolds where did we have lunch? 4. What charity did the Provincial Grand Master support at his Black Tie Dinner Event? 5. Where did the members stay whilst attending the Thursford Christmas Spectacular? 6. Which group of friends gave a presentation to us during Friendship Month? 7. On what date will the Burns Night Supper be held next January? 8. Which Spring Flower Show will we be attending in April 2020? 9. Which Freeman of Hartlepool greeted the Mayor at the Oddfellows Brass Concert? 10. Which group performed the music at the Black Tie Dinner?

*Competition terms and conditions: Entry to the competition is automatic on submission of the required information. We will not share your details with any other party. Only one entry per person. No cash alternative is available. The competition is managed and fulfilled by Cleveland and Durham Oddfellows Branch (the Promoter), 43 Landseer Drive, Billingham TS23 3GF.

The competition will close on Saturday 1 February at 23.59 hours. The draw will take place shortly afterwards.

The winner will be notified by email or phone within four weeks of the close of the competition. The Promoter, on receipt of a stamped address envelope, will provide details of the winning entry. The promoter has the right to publicly disclose the name of the winner. The decision of the Promoter on any matter relating to these rules shall be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

23 Chicken and Ham Lasagne By Justine Pattison (www.bbcgoodfood.com) Preparation: 20 minutes | Cook: 50 minutes | Serves: 6 - 8

This comforting dish of layered pasta sheets, meat and spinach is topped with gooey, melted cheese - freeze now for entertaining later. Ingredients • 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (around 700g) • ½ medium onion, sliced • 2 bay leaves • 200ml white wine • 100g butter • 100g plain flour • 500ml semi-skimmed milk cook for about a minute. Gradually • 140g sliced smoked ham, cut add the milk, a little at a time, stirring into strips well between each addition to ensure • 200g young spinach leaves the sauce stays smooth. Once all the milk has been added, stir in the • 225g no pre-cook dried lasagne reserved cooking liquid and continue sheets (about 20 sheets) cooking for a further two to three • 200g ready-grated mozzarella minutes. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Heat oven to 200˚c/180˚c fan/gas 6. • 25g parmesan, finely grated Cut the chicken into small chunks Method and stir into the saucepan. Add the Put the chicken breasts in a medium ham and spinach and cook until the saucepan with the onion, bay leaves spinach has wilted. Spoon a third of and wine. Pour over just enough water the chicken mixture into the base of a to cover, around 200ml. Put a lid on three litre lasagne dish (about 26cm x top and bring to a gentle simmer. 18cm). Top with a third of the lasagne Poach gently for 15 minutes or until sheets. Repeat the layers twice more, the chicken is just cooked. Transfer ending with lasagne. Scatter the the chicken to a board and strain the mozzarella and Parmesan on top and liquid into a jug. season with black pepper. Can be frozen at this stage. Bake for about 25 Melt the butter in a large non-stick minutes or until the lasagne is tender, saucepan over a medium heat. Stir the topping is well browned and the in the flour with a wooden spoon and filling hot.

24 Beetle Drive

Pat and Neville Hind with friends Ann Thompson winner of the raffle off to a good start. Looks like she’s as we were delighted to see you thrown a six! back after your surgery.

Sheila McDonald - overall winner Hilarity and Concentration at of the beetle drive held in October. Beetle Drive.

Is there someone you know who’d enjoy what we do? Refer a friend today

To refer a friend, call Membership on 0800 028 1810, or visit our Members’ Area at www.oddfellows.co.uk or fill in the Refer a Friend form available from your Branch Secretary

*Terms and conditions apply to the Refer a Friend offer. It cannot be used in conjunction with any other member offer. For full terms and conditions and for details of the rewards visit www.oddfellows.co.uk/offers. Ref 1644

25 Eagle Eyed Quiz New Members Last Answers Sheila Byers, Beverley Metcalfe, Jean Tumilty, Graeme Hall MBE 1. Ten and Sarah Myners 2. The National Arboretum 3. 4 Tablespoons of Olive Oil 4. The British Heart Foundation Members 5. Duke of Gordon Hotel Remembered 6. The Hutchinson Family 7. Macmillan Nurses David Fisher, Lilly Dent, Margaret Bell, Shelia Puttick and 8. Humber Wolds District Robert Taylor 9. Howard Leslie 10. A5 Our thoughts are with their families at this difficult time.

Branch Meetings The Good Intent Branch meeting at 11.30am for the Committee of Management meeting, then at 12.30pm to discuss future social events. This is followed by the District Business Meeting which commences at 1.30pm. All members are invited to attend.

Monday 13 January Hart Village Hall, Front Street, Hart, Hartlepool TS27 3AW

Monday 10 February Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Road, Bowburn DH6 5AT

Monday 9 March Annual General Meeting at Hart Village Hall, Hart, Hartlepool TS27 3AW at 2pm. All Members are invited to attend to hear a review of 2019 business and to accept The Financial Statement. After completion of business, the Branch Officers for 2020-2021 will be installed followed by a buffet lunch.

Monday 6 April Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Road, Bowburn DH6 5AT.

26 Society News News Issue 8 www.oddfellows.co.uk Lifting neighbourly spirit How well do you know your neighbours?

Many of us are guilty of being caught up in our busy lives, forgetting to stop and say hello. We share so much with the people who live on our street, but often we barely know their names.

A strong community spirit is something we actively encourage. Our ethos of making friends and helping people means that our in need of a helping hand. Or, better still, members enjoy a strong support network extend the gesture with a knock on their to get them through the good, and the bad. door and a friendly hello.

So why not spread that net of kindness You don’t have to become their best friend, a little wider, by extending your hand of but being a friendly face and an ambassador friendship to those who live around you? for community spirit could be the lift your If you notice that your neighbour lives alone, neighbourhood needs. I’m of the firm belief has a lot on their plate, or doesn’t often get that you can never have too many social many visitors, then why not stop by to see plans. Sometimes people just need someone if you can help? Colder seasons provide a to talk to, or someone to suggest getting great opportunity to drop a card through out, so why not let them know about your their door with your contact details for Branch’s local coffee mornings, the trips out them to give you a call if they’re ever and the wonderful benefits of membership? You can be sure they’ll receive a warm welcome whenever they choose to come to an event.

Wishing you, your families and your neighbours a very happy and healthy 2020.

A little neighbourly spirit goes a long way CEO, the Oddfellows

27 Society News Issue 8

HA Andrews and the Lupus Trust

For the next three years, the Why did we choose the Lupus Trust? Oddfellows’ HA Andrews Memorial The Lupus Trust was suggested as a Fund is supporting the Lupus Trust beneficiary of the HA Andrews Memorial with its research into how lupus Fund by members of Ware Lodge, Brian develops, in order to find ways to and Pamela Weavers. Their son, Paul, was prevent or cure this lifelong condition. diagnosed with the condition at just 17, and as there’s no cure, he has lived with So what is Lupus? the effects ever since. Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which antibodies, which usually work with the immune system to protect us from infection, instead attack the body and cause disease. It is not known why these antibodies are made in lupus patients, or even how the system in healthy people stops this from happening. The Lupus Research Team at Guy’s Hospital recently identified an immune response pathway that is defective in patients with the most severe forms of lupus. The HA Andrews Memorial Fund will support the team’s research into understanding B-cell defects in Paul takes a closer look at the research lupus patients, and what causes them.

28 Society News Issue 8

When we visited the Lupus Trust, to present the first of three annual donations which will total £85,000, we spoke to Professor D’Cruz, Professor and Consultant Rheumatologist at Guy’s Hospital, London. He’s working closely with the research team and says: “This is a vital and very exciting piece of research into lupus, so we are extremely grateful for the kind grant the Lupus Trust has received from the Oddfellows to fund the project for 3 years.”

The Oddfellows’ team is shown around the lab

Paul now 53, says: “Lupus leaves me feeling constantly exhausted and the skin rashes which flare up occasionally have caused permanent scarring. Holidays are difficult, as I have to avoid the sunshine, and sand can irritate my skin. As a college lecturer, I try not to let it get in the way of anything I do. When I found out the Oddfellows was supporting the Lupus Trust, I was genuinely over the moon.” CEO Jane Nelson and Grand Master David Randall at the lab

Lupus is often called “the great mimic”, as it can affect different parts of the body and is often misdiagnosed. It is currently unknown what causes lupus, although studies have identified a definite genetic tendency, which may be triggered and become active. It isn’t a contagious disease, but there isn’t yet a cure, only treatments which help to control symptoms.

The fund will support the To learn more about lupus, the Lupus addition of Bekki Velounias Trust and the work they do, please visit (pictured) to the research team www.lupus.org.uk

29 Society News Issue 8 Sharing is caring – thank you Pat! We love to recognise How many members those who go above have you referred? and beyond when I’ve referred 23 new members so far, and recommending I’m very blessed to have a wonderful and the Society to their rather large circle of friends who have seen friends. So we’re pleased to share how happy Oddfellows makes me, before that Patricia Sexton, joining on my recommendation. member of the King’s Lynn Oddfellows, has What’s your favourite achieved the Gold thing about the Oddfellows? Refer a Friend Award. My favourite thing about being a member is having the opportunity to meet so Congratulations, Pat! many lovely people, and with new Thank you. I’m very grateful and proud to members joining all the time, it’s a lovely have reached this level. I really enjoy being way to make some new friends. My a member of the Oddfellows, and I often husband, Richard, is also a member, so it’s volunteer for a lot of the social activities, lovely to go to events as a couple as well. to help them run as smoothly as possible. What’s the general response When did you join the when you first tell people Oddfellows, and why? about the Oddfellows? It was a friend who referred me, Lots of people have heard of us, but they actually! Back in late 2016, I attended don’t know what we do. I’ll often show a few events with my friend Violet, them a copy of our events diary and invite and I decided to join in January 2017. them along to the next coffee morning I love the Oddfellows ethos of ‘making or talk. Usually, at the end of the event, friends, helping people’, as it truly they’re keen to come to the next one! sums up what we do.

Did you know we have a monthly e-newsletter? Featuring exclusive member offers, real life stories, advice and news, it’s delivered direct to your email inbox once a month. If you don’t receive this already, speak to your Branch Secretary, or call Membership on 0800 028 1810, so we can get you added to the mailing list.

30 Cleveland and Durham District

To request contact from a Welfare Visitor and for local help and information about Branch benefits and benevolence contact.

Care and Margaret Wells Welfare Telephone: Officers 01429 599323

Care and David Smith Welfare Telephone: Volunteers 01642 655685

Oddfellows Advice Line Call 0800 0149 821* (free to callers from any landline or mobile number) Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 4.30pm Email: [email protected] Run by Citizens Advice for Oddfellows members, you can access free, confidential, independent advice on welfare benefits, money and debt issues, consumer problems, housing, fuel bills, employment issues and many other issues.

*The Oddfellows cannot provide legal advice and accepts no liability whatsoever for advice provided by Citizens Advice, which is an independent advice agency. If you have any queries about the advice you have received or wish to make a complaint then you should contact Citizens Advice directly. Citizens Advice operate a formal complaints process. Care and Welfare Helpline Call 0800 0149 822 (free to callers from any landline or mobile number) Monday to Thursday, 9.30am - 4.30pm, Friday, 9.30am - 4pm Email: [email protected] Run by the Oddfellows Care and Welfare Department, you can access information and guidance on issues such as accessing health and care services, supported housing, support for carers, and planning for later life. The helpline will try and identify any Oddfellows benefits or services in the community which may be of help to you.

Visit our website page at www.oddfellows.co.uk/benefits/care for care and welfare information At a glance January 2020 March Tues 7 Food with Friends 12 noon Wed 18 New Age Kurling 1pm at Marine Hotel Wed 25 Food with Friends 12 noon Mon 13 Branch Meeting See at The Avenue at Hart Village Diary Tues 31 Alan McKinnell - 7pm Wed 15 New Age Kurling 1pm Speaker Fri 24 Burns Night 6.30pm Supper and Dance April Tues 28 Quiz Night 7pm Mon 6 Branch Meeting See at Bowburn Diary Wed 29 Food with Friends 12 noon at The Avenue Mon 6 Ten Pin Bowling 1.30pm Tues 7 Food with Friends 12 noon February at Marine Hotel Mon 3 Ten Pin Bowling 1.30pm Wed 15 New Age Kurling 1pm Tues 4 Food with Friends 12 noon Fri 24 Harrogate Spring 8.30am at Marine Hotel Flower Show Mon 10 Branch Meeting See Tues 28 Dennis Wake - 7pm at Bowburn Diary Woodturner Mon 17 Pack a Picnic 7pm Wed 29 Food with Friends 12 noon Supper at Hart at The Avenue Village Hall Wed 19 New Age Kurling 1pm May Tues 25 Frances Wilson - 7pm Mon 4 Ten Pin Bowling 1.30pm Local Historian Tues 5 Food with Friends 12 noon Speaker at Marine Hotel Wed 26 Food with Friends 12 noon Mon 11 Branch Meeting See at The Avenue at Hart Village Diary Wed 20 New Age Kurling 1pm March Tues 26 Tony Nicholson - 7pm Mon 2 Ten Pin Bowling 1.30pm Speaker Tues 3 Food with Friends 12 noon Wed 27 Food with Friends 12 noon at Marine Hotel at The Avenue Mon 9 Annual Summoned 2pm Sun 31 Coach Tour TBC Meeting staying at The Tues 17 Saint Patrick’s 6.30pm Oxford Belfry Hotel Night Dance and Supper