Cleveland and Durham District Autumn - Winter 2019 Memories from our Annual Ladies Day Luncheon at Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel (All images courtesy of Eileen Manners) Dear Reader

Welcome to the latest edition All the answers are to be found in of the and Durham this newsletter. Congratulations to Margaret Wells who won the District Newsletter. last quiz. It was drawn by Junior I would like to thank everybody that Member, Annabel Leishman whilst has contributed, members old and enjoying a walk out with our regular new. Please continue to send your Sunday Strollers. images and articles as without your continued help there would be no Nick Hubbard newsletter. This month we have our Editor usual Eagle Eye quiz with a prize of £25 in Marks and Spencers vouchers. 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 and Wales No. 223F. Registered Office: Oddfellows House, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB. 2 Contact Details

For more details about any of the Luncheon Club Organisers events listed, membership and the Cleveland: Sue Davies wide range of benefits available, Telephone: 01429 268760 please call: Durham: Pat and Neville Hind District Secretary Telephone: 01388 417035 Cleveland and Durham David Smith District Chairman 43 Landseer Drive, (Provincial Grand , Master 2019) Cleveland TS23 3GF David Ison Telephone: 01642 655685 Email: [email protected] Newsletter Editor Nick Hubbard Social Secretary Telephone: 07808 581822 Margaret Wells Email: Clover Cottage, [email protected] Palace Row, Hart Village, TS27 3AY Telephone: 01429 599323

Sunday Strollers

Why not join us for a Sunday Stroll. We can vary the distances depending on the fitness of the strollers. It is more of a social, friendly outing than the number of miles we cover. We always include a coffee shop stop.

If you are interested, please contact Margaret on 01429 599323 on the Saturday night prior to the walk.

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August 2019 Tuesday 6 - Food with Friends, 12 noon Come and join us for a two course carvery or an a la carte choice. Good food, good company and pleasant surroundings – what more could you wish for! Members and friends are welcome and, even if you come alone, you won’t be lonely for long. Address: The Marine Hotel, 5 The Front, , Hartlepool TS25 1BS. Please let Sue know on 01429 268760 if you are joining us because of catering arrangements, although you only order food on arrival.

Half Yearly Summoned Meeting Monday 12 August, 1.30pm Hart Village Hall, Front Street, Hartlepool TS27 3AW. All members are invited to attend.

Saturday 17 - Coach Trip to the Rhine Valley, Germany. – Sold Out An eight day coach holiday with Cairngorm Travel to the Rhine Valley, Germany. A reserve list is in place.

Tuesday 27 - Talk by Gavin Morrigan, 7pm Gavin Morrigan from Home Instead will be warning us about fraud. The charity works in conjunction with the police and trading standards to help local people on a number of topics. Address: Community Centre, Wynyard Road, Hartlepool TS25 3LQ. Cost: £2 which includes refreshments and raffle. Please contact Sue on 01429 268760 if you are attending for seating arrangements.

Wednesday 28 - Food with Friends, 12 noon Why not join us for lunch? We meet at The Avenue, High , Durham DH12PT. Cost: As per menu. Looking forward to seeing you there! Further details from Pat and Neville on 01388 417035.

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September - Friendship Month Tuesday 3 - Food with Friends, 12 noon Come and join us for a two course carvery or an a la carte choice. Good food, good company and pleasant surroundings – what more could you wish for! Members and friends are welcome and, even if you come alone, you won’t be lonely for long. Address: The Marine Hotel, 5 The Front, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool TS25 1BS. Please let Sue know on 01429 268760 if you are joining us because of catering arrangements, although you only order food on arrival.

Monday 9 - Ten Pin Bowling, 1.30pm Join us for an afternoon of fun at Hollywood Bowl, Park, Stockton-on-Tees TS17 7BU. For further information or if attending please contact Neville or Pat on 01388 417035. Interactive Information Presentation on the Past, Present and Future of The Oddfellows Monday 9 September - 2pm Hart Village Hall, Front Street, Hartlepool TS27 3AW. During ‘Friendship Month’ Cleveland & Durham District Lodge invites members, friends and the public to join us at an informal presentation on the past, present and future of the Oddfellows. Our friends of the Yorkshire Group, Barbara Needham, Derek Stansfield and Colin Woodward will present aspects of interest relating to Oddfellowship. In particular history of the order in and around our local area. Current benefits available to existing and potential members will be outlined, together with the social and friendly side of the organisation.

Members are requested to bring along any memorabilia that they possess to be part of the presentation or just to show around to the audience. Questions from the audience will be encouraged throughout the presentation. Following the meeting refreshments will be served giving the audience a chance to socialise. Contact Margaret 01429 599323.

5 diary Friendship Walk Monday 16 September, 10.30am Castle Howard Area

Members of Humber Wold Branch have invited us to join them on their annual walk in the Castle Howard area, taking in spectacular views, a three or five mile walk will start at The Crown and Cushion, Welburn, North Yorkshire YO60 7DZ at 10.30am, to return there for lunch at approximately 1.30pm. Non-walkers are most welcome.

Wednesday 18 - New Age Kurling, 1pm Why not come and have a go at our new regular Kurling event. Address: Community Centre, Durham Road, Bowburn, Durham DH65AT. Cost: £2 to include game, tea/coffee/biscuits. Contact Margaret on 01429 599323 if you are planning to attend. Saturday 21 - Coffee Morning Supporting Macmillan Nurses, 10.30am We will celebrate 10 years of Friendship Month while helping this worthwhile national charity event. Join us with friends, everyone welcome. Address: Hart Village Hall, Front Street, Hart, Hartlepool TS27 3AW. Cost: Tickets £4 includes coffee/tea and cake. Stalls including tombola and raffle. Contact Margaret 01429 599323. Tuesday 24 - Bound for Botany Bay, 7pm Local historian John Oxley will be telling us about North Eastern convicts deported to Australia including people from Newcastle to . Members and friends are warmly welcomed. Address: Owton Manor Community Centre, Wynyard Road, Hartlepool TS25 3LQ. Please contact Sue on 01429 268760. Wednesday 25 - Food with Friends, 12 noon Why not join us for lunch? We meet at The Avenue, High Shincliffe, Durham DH12PT. Looking forward to seeing you there! Further details from Pat and Neville on 01388 417035. October Tuesday 1 - Food with Friends, 12 noon Come and join us for a two course carvery or an a la carte choice. Good food, good company and pleasant surroundings – what more could you wish for! Members and friends are welcome and, even if you come alone, you won’t be lonely for long. Address: The Marine Hotel, 5 The Front, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool TS25 1BS. Please let Sue know on 01429 268760 if you are joining us because of catering arrangements, although you only order food on arrival. 6 diary

Monday 7 - Ten Pin Bowling, 1.30pm 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.

Monday 14 - Branch Meeting, 1.30pm The Good Intent Branch meeting discusses future social events and will start at 12.30pm. This is followed by the District business meeting commencing 1.30pm. Both of these meetings will be held at Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Road, Bowburn DH6 5AT. All members are invited to attend.

Wednesday 16 - New Age Kurling, 1pm Why not come and have a go at our new regular Kurling event. Address: Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Road, Bowburn, Durham DH6 5AT. Cost: £2 to include game, tea/coffee/biscuits. Contact Margaret 01429 599323 if you are planning to attend.

Saturday 19 - Beetle Drive/Pie and Pea Supper, 7pm Back by popular demand, an evening of hilarious fun, meeting and mixing with friends old and new. No skill required! Address: Hart Village Hall, Front Street, Hartlepool TS27 3AW. Cost: Tickets £5 includes pie and pea supper. Contact Margaret 01429 599323.

Oddfellows Brass Charity Concert. Last Night of the Headland Proms’ in aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity Saturday 26 October, 2pm

St Hilda’s Church, Church Close, Hartlepool TS24 0PW

We are delighted to welcome back our very own Oddfellows Brass to the Cleveland and Durham District. They will entertain us at what can only be described as a magical event. Cost: Tickets £9 Adults £5 Children under 16. Including a glass of wine/ soft drink in the interval, available from David on 01642 655685 or email [email protected] or Margaret on 01429 599323.

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October Wednesday 23 - Food with Friends, 12 noon Why not join us for lunch? We meet at The Avenue, High Shincliffe, Durham DH1 2PT. Looking forward to seeing you there! Further details from Pat and Neville on 01388 417035. Tuesday 29 - Bound for Botany Bay Part 2, 7pm Local Historian John Oxley will be concluding his talk about local convicts deported to Australia. Address: Owton Manor Community Centre, Wynyard Road, Hartlepool TS25 3LQ. Cost: £2 which includes refreshments and a raffle. Members and friends are warmly welcomed. Please contact Sue on 01429 268760 if you are attending for seating arrangements. November Monday 4 - Ten Pin Bowling, 1.30pm 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. Tuesday 5 - Food with Friends - No Fireworks Please!, 12 noon Come and join us for a two course carvery or an a la carte choice. Good food, good company and pleasant surroundings – what more could you wish for! Members and friends are welcome and, even if you come alone, you won’t be lonely for long. Address: The Marine Hotel, 5 The Front, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool TS25 1BS. Please let Sue Davies know on 01429 268760 if you are joining us because of catering arrangements, although you only order food on arrival.

Friday 8 to Sunday 10 - Thursford Christmas Spectacular Only one twin/double room is now left for our three day and two night coach trip to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular staying at Le Strange Arms, Hunstanton. Costs £249pp includes bed/breakfast/evening meal and ticket to show. (Single supplement £10 per night applies) £50 deposit secures booking. Contact Margaret on 01429 599323.

Monday 11 - Branch Meeting, 1.30pm The Good Intent Branch meeting discusses future social events and will start at 12.30pm. This is followed by The District business meeting commencing 1.30pm. Both of these meetings will be held in Hart Village Hall, Front Street, Hart, Hartlepool, TS27 3AW. All members are invited to attend. 8 diary

District Chairman (Provincial Grand Masters) Black Tie Charity Evening Saturday 16 November, 6.30pm for 7pm Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel, Road, , Hartlepool TS27 4PA

Following last year’s successful event we are repeating it at the request of Provisional Grand Master (District Chairman) David Ison, who wishes to support Alice House Hospice Hartlepool and District. Welcome drinks. We will be entertained by the fabulous Rockoholics and this promises to be a sell-out event so early booking is advised. Cost: Tickets £25. Contact Margaret on 01429 599323.

Wednesday 20 - New Age Kurling, 1pm Why not come and have a go at our new regular Kurling event. Address: Bowburn Community Centre, Durham Road, Bowburn, Durham DH6 5AT. Cost: £2 to include: game, tea/coffee/biscuits. Contact Margaret 01429 599323 if you are planning to attend. Christmas Wreath Making Monday 25 November, 1pm to 3pm Hart Village Hall, Front Street, Hart, Hartlepool TS27 3AW

Following a very informative evening held at Wynyard Road Community Centre by Howard Leslie (Plantsman and Gardener) he has agreed to return and instruct us on how to make our very own Christmas wreath for the door or table centre. As the session can only accommodate 15 persons he will facilitate two dates (the second date Monday 2 December). Cost: £15 to include all materials, tea/coffee and a mince pie. Contact Margaret on 01429 599323.

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November Tuesday 26 - Christmas Fun Quiz Night, 7pm Christmas Quiz Night with fun, much head scratching and prizes as usual. Members and friends are warmly welcomed. Address: Owton Manor Community Centre, Wynyard Road, Hartlepool TS25 3LQ. Cost: £2 which includes refreshments and a raffle. Please contact Sue on 01429 268760 if you are attending for seating arrangements.

Wednesday 27 - Food with Friends, 12 noon Why not join us for lunch? We meet at The Avenue, High Shincliffe, Durham, DH12PT. Looking forward to seeing you there! Further details from Pat and Neville on 01388 417035. December Tuesday 3 - Food with Friends Christmas Lunch, 12 noon The Marine Hotel, 5 The Front, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool TS25 1BS. Menu will be available in October for guests to choose their meal. Travel places with Friendly Faces With group holidays, short breaks, exclusive discounts, travel offers and the opportunity to get to know other Oddfellows travellers, the Active Travel Club has something for everyone to enjoy.

Fred. Olsen Haven Warner Leisure Travel Cruise Lines Holidays Holidays Insurance*

Check out the latest holidays at www.oddfellows.co.uk/travel Contact 0161 832 9361 or email [email protected]

All holidays are booked through third party travel companies and terms and conditions apply. Please ask for further details before booking. Holidays are open to Oddfellows members and their guests. *Oddfellows Support Services Limited will introduce members to the above organisation. Oddfellows Support Services Limited receives a commission payment for any introduction. Oddfellows Support Services Limited is registered in England and Wales, Company No. 8309175. Registered Office: Oddfellows House, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB and is a non-regulated wholly owned subsidiary of The Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society Limited. TPA60419

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Pre-Christmas welcomeAll Scottish Break Saturday 14 to Wednesday 18 December Duke Of Gordon Hotel, Newtonmore Rd, Kingussie PH21 1HE

Our annual traditional Price includes bed, full Scottish pre-Christmas 5 day, 4 nights break breakfast, evening meal to the Scottish Highlands needs no and entertainment. promoting at all! Many members and friends have joined us for Itinerary and excursions will be several years to enjoy the delights finalised before travel. A deposit of the Duke of Gordon Hotel with of £50 per person secures booking. its hospitality and warm welcome In the past this tour has sold out especially to Oddfellows (even our almost as soon as the events personal coach driver Steve is a diary is published. valued member!)

Cost: £119 per person sharing twin Early booking essential. or double room (non-members £150 per person sharing) An £8 per night single supplement applies.

For more information contact Margaret on 01429 599323 11 Malvern Flower Show

Just back from my first trip away with Cleveland and Durham Oddfellows and what a great time we had. It’s a dull Thursday morning but getting on the bus in everyone is happy and excited to be on our way. A good journey getting to know everyone and a comfort break many of chose as an excuse for our first bit of shopping, Visitors enjoying the colourful displays naughty I know. I’m sure that’s why they now put shops on the services. The flowers and displays were marvellous and the shopping areas were packed with all Our next stop, Stratford upon Avon where sorts of goodies and food treats. Although a bit of drizzle wasn’t going to put us off footsore and weary a great day was had by having a browse around the fantastic local all and the bus began to look like a flower shops and having a bite of lunch. Arriving show when everyone brought back their at the hotel late afternoon we had time purchases. A pleasant ride back to the hotel to go for a swim in the hotel pool and a sharing stories of what we had seen and drink at the bar before sitting down to a bought arriving again in time for a swim, wonderful evening meal in comfortable cup of tea and relax before being served surroundings and with great company. our delicious evening meal.

Following a relaxed breakfast we set-off on our journey home via the National Arboretum. My first time at the memorial and many tears were shed, seeing all the memorials to the different armed services filled my heart with a mix of sadness and pride in all those who gave their lives for us. We watched a parade, enjoyed tea and cake Friday the sun shone as we enjoyed a hearty in the restaurant, bought more plants from breakfast and set off for the Malvern Flower the sellers’ market in the grounds, well you Show, a detour due to problems on the can’t have too many plants, can you! We A5 was to our advantage as we wound our then set-off on the final leg of our journey way through some of the most beautiful home arriving in Peterlee around tea-time. picturesque villages I have ever seen before Exhausted, exhilarated, well-watered and arriving at the Flower Show in good time. fed and wondering where we will go next. The sun continued to shine throughout the day with an occasional shower that hardly Emma Bass wet the ground.

12 Making A Difference Awards 2019

These awards are designed to reward the extraordinary contribution given by our members and to give recognition where the Board thinks it is appropriate.

Immediate Past Grand Master Bill Henchliff with David Smith Provincial Corresponding Secretary

up and down the land there are many individuals who freely give up their Many deserving names were put forward time who do not receive any credit for and the three people pictured above along what they achieve. with myself are the first recipients of this new award. Each of us gave a two minute presentation to explain what we did in order to They are Bill Rainsbury, North West receive the award, after which the Grand Kent Branch, “working in the spirit Master, Bill Henchliff shook hands with of mutuality” category. Faye Chadwick each of us and then presented us with , Huddersfield Branch, winner of the our glass awards. ”enriching lives socially” category If any member would like to nominate and Vivienne Simpson, Burton on another member whom they think are Trent, winner of the “giving a helping suitable to be entered in next year’s awards hand” category. please ask me for a nomination form to be completed and handed back to I received my award for “giving something me for discussion by the Committee of back” relating to my fundraising work Management who will then select names supporting A.B.F. The Soldiers’ Charity to go forward to Head Office. by putting on musical concerts over 10 years for which I feel very humble and David Smith privileged since, as I said in my speech, Provincial Corresponding Secretary

13 Friendship Month

It is the 10th year to celebrate Friendship month. Planned events throughout the month are as follows:

Monday 9 September - Interactive Information Presentation on the Past, Present and Future of The Oddfellows (Cleveland and Durham District Lodge). During ‘Friendship Month’ Cleveland & Durham District Lodge invites members, friends and the public to join us at an informal presentation on the past, present and future of the Oddfellows. Members are requested to bring along any memorabilia that they possess to Our friends of the Yorkshire Group, be part of the presentation or just to Sister Barbara Needham, Brothers show around to the audience. Derek Stansfield and Colin Woodward will present aspects of interest relating Questions from the audience will be to Oddfellowship. In particular history encouraged throughout the presentation. of the order in and around our local area. Following the meeting refreshments will Current benefits available to existing be served giving the audience a chance to and potential members will be outlined, socialise. Venue: Hart Village Hall, Front together with the social and friendly Street, Hartlepool TS27 3AW. 2pm-4pm. side of the organisation. Contact Margaret 01429 599323.

Members enjoying New Age Kurling Members enjoying New Age Kurling, a new regular fixture in our Events Diary. Why not come and give it a try?

14 Summer BBQ Supporting The British Heart Foundation Friday 28 June 2019

The week before our planned BBQ the entire country suffered from torrential rain storms! With much trepidation our preparations stayed on course and much to the delight of everyone the weather couldn’t have been better. The venue at Greenacres Farm Members enjoying the entertainment proved to be fantastic. The sun shone, over 100 members and friends turned up to than once. The BBQ food was superb, enjoy a really fun filled event. Children of everything was cooked fresh on a real all ages (5 months to 85 years old) joined traditional BBQ with succulent steak, together competing for the best rock and sizzling sausages, spare ribs and of course roll moves on the dance floor. burgers plus all the extras. The Rockaholics Duo providing the It really was delicious. entertainment gave a fantastic performance As the evening sky turned a brilliant red taking many of us down memory lane it was time to say goodnight to each other with their choice of songs. “The old ones with huge thanks to the Hutchinson are still the best!” was commented more Family who kindly provided the barn for the event and to the children who attended, over 20 of all ages, they all appeared to be having a great time and requested to do it all again very soon.

The proceeds of the raffle was donated to The British Heart Foundation. Margaret Wells

15 Social Evenings at Owton Manor Community Centre

We have seen 18-25 members ‘Food with Friends’ luncheons at The and friends on the last Tuesday Marine Hotel in Seaton Carew continue to of every month. be popular, attracting 24-30 people on the first Tuesday of every month. The food is The room is cosy and the activities we good and reasonably priced with a carvery have are varied. Light refreshments are or one, two or three course meal for less served and there is a free raffle…all for than £7 a head. £2 per person. Please let Sue know Members, family and friends are all (01429 268760) in order to ensure welcome BUT please let Sue Davies there is a seat available. (01429 268760) know if you will be there. 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 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

16 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 Tuesday 1 October 2019. You can also enter by post: Nicholas Hubbard, 88 Hart Lane, Hartlepool TS26 0LA. The competition is open to Cleveland and Durham Oddfellows members only. Good luck!

Questions 1. How many years celebrating Friendship Month will we be marking in September? 2. During their trip to Malvern which memorial did members visit on their trip home? 3. How many tea spoons of olive oil do you odd to make Peperonata? 4. Which charity did this year’s summer BBQ support? 5. Which hotel will be hosting our usual pre-Christmas break 6. Who provided the barn for our Summer BBQ 7. On 21 September which charity will be supported with a coffee morning? 8. Which district will we be embarking on a friendship walk with in September 9. Following his successful talk at Wynyard Road Community Centre who will be instructing wreath making for our members? 10. Which road gave a thankful detour to members on their trip to Malvern?

*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 Tuesday 1 October 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.

17 Recipe Corner: Peperonata

Ingredients

Peppers pack of 3 de-seeded and cut into thin strips 4 tablespoons olive oil Knob of butter

1 large onion It is ready when the peppers are 1 clove garlic (or to taste) soft. It should be like a thick stew, it shouldn’t be sloppy Large tin of tomatoes or 450g fresh Add wine vinegar and seasoning to taste. Red wine vinegar It can be used as a sauce with pasta or Method fish and can be frozen. In a pan, warm the olive oil and butter. Cook the onion and the garlic until soft This recipe was produced by member (10 mins) but not brown Pat Smith who passed it on to me some time ago. I love it cold or hot. It is Add the sliced strips of peppers, cover delicious with chicken or indeed any and simmer for 15 minutes stirring now cooked meat of choice. Hope you enjoy and then add the tinned tomatoes, stir it as much as I do. and leave uncovered at a lively simmer (30-40 minutes). Stir occasionally. M Wells

Join the conversation @OddfellowsUK

Share your news, start a conversation or simply stay up-to-date! If you’re on Facebook, make sure you’ve liked and followed our Oddfellows social media pages. Find us at: OddfellowsUK

18 Eagle Eyed Quiz Last New Members Edition Answers Lesley Richardson 1. Hunstanton Pat Styles Jean Beamson 2. Rockaholics Annabelle Lumsden 3. Joy Powell 4. 2oz 5. Humber Wold Members 6. Geoff Richardson Remem bered: 7. Hart Village Hall James Newton 8. John Redman John Younger 9. Minis Our thoughts are with their 10. Robert Burns families at this difficult time.

Branch Meetings The Good Intent Branch Meeting Information Presentation on the discusses future social events Past, Present and Future of The and will start at 12.30pm. This is Oddfellows (Cleveland and followed by the District Business Durham District Lodge). Venue: Meeting which commences Hart Village Hall, Hartlepool, at 1.30pm. All members are Monday 9 September 2019, 2pm-4pm. invited to attend. Monday 14 October Monday 12 August Half Yearly Bowburn Community Centre, Summoned Meeting, 1.30pm Durham Road, Bowburn DH6 5AT. Hart Village Hall, Front Street, Monday 11 November Hartlepool TS27 3AW There will be no meeting in Hart Village Hall, Front Street, September due to an Interactive Hartlepool TS27 3AW.

19 Society News News Issue 6 www.oddfellows.co.uk Our Making a Difference 2019 Award winners!

To celebrate our wonderful members and their contributions to the Society as a whole, we launched the fi rst offi cial Making a Diff erence Awards late last year, and after careful consideration from the judges, we’re ready to reveal the winners!

Th e judges had a hard time selecting this year’s winners, with many worthy Bill, Vivienne, David and Faye with nominations received across the awards’ Grand Master Bill Henchliff after categories. But after much deliberation, being presented with their awards. four fabulous members were announced at this year’s annual conference. Jane Nelson, CEO said: “So many of our 2019 Making a Diff erence members make the Society a wonderful Award Winners place to form friendships, access advice and get support. It’s important that FOR GIVING A HELPING HAND we reward those who go above and Vivienne Simpson beyond for their Branch when we can and the Making a Diff erence Awards Burton-on-Trent District is the perfect way to do this. FOR WORKING IN THE SPIRIT “Huge congratulations to this year’s winners, OF MUTUALITY and thank you to everybody else who was Bill Rainsbury nominated! Your hard work and dedication is much appreciated, and doesn’t go unnoticed.” North West Kent District

Member nominations for 2020 are now open. FOR GIVING SOMETHING BACK Do you know someone who always goes the David Smith extra mile when volunteering, fundraising, Cleveland and Durham District caring for other members, or doing their very best for the Branch? Download a member nomination form from FOR ENRICHING LIVES SOCIALLY www.oddfellows.co.uk/makingadiff erence Faye Chadwick or contact your Branch Secretary. Huddersfi eld District

20 Society News Issue 6 Meet our new Grand Master: David Randall, Gipping Branch Secretary How did it feel Do you have a standout memory being installed from your 47 years of being in front of such involved with the Society? a large crowd Yes – the pride I felt when attending my at the AMC? District’s Provincial Grand Master Dinner It was such a proud in 2010. We were celebrating 200 years of moment and one Oddfellowship, my wife was the Provincial I will cherish forever. Grand Master and the then Grand Master, My involvement in Alan Cole, was our guest of honour. I was the Oddfellows is Deputy Provincial Grand Master and I something I take couldn’t have felt happier to be part of very seriously, and such a meaningful Society. I’m pleased to be able to use my time as How would you sum up the Grand Master to raise awareness Oddfellows in just six words? of the Oddfellows and the benefi ts of becoming a member with the general Friendship that just keeps giving more. public, as well as doing my best to And now for some less meet as many members as possible serious questions… around the country. Where’s your favourite So what’s your place in the world? Oddfellows background? Th at would have to be the Amalfi I became a member in 1992. However, Coast in Italy. I had been attending the local Branch’s social events for about 20 years prior. So Who is your favourite author? recruiters… never give up on a possible John Grisham, I have read every one of his new member! My father-in-law was a fi ction books and his one non-fi ction book. long-serving Castle Branch (Colchester) offi cer and trustee, so he encouraged me You’re stranded on a desert island…. What to fi nally sign up. I guess I was always three items would you take with you? going to join once I married his daughter! Matches, a sharp knife and the woman I love, For those of you who don’t know, my if she’d come with me! If she wouldn’t, then wife of 47 years is Diana Randall, I’d probably take a fi shing line. Secretary of Castle Branch, so there’s always a little healthy Branch competition. Who would play you in the movie of your life? Matt Damon. 21 Society News Issue 6 Oddfellows Annual Movable Conference takes place in Sunny Southport

For 2019, our Annual Movable With a jam-packed schedule mixing Conference (AMC) returned to business with pleasure, AMC is a great Southport and we really did have opportunity for members to learn about the weather on our side! Each year the business side of the Society and our our members get together to catch traditions, as well as meet and mingle up, celebrate the past 12 months, with other Branches. vote on important Society matters, and of course, welcome the new Grand Master (Society Chairman).

Business began by paying tribute to some of our late Past Grand Masters: Sydney Bolton, Andrew Porter, and Keith Adamson Oddfellows members enjoyed the annual bowls competition

A 60s themed dance kicked off the celebrations Oddfellows Brass gave a rousing at the Grand Master’s Welcome Party public performance on Sunday

22 Society News Issue 6

At our conference, Deputies vote on decisions Th ese include the Ken Hughes Silver Salver that will impact the Society’s business focus Award, won this year by Pride of Woolwich moving forward. For example, this year it was Branch, and the Lillian Ogden Recruitment decided that our H A Andrews Memorial trophy, awarded to Ormskirk and Southport Fund would support Lupus Trust with a Branch. Members can help their Branches donation of £85,000 over three years. to win awards too, as we also present the Plus, to celebrate our growing membership, Refer a Friend Awards, to recognise we presented a number of Branches with Branches which have a great network our annual recruitment awards. of strong member advocates.

The “Refer a Friend” Award for the highest number of member advocates was awarded to Ormskirk and Southport An array of Oddfellows merchandise Branch, with 31 members recruiting was available for members to purchase a new member in 2018

Thank you Bill Henchliff A huge thank you as always to Bill has some sound our now Immediate Past Grand words of advice to Master Bill Henchliff , who says: welcome the new Grand Master, David “It has been a great honour to be Grand Randall: “Be yourself Master of the Order. I couldn’t possibly and enjoy the year, it choose a favourite moment from the past goes very quickly!” year, but meeting all the members across the country, especially the two Centenarians If you have a business head, or a passion from Hartlepool and Derby, has been for organisation, why not get involved with quite special. Th e support and advice I your Branch’s Committee of Management? have received from my colleagues on the And if you’d be interested in becoming Board, from the CEO and Insurance a Deputy at a future AMC, you can Director, and the External Non-Executive fi nd out how by visiting our website, Directors has been invaluable.” or speaking to your Branch Secretary.

23 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 Audrey Newton Welfare Telephone: Volunteers 07729 377681

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