April - September 2020
Worcester Branch
Witley Court
Theatre Crafts Travel Dining Out
Quizzes History Social
Talks Games Coffee Morning/Afternoon Tea We hope you can join us for our meal at the Harvester on Monday 27 April
Welcome to the spring edition Contact Details of your Events Diary for Worcester Branch Oddfellows. Branch Secretary: Sandra Loynes As a local Branch of a national Telephone: 01905 422591 membership organisation called the Email: Oddfellows, we offer you a great [email protected] opportunity to make new friends and enjoy a variety of activities. We also Address: provide our members with a range of 3 Windsor Avenue, advice and support services when you Worcester WR2 5LZ need them.
We are basically a group of friends Everyone is welcome at Oddfellows brought together through shared events. Even if you are not a member, interest in socialising, making friends we want to extend an invitation to and helping people. you and your friends to attend any of our events that take your fancy This issue features details of all our and we like to think that we can upcoming events. guarantee you a good time.
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. Find out more at www.oddfellows.co.uk or call 0800 028 1810.
Front cover: Witley Court, Worcester by Tony Grist and is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication.
2 Regular Event Every Second Tuesday Ten Pin Bowling of the month £3.80 for two 10am games and a hot drink & biscuits Come and join us for a morning of ten pin bowling. Open to members and non-members. Everyone welcome. Bowl Extreme, Perdiswell Park, Droitwich Road, Worcester WR3 7SN. For more details please contact Kath on 01299 826734. Booking and Cancellations
Please remember the importance of early booking for all events to avoid disappointment or cancellation due to lack of support. Please note that a place is not guaranteed at any event until full payment has been received.
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
3 April 2020
We are telling a story Branch Officers Visit TUES TUES (Everyone?) and Hot Installation of Branch 07 Cross Buns 28 Officers and a Quiz (Stanley Baldwin Branch) (Worcester Branch)
7.30pm Free 7.30pm Free
Our Social Secretary will start the Meet your Branch Officers and story off by telling us the first two witness the ritual side of our Society lines, we will then go around the as we will be installing Branch Officers room and everyone will add to the for the year 2020/2021, followed by story. Who knows how it will end? Well a quiz. We will be holding a raffle one things for certain it will end with and refreshments will be provided. everyone enjoying hot cross buns. Barbourne Ex-Servicemens Club, The Refreshments will be provided and we Moors, Worcester WR1 3ED. Contact will be holding a raffle. Elizabeth Mills John on 01905 355241. Centre, Sion Gardens, Stourport-on- Severn, Worcester DY13 8BH. Contact May Kath on 01299 826734. TUES How many items MON Meal at The Harvester 05 in a matchbox? 27 (Fernhill Heath Branch) (Stanley Baldwin Branch) 7.30pm Free 12 noon £8.99 How many items can you fit into one small matchbox? You will be very surprised. Refreshments will be provided and we will be holding a raffle. Elizabeth Mills Centre, Sion Gardens, Stourport- on-Severn, Worcester DY13 8BH. Contact Kath on 01299 826734.
Come and join us for a two course meal (main and dessert). Book by Monday 6 April. The Timberdine (Harvester), Bath Road, Worcester WR5 3HP. Contact Jeff on 01905 422591.
4 May June
MON TUES Bingo Bingo 18 (Fernhill Heath Branch) 02 (Stanley Baldwin Branch)
12 noon Free 7.30pm Free
Bingo for prizes. We will be holding Who doesn’t love a game of bingo? a raffle and refreshments will be Come and join the fun and you never provided. The Prince of Wales Pub, know, you may win a prize. Elizabeth Windermere Drive, Warndon, Worcester Mills Centre, Sion Gardens, Stourport- WR4 9HY. Contact Jeff on 01905 422591. on-Severn, Worcester DY13 8BH. Contact Kath on 01299 826734. THURS Management 21 Committee Meeting
7.30pm Free
Committee members only. Tesco’s, St Peters Drive, Worcester WR5 3SW. Contact Sandra on 01905 422591. MON Beetle Drive TUES Worcester Branch 15 (Fernhill Heath Branch) 26 Meal Out at The Mitre Oak 12 noon Free 12 noon £10 What is a beetle drive you ask? Well Come and join us for a light come along and find out. We will be meal at The Mitre Oak, £10 for holding a raffle and refreshments two courses plus a drink of your will be provided. The Prince of Wales choice. Several of our members Pub, Windermere Drive, Warndon, will be away at the Annual Worcester WR4 9HY. Contact Jeff on Movable Conference (AMC), so in 01905 422591. their absence we will drink to their good health.
Book by Tuesday 19 May. The Mitre Oak, Crossways Green, Hartlebury, Worcester DY13 9SG. Contact John on 01905 355241.
5 June July
SUN TUES Branch Officers Visit A Walk in The Woods and a Beetle Drive 28 07 (Stanley Baldwin Branch)
10.30am As per menu 7.30pm Free
Once again, this year, we are teaming Come and meet your Branch Officers up with the Worcester Heart Support and join in the fun of a beetle drive, Group with a walk in the woods you don’t have to be brilliant at followed by lunch at The Bluebell. drawing, you just need luck when Book by Sunday 7 June. Worcester throwing a dice. Elizabeth Mills Countryside Centre, Wildwood Drive, Centre, Sion Gardens, Stourport-on- Worcester WR5 2LG. Contact John on Severn, Worcester DY13 8BH. Contact 01905 355241. Kath on 01299 826734.
TUES Worcester Branch SUN Summer Party 30 Race Night 12
7.30pm Free 3pm Free
Come and join us for an exciting evening at the races, take on Everyone is welcome at our the Bookie and walk away with Summer party, so why not bring your winnings. We will be holding a friend. We will be holding a a raffle and refreshment will raffle, donation of prizes would be provided. Barbourne Ex- be gratefully received. St Peters Servicemens Club, The Moors, Village Hall, St Peters Drive, St Worcester WR1 3ED. Contact John Peters, Worcester WR5 3TA. on 01905 355241. Contact Sandra on 01905 422591.
6 July August MON Branch Officers TUES 24 Visit and a Quiz 28 Annual Day Trip (Fernhill Heath Branch) 7pm Free 9.15am TBC Meeting of the Branch Join us on our day trip, travelling Officers followed by by coach to Broadway, where a quiz, so get your we will catch a steam train to thinking caps on. We Cheltenham Racecourse. will be holding a raffle and refreshments Journey of approximately 50 will be provided. The minutes, taking in spectacular Prince of Wales Pub, scenery, we will then reboard Windermere Drive, the coach with a stop for a two Warndon, Worcester WR4 9HY. course lunch before travelling to Contact Jeff on 01905 422591. Gloucester Cathedral, where we will spend an hour or so exploring TUES the newly refurbished cathedral Worcester Branch before returning to Worcester. 25 Whist Drive
Book by Tuesday 7 July. Contact 7.30pm Free Jeff on 01905 422591 or John on 01905 355241. Come and join us at our whist drive, cash prizes for the winners. £10 for the gent with the highest score, £10 for the lady with the highest score. We will be holding a raffle and refreshments August will be provided. Barbourne Ex- TUES Servicemens Club, The Moors, Quiz Night Worcester WR1 3ED. Contact John on 04 (Stanley Baldwin Branch) 01905 355241. THURS 7.30pm Free Management 27 Committee Meeting Get your thinking caps on it’s quiz night. We will be holding a raffle and 7.30pm Free refreshment will be provided. Elizabeth Mills Centre, Sion Gardens, Stourport- Committee members only. Tesco’s, on-Severn, Worcester DY13 8BH. St Peters Drive, Worcester WR5 3SW. Contact Kath on 01299 826734. Contact Sandra on 01905 422591.
7 September
TUES Worcester Branch 22 Bingo
7.30pm Free
Enjoy a game of bingo, then come along and join us! Who knows, you maybe lucky and win a prize. TUES Barbourne Ex-Servicemens Club, The Harvest Supper Moors, Worcester WR1 3ED. Contact 01 (Stanley Baldwin Branch) John on 01905 355241. MON 7.30pm TBC Fun and Games (Fernhill Heath Branch) It’s Friendship Month, 28 so why not invite 12 noon Free a friend to join us. Book by Tuesday 25 Come and join our games afternoon, August. Elizabeth Mills you can be sure to have fun. Centre, Sion Gardens, Refreshment will be provided. Prince Stourport-on-Severn, of Wales Pub, Windermere Drive, Worcester DY13 8BH. Warndon, Worcester WR4 9HY. Contact Kath on 01299 826734. Contact Jeff on 01905 422591.
SUN 20 Friendship Month Afternoon Tea Dance
3pm Free
September is Friendship Month for the Oddfellows, so we would like to invite you and your friends to our Afternoon Tea Dance, where you can enjoy great company, a little dancing and a lovely afternoon tea. We will also be holding a raffle, donation of prizes would be gratefully received. St Peters Village Hall, St Peters Drive, St Peters, Worcester WR5 3TA. Contact Sandra on 01905 422591.
8 Travel places with Friendly Faces With group holidays, short breaks, exclusive discounts, travel off ers and the opportunity to get to know other Oddfellows travellers, the Active Travel Club has something for everyone to enjoy.
Fred. Olsen Haven Warner Travel Cruise Lines Holidays Leisure Insurance* Holidays 5% off your Save up to 10% Receive up to £350 11% discount on fi rst booking on top of Haven’s off selected rooms JustTravelcover.com over and above best prices and an extra £10 insurance policies. off ers currently through exclusive off per person. in the market. member benefi ts.
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 Offi ce: Oddfellows House, 184-1869 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB and is a non-regulated wholly owned subsidiary of The Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society Limited. TPA50120 The outlook’s great when you join the Oddfellows
Looking to make friends and meet new people - backed with a great range of benefi ts? Then fi nd out more about the Oddfellows. With a warm welcome guaranteed, and a calendar of events at your local Oddfellows Branch, how much you get involved is up to you. Join the Oddfellows for as little as £25 a year, or add extra benefi ts for £35 a year.* £25 a year membership* gives you access to… • Local social events • Emergency Financial Aid (Household) • Care & Welfare Helpline • Convalescence & Carer Support • Active Travel Club (after 2 years’ membership) • Oddfellows news by email • Accidental Death Benefi t • Branch Care & Welfare Support • Legal Aid Scheme • Oddfellows Citizens Advice Line • Educational & Apprenticeship Awards • Money saving partner off ers • 24/7 access to our historical • Benevolence Grants online archive
£35 a year membership* with the additional benefi ts of… • Optical benefi t of up to £30 every second year of membership (after 1 years’ membership) • Dental benefi t of up to £30 every membership year (after 1 years’ membership)
Ref1824 For more information or to join, call freephone 0800 028 1810. 9am-5pm Mon to Thurs, 9am-4pm Fri, or visit www.oddfellows.co.uk/benefi ts.
*Terms and conditions apply to all member benefi ts and services. For full details, visit www.oddfellows.co.uk/terms-conditions, or call us on 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 Offi ce 10Oddfellows House, 184-186 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3WB. Social Events at a glance April 2020 Tues 7 We are telling a story (Everyone?) and Hot 7.30pm Cross Buns (Stanley Baldwin Branch) Mon 27 Meal at The Harvester (Fernhill Heath Branch) 12 noon Tues 28 Branch Officers Visit, Installation of Branch 7.30pm Officers and a Quiz (Worcester Branch)
May Tues 5 How many items in a matchbox? 7.30pm (Stanley Baldwin Branch) Tues 12 Ten Pin Bowling 10am Mon 18 Bingo (Fernhill Heath Branch) 12 noon Thurs 21 Management Committee Meeting 7.30pm Tues 26 Worcester Branch Meal Out at The Mitre Oak 12 noon
June Tues 2 Bingo (Stanley Baldwin Branch) 7.30pm Tues 9 Ten Pin Bowling 10am Mon 15 Beetle Drive (Fernhill Heath Branch) 12 noon Sun 28 A Walk in The Woods 10.30am Tues 30 Worcester Branch Race Night 7.30pm
July Tues 7 Branch Officers Visit and a Beetle 7.30pm Drive (Stanley Baldwin Branch) Sun 12 Summer Party 3pm Tues 14 Ten Pin Bowling 10am Tues 28 Annual Day Trip 9.15am
11 Social Events at a glance August Tues 4 Quiz Night (Stanley Baldwin Branch) 7.30pm Mon 24 Branch Officers Visit and a Quiz 7pm (Fernhill Heath Branch) Tues 25 Worcester Branch Whist Drive 7.30pm Thurs 27 Management Committee Meeting 7.30pm
September - Friendship Month Tues 1 Harvest Supper (Stanley Baldwin Branch) 7.30pm Tues 8 Ten Pin Bowling 10am Sun 20 Friendship Month Afternoon Tea Dance 3pm Tues 22 Worcester Branch Bingo 7.30pm Mon 28 Fun and Games (Fernhill Heath Branch) 12 noon
Forthcoming Event in October Sun 4 Annual Lunch at The Bank House Hotel 12 noon Friendship and Social activities across the UK
At Worcester Oddfellows we put on a range of social activities each month for us to enjoy together in friendship. We always welcome new people to come along and give us a try…
No longer living in the Worcester area? Why not check out the social activities being put on by the Branch nearest to where you are living… Visit the Oddfellows Website (www.oddfellows.co.uk) and click on the events tab to search for local events. Alternatively, contact us, (details on page 2) and we can request that your local secretary gets in touch and sends you a copy of their Events Diary.
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 Spring 2020 | Issue 3 www.oddfellows.co.uk Worcester News and Views News and views from your local friendship group
Worcester Branch Charitable The Oddfellows Annual Lunch Donations Page 5 Page 3 Page 9
Service of Remembrance
Whiskey, Mince Pie and Carol Singing
New Year Lunch Page 7 Kidderminster Time Article Worcester News and Views
welcomeWorcester Branch Welcome to the new look Worcester Newsletter Contact Details For more details about any of This is your newsletter so if you have the events listed, membership any ideas for items please send them and the wide range of benefits in. Maybe you have a favourite recipe, available, please call: joke or a celebration that you would Branch Secretary: Sandra Loynes like to share with other members? Why not write about a social event you’ve Telephone: 01905 422591 attended or send in photos? Email: [email protected] All items will be gratefully received. Any member wishing to contribute an Address: article should please send them to me 3 Windsor Avenue, (details on the right). I look forward to Worcester WR2 5LZ hearing from you. Above: Worcester Cathedral by Philip Halling and licensed for reuse under the Creative Sandra Loynes Commons Licence. 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 Spring 2020 | Issue 3 Worcester Branch Annual Lunch Sunday 6 October 2019
This year our guest speaker was the Bank House Hotel, Bransford, the lovely Past Grand Master (Past Worcester. The Tombola once again Chairman) of the order Sue Doulton proving very popular raised £202. Smith along with her consort Steve. 56 members of our Branch and guests from other Districts enjoyed a fabulous three course lunch at
Celebrations 2020 May September Thursday 7 May – Jill Smith will Friday 25 September – Hilda Jones celebrate her 80th Birthday will celebrate her 80th Birthday
Saturday 30 May – Arnold Creaton will celebrate his 90th Birthday
3 Worcester News and Views
Service of Remembrance at Worcester Cathedral
Sunday 10 November 2019 Once again this year we were Obituaries honoured to have been invited to take part in the Service of Remembrance. Our Provincial Grand 2019/2020 Master (Chairman) John Bradley laid a wreath on the memorial Memories Comfort you outside the Cathedral alongside For Memories are Treasures other dignitaries. Following the That time cannot destroy service our members enjoyed a fabulous lunch at the New Inn, Joan Birch Ombersley Road, Worcester. Ronald Mason Jessie Schubert
4 Spring 2020 | Issue 3
Whiskey, Mince Pie and Carol Singing
Tuesday 3 December 2019 What a start to our Christmas pies. I know by the time you receive celebrations, Ken Link leading the this newsletter it will be the middle singing of our favourite carols working of March but I hope you all had a up a thirst for a tot of whiskey or wonderful Christmas and I wish you a glass of wine followed by mince all a very happy and healthy new year. The Oddfellows By Pam Ayres It’s nice to be an Oddfellow, and we’re not odd at all, The benefits are many and the outlay very small, We do our bit for charity to help out those in need, And as for social life, we like it very full indeed. But when life’s not so sunny but confusing like a maze, The Oddfellows support me in a hundred different ways, It’s very reassuring, though I may be on my own, That someone will advise me if I just pick up the phone. And when misfortune finds me, when skies are looking stormy, I’ll have someone to turn to, to fight my corner for me, To join the Oddfellows, one of the oldest, newest, trends, Is to feel a little safer, in the company of friends.
5 Worcester News and Views Christmas Lunch Monday 16 December 2019
Secret Santa, crackers and good Bath Road, Worcester where cheer were all part of our Christmas members enjoyed a fabulous two lunch which was held at The Ketch, course carvery lunch.
Panto Time Sunday 26 January 2020
Once again Kath of the Stanley and a very good time was had by Baldwin Branch organised tickets everyone. After the Panto we all to the Civic Hall in Stourport-on- went to Louie’s Fish N Chip shop for Severn to see Dick Whittington a lovely fish supper. “Oh no she didn’t”, “Oh yes she did”
6 Spring 2020 | Issue 3 New Year Lunch Tuesday 28 January 2020
Twenty-nine members enjoyed a fabulous two course lunch at the New Inn, Ombersley Road, Worcester to celebrate the New Year.
7 Worcester News and Views
May bank holiday 2020 changed for VE Day anniversary
Share this with Facebook VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks Share this with Messenger the day towards the end of World War Two when fighting against Nazi Germany Share this with Twitter came to an end in Europe. Share this with Email The holiday will form part of a three-day Share weekend of commemorative events. This year’s early May bank holiday They will include more than 20,000 pubs will be moved back by four days for encouraging people to toast the heroes of the whole of the UK to coincide with the war, while churches will take part in a the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Ringing Out For Peace.
May Day is traditionally held on Image copyright Getty Images Image caption a Monday but will be put back to VE Day marked the end of fighting in Europe in Friday 8 May 2020. World War Two. Join the conversation@OddfellowsUK
Share your news, start a conversation or simply stay up-to-date! If you’re on Facebook or Twitter, make sure you’ve liked and followed our Oddfellows social media pages.
Find us at OddfellowsUK OddfellowsUK
8 Spring 2020 | Issue 3 Charitable Donations
Every year the Branch donates money to charity and this year was no exception, as well as making donations to the Oddfellows charities HA Andrews and the Orphan Gift Fund our Provincial Grand Master (Chairman) John Bradley’s charities of the year were:
• Community Action Malvern & District (our donation was going to support their Sunday Tea Club)
• The Duckworth Worcestershire Trust
• The Friends of Pershore Friends of Pershore Care Centre. Care Centre.
Duckworth Worcestershire Trust. Community Action Malvern.
9 Worcester News and Views Kidderminster Times Article Sometime around 1949
With possibly the largest family Mr Link, 38, is a rabbit catcher by trade in Worcestershire under the age but finds it hard work to raise the £7 a of 14, Mr and Mrs Sydney Link of week which it costs to provide the bare Council Houses, Bliss Gate, have essentials for his family. reared a family of 13.
June is pictured far right back row, Ken is front row on the left.
10 Spring 2020 | Issue 3
Mrs Link, 34, buys 70 pints of milk and 35 loaves a week but relies for meals mainly on rabbits.
Mr Link has started work again after a 13 month illness when the only support he was given was £5 from Rock Discussion Club.
The Eldest child of the family June and Ken the sixth child are members of the Stanley Baldwin Branch. June and Ken. 100 Club
Date No. £10 No. £5 September 2019 67 Jill Smith 56 Aaron Mountford October 2019 62 Eileen Prosser 28 Anita Hill November 2019 51 Amy Millwood 16 Beryl Davis
Date No. December 2019 50 £50 Lynn Milwood 30 £25 K Hopkins 58 £15 Audrey Openshaw 37 £10 Benny Lea 53 £5 Lesley Morgan
Date No. £10 No. £5
January 2020 38 Ken Link 1 Pat Badham
February 2020 44 Pam Maclean 29 Sarah Hill
11 Oddfellows Members: Do you need help?
None of us know what is around the corner… Local Care and Welfare Support To request contact from a Welfare Visitor and for local help and information about Branch benefits and benevolence contact Sandra on 01905 422591 or email [email protected]. Oddfellows Citizens 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 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 a helping hand. Or, better still, extend the members enjoy a strong support network to gesture with a knock on their door and a get them through the good, and the bad. 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? If for community spirit could be the lift your you notice that your neighbour lives alone, neighbourhood needs. I’m of the firm has a lot on their plate, or doesn’t often get belief that you can never have too many many visitors, then why not stop by to see social plans. Sometimes people just need if you can help? Colder seasons provide a someone to talk to, or someone to suggest great opportunity to drop a card through getting out, so why not let them know their door with your contact details for them about your Branch’s local coffee mornings, to give you a call if they’re ever in need of the trips out 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
13 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 the So what is Lupus? 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 Lupus Paul takes a closer look at the research patients, and what causes them.
14 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
15 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, actually! Lots of people have heard of us, but they Back in late 2016, I attended a few don’t know what we do. I’ll often show events with my friend Violet, and I them a copy of our events diary and invite decided to join in January 2017. I them along to the next coffee morning 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.
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