October 2019 - March 2020 Issue 9
Reading District
The weir and lock on the River Thames at Goring in Berkshire
Reading District (covering Reading, Maidenhead, Thatcham, Henley, Woodley, Pangbourne and Tilehurst)
Film/ Music/ Travel Games Movie Concert Walk/ Crafts Social Dining Out Activities Coffee Morning/ Quizzes Talks Afternoon Tea Want to get involved? Looking for something to do? If so, there is plenty for you to get involved in with the Oddfellows. We are always looking for people to help with care support, social events or writing articles for the Branch Newsletter. If you are interested, please call your District Secretary, Debbie Jex today!
Trip to Aerospace Bristol - Is there an activity you want to do with Monday 25 November friends we are not currently running? We encourage all our members to Welcome to the Reading put on events for other members District of the Oddfellows. The and friends to join them on, from Branches in the District have cinema nights, to a pub social, walk organised an exciting and in the country and anything else you varied programme of events can think of - if you are able to run a social activity for us please contact for you all. This Events Diary your local social secretary (see right) is a handy guide for you to for support, encouragement and to keep so that you know what is have your events listed in our social happening in your area. programme. Still not sure who to call? Contact the District Secretary Debbie Everybody welcome Jex, to be pointed in the right direction. Unless indicated otherwise everybody is welcome at Oddfellows events. Even if you are not a member, we want to extend an invitation to you and your friends to attend any events that take A bit about us... your fancy - all are welcome and we The Oddfellows is a friendly like to think that we can guarantee you society with Branches across the a good time. Let us know you’re coming UK. Through friendship and social and we’ll look out for you and greet you events, we help our members get at the door, hopefully after attending a more enjoyment out of life, and few events you will see the benefits of offer care, advice and support in joining our caring organisation. times of need. Find out more at www.oddfellows.co.uk or call Remember! 0800 028 1810. Put dates of interest in your personal diary. Alternatively, keep this Events Diary in a handy place - by the phone, Front cover: The weir and lock on the River Thames fixed to the fridge or pinned to your at Goring in Berkshire by Colin Smith and licensed notice board. for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
2 Branch and Event Contacts For more information on our events, and for encouragement and support if attending an event for the first time, please contact your local Social Branch contact: Reading District ⬤ District Secretary: Mrs Debbie Jex Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Telephone: 0118 9573354 Email: [email protected] Reading District Social Secretary - Karen Dyke on 0118 9594073 Reading Art and Craft Group: Debbie Jex on 0118 9573354 Thames and Kennet Branch ⬤ Covering Reading, Woodley, Maidenhead and Thatcham: Secretary: Mrs Karen Dyke, Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Telephone: 0118 9594073 Email: [email protected] Britons’ Pride (Thatcham) - Joyce Lewis on 01635 868387 Jubilee (Maidenhead) - Debbie Jex on 0118 9573354 Reading Abbey (Reading) - Fiona Vince on 0118 9548454 Woodley - Karen Dyke on 0118 9594073 Royal Berkshire Branch ⬤ Covering Reading and Pangbourne: Secretary: Ms Lynn Harrison, 10 The Orchards, Longfield Road, Tring, Herts HP23 4DZ Telephone: 01442 823195 Email: [email protected] Crown of England (Reading) - Anthony Bonnett on 0118 9871488 Pangbourne, Games and Visits Group - Doug Walters 0118 9614610 Singing Together and Zumba Gold - Lynn Harrison 01442 823195 Oddfellows Academy - Russell Vince on 0118 9548454 Three Counties Branch ⬤ Covering Reading and Henley: Secretary: Ms Lynda Edwards Durlston Cottage, High Street, Goring-on-Thames, Oxon RG8 9BA Telephone: 01491 871054 Email: [email protected] Good Samaritan (Henley) - Anthony Bonnett on 0118 9871488 Princess Alexandra and Reading Get Together Social - Christine Foyle on 0118 9783919 Henley Get Together Social - Lynda Edwards on 01491 871054 Tilehurst Social Meeting First Monday of each month at 2pm, please contact Mike Scott on 0118 9071497 for further details.
3 October 2019 WED Art and 02 Craft Group TUES Members £2 10am 01 Singing Together Guests £3 Members £2 Please come along and join us at 10.30am Guests £3 our friendly art and craft group, bring your own project and materials along and enjoy some company as you craft. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354. Join us at our fun and relaxed singing group, no experience is necessary! The hall will be open at 10am for tea and coffee and chat WED Who, What, Where, beforehand. Oddfellows Hall, 118b When? - Pangbourne Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. 02 Members £2 Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. 7.30pm Guests £3
TUES Paper Folding Picture Puzzles - fun for all. The Elephant Hotel, Church Road, Reading Abbey 01 Pangbourne RG8 7AR. Contact Doug on 0118 9614610. 2pm Free
Come along and join us as we THURS welcome Bob Young and his fantastic Zumba Gold paper folding skills. Learn to make 03 something which will amaze your Members £2 10.30am friends and family. Oddfellows Hall, Guests £3 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Fiona on 0118 9548454. Join us for some gentle exercise suitable for those from 50+, it helps keep the body and mind active and it’s great fun as well. The hall will be open from 10am beforehand for tea and coffee and chat. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195.
4 MON Draughts with Mike THURS Zumba Gold 07 Tilehurst Social Meeting 10
Members £2 2pm £2 10.30am Guests £3 Join us for an afternoon of fun and The hall will be open from 10am games. Don’t worry if you can’t play beforehand for tea and coffee and we will teach you. A monthly raffle chat. Oddfellows Hall. See page will be held and light refreshments 4 for full details. Contact Lynn on provided. Cornerstones, Halcyon 01442 823195. Terrace, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 4XR. Contact Mike on 0118 9071497. The Shops and FRI Shopkeepers of 11 Princes Risborough Woodley Afternoon Group
Members Free 2pm Guests £3
TUES Reading Accordion Group 08 Crown of England
2pm Free Mike Payne will be joining us once Please come and join us when we again with another interesting welcome back the Reading Accordion talk which shows how the town of Group. Relax and enjoy an afternoon of Princes Risborough has changed musical entertainment. Oddfellows Hall, since the Second World War. Hear 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. about some of the characters that Contact Tony on 0118 9871488. have lived in the town and some of the stories which has made the WED town so unique. The Oakwood Singing Together Centre, Headley Road (Opposite 09 the Shopping Precinct), Woodley, Members £2 Reading, Berkshire RG5 4JZ. 10.30am Guests £3 Contact Karen on 0118 9594073.
Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. Image by Steve Daniels and licensed for See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195.
5 TUES October 2019 15 Oddfellows Academy MON Fish and Chip Supper 6.30pm Free 14 Princess Alexandra If you have been a member for a 7.30pm TBC while and are interested in learning more about the ceremonial side of Join us for our annual fish and chip our wonderful society, the academy is supper. This will be followed by the place for you. Please come along Christine’s Quiz. All welcome but and find out more. Oddfellows Hall, booking in advance is required. 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Includes monthly raffle. Book by Contact Russell on 0118 9548454. Saturday 12 October. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. WED Art and Contact Christine on 0118 9783919. 16 Craft Group TUES Members £2 Singing Together 10am 15 Guests £3 You are welcome to join us for a Members £2 10.30am Guests £3 morning of art and craft. See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354. See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. WED Inter-Branch 16 Pub Quiz TUES The Challenges of Being a Guide Dog Puppy Walker 7pm Free 15 Get Together - Henley
Members Free Another year has gone! Please come 2pm Guests £2 along and join us for our Annual Quiz Join us for a talk given by Monica evening which this year it is going to Easton on her experiences of training be slightly different. If you enjoy a Guide Dog puppies. The afternoon good pub quiz then you will enjoy this. will include light refreshments and a We want as many teams as possible monthly raffle. Following this meeting, to have a good competition, teams a business meeting will take place of up to four. Please contact your for the Good Samaritan Branch at Branch or any Group you attend if you approximately 4pm, organised by Tony would like to be a part of a team or Bonnett. The Christ Church United even come along and just spectate. Reformed Church, Reading Road, Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Henley on Thames, Oxon RG9 1AG. Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Karen on Contact Lynda on 01491 871054. 0118 9594073.
6 THURS THURS 17 Zumba Gold 24 Zumba Gold Members £2 Members £2 10.30am 10.30am Guests £3 Guests £3
The hall will be open from 10am The hall will be open from 10am beforehand for tea and coffee and beforehand for tea and coffee and chat. Oddfellows Hall. See page chat. Oddfellows Hall. See page 4 for full details. Contact Lynn on 4 for full details. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. 01442 823195. THURS TUES Casino Evening Halloween Party 24 Britons Pride 22 Jubilee 7.30pm Free 7.30pm Free Ever fancied a night at the casino but can’t afford it! Come along and have a go, not with real money obviously, so it doesn’t matter if you lose. An evening of fun! Thatcham Memorial Hall, Brownsfield Road, Thatcham RG18 3HF. Contact Joyce on 01635 868387. Please come along and join us at our Halloween Party. Hot Dogs, Soup and spooky goings on will be on offer and if you could dress up that would be great. We welcome as many members and friends as possible to join us for the evening. St Peters Church, St Peter’s Road, Furze Platt, Maidenhead SL6 7QU. Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354.
WED TUES 23 Singing Together 29 Singing Together Members £2 Members £2 10.30am 10.30am Guests £3 Guests £3
Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. 7 October 2019 November
THURS Jean Sheppards Slide SUN The Princess Alexandra Show Quiz Annual Lunch - The 31 Get Together Reading 03 Calcot Hotel, Reading Members Free 2pm 12.30pm £25 Guests £2
We are happy to once again welcome We would like to invite you to join us back Jean Sheppard who will be for our annual lunch at the Calcot hosting a quiz based on her slides Hotel. We are especially delighted to made over her many years travelling welcome our Guest of Honour, Grand abroad. Raffle and refreshments Master of the Order Brother David included. Non-members welcome. Randall accompanied by Sister Diana. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, All are very welcome to attend this Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Christine annual event. A Charity raffle will also on 0118 9783919. be held on the day. Book by Friday 25 October. The Calcot Hotel, 98 Bath Road, Reading, Berkshire RG31 7NQ. Contact Christine on 0118 9783919. MON Dominoes Competition 04 Tilehurst Social Meeting
2pm £2
Join us for a friendly game or two of dominoes. Don’t worry if you don’t know how to play, we can teach you. Includes raffle and light refreshments. All welcome. Cornerstones, Halcyon Terrace, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 4XR. Contact Mike on 0118 9071497. THURS Zumba Gold 31 TUES Members £2 Singing Together 10.30am Guests £3 05 Members £2 The hall will be open from 10am 10.30am Guests £3 beforehand for tea and coffee and chat. Oddfellows Hall. See page Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. 4 for full details. Contact Lynn on See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows 01442 823195. Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. 8 TUES Bonfire Quiz FRI Autism and Us 05 Reading Abbey 08 Woodley Afternoon Group
Members Free 2pm Free 2pm Guests £3 Come along and join us for an Please join us as we afternoon with a Bonfire Quiz. welcome Carly Jane, Test your knowledge, just for fun! British Autism Advocate Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, as she gives us a talk Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Fiona on on being Autistic and 0118 9548454. how many people aren’t diagnosed until much later in life. Also WED Art and hear about her MBE and her work at the Craft Group Cabinet Office. The Oakwood Centre, 06 Headley Road (Opposite the Shopping Members £2 Precinct), Woodley, Reading, Berkshire 10am Guests £3 RG5 4JZ. Contact Karen on 0118 9594073. You are welcome to join us for a MON morning of art and craft. See page Team Quiz Challenge 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. 11 Princess Alexandra Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354. 7.30pm Free WED Categorically Speaking Following a short business meeting we Pangbourne 06 will be holding a Team Quiz so come Members £2 along and test your knowledge. Light 7.30pm Guests £3 refreshments and raffle included. Non-members welcome. Oddfellows The return of a favourite. The Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading Elephant Hotel, Church Road, RG1 7NQ. Contact Christine on Pangbourne RG8 7AR. Contact Doug 0118 9783919. on 0118 9614610. TUES Reading Male Voice Choir THURS 12 Crown of England 07 Zumba Gold 2pm Free Members £2 10.30am Guests £3 Please come along and join us for The hall will be open from 10am an afternoon of music with a concert beforehand for tea and coffee and from a section of the Reading Male chat. Oddfellows Hall. See page Voice Choir. Oddfellows Hall, 118b 4 for full details. Contact Lynn on Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. 01442 823195. Contact Tony on 0118 9871488. 9 November TUES Dining Out Get Together 19 Henley WED Pay Singing Together 2pm 13 individually Join us for our final meeting of the Members £2 10.30am Guests £3 year for lunch at a local venue in Henley. Further details to be Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. confirmed. Book by Tuesday 12 See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows November. The Christ Church United Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. Reformed Church, Reading Road, Henley on Thames, Oxon RG9 1AG. Contact Lynda on 01491 871054.
TUES 19 Oddfellows Academy THURS Zumba Gold 14 6.30pm Free
Members £2 If you have been a member for a 10.30am Guests £3 while and are interested in learning more about the ceremonial side of The hall will be open from 10am our wonderful society, the academy is beforehand for tea and coffee and the place for you. Please come along chat. Oddfellows Hall. See page and find out more. Oddfellows Hall, 4 for full details. Contact Lynn on 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. 01442 823195. Contact Russell on 0118 9548454.
WED Art and TUES 20 Craft Group 19 Singing Together Members £2 10am Members £2 Guests £3 10.30am Guests £3 You are welcome to join us for a Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. morning of art and craft. See page See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354.
10 THURS FRI Bohemian Rhapsody Zumba Gold 21 22 Film Night Members £2 10.30am 7pm Free Guests £3
The hall will be Bohemian Rhapsody celebrates the open from 10am band Queen, their music, and their beforehand extraordinary lead singer Freddie for tea and Mercury, who defied convention to coffee and chat. become one of the most beloved Oddfellows entertainers ever. The bar will be Hall. See page open and nibbles will be supplied, we 4 for full details. can thoroughly recommend this film! Contact Lynn on Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, 01442 823195. Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354.
MON Trip to Aerospace Bristol and Swindon 25 Designer Outlet Centre
9.30am £35. Non-member TBC
Join us for an exciting outing where you will have the chance to step aboard Concorde and embark upon an exciting flight through history.
Your journey will take you through two world wars, exploring the vital role of aircraft in these global conflicts, through the drama and technological advances of the space race and on to the modern day, where you will discover the latest technologies of today’s aerospace industry.
On the way home we will also be calling into the Swindon Outlet Centre for some refreshments or the chance to catch up on our Christmas shopping.
Please come along for what should be a great day out. Please note the trip will only go ahead if there is sufficient interest.
Coach will pick up in Woodley at 9am and Oddfellows Hall, Reading at 9.30am. Contact Karen on 0118 9594073.
11 THURS November Christmas Craft 28 Britons Pride TUES A small charge to Christmas Party 7.30pm 26 Jubilee cover materials Come along and join us for an 7.30pm Free evening of Christmas Crafts. No skills required, just the skill to have fun! Come along and start your Christmas Thatcham Memorial Hall, Brownsfield Celebrations with us. Members will Road, Thatcham RG18 3HF. Contact provide a buffet supper and drinks Joyce on 01635 868387. will be provided. Please bring along a wrapped Christmas Present to the value of £2.50 with you (unisex if possible). St Peters Church, St Peter’s Road, Furze Platt, Maidenhead SL6 7QU. Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354. WED December 27 Singing Together SUN Members £2 10.30am Shillingford Bridge Guests £3 01 Christmas Lunch Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows 12.30pm £25 Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. Join us for our Annual Traditional Christmas Lunch at the beautiful THURS Lunching in with Friends Shillingford Bridge Hotel set on the banks of the River Thames. A Get Together Reading 28 charity raffle will be held on the day. Non-members welcome. Book by 12.30pm TBC Friday 22 November. The Shillingford Bridge Hotel, Shillingford Road, Nr Join us for our final meeting of the Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8LZ. Contact year with a hot lunch and seasonal David on 01235 812179. games. Booking required in advance for catering purposes. Includes raffle. Book by Thursday 21 November. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Christine on 0118 9783919.
12 December WED Art and 04 Craft Group MON Who Am I? Members £2 10am 02 Tilehurst Social Meeting Guests £3 You are welcome to join us for a 2pm £2 morning of art and craft. See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. Join us for our final meeting of the Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354. year for fun and games. Monthly raffle and light refreshments provided. Cornerstones, Halcyon Terrace, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 4XR. Contact Mike on 0118 9071497.
TUES 03 Singing Together
Members £2 10.30am Guests £3 WED Christmas Quiz Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. 04 Pangbourne See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Members £2 Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. 7.30pm Guests £3 TUES Christmas Party Some festive fun. The Elephant Hotel, 03 Reading Abbey Church Road, Pangbourne RG8 7AR. Contact Doug on 0118 9614610. 2pm Free
Come along and join in with a festive afternoon of fun. Please bring along with you a wrapped present up to the value of £2.50. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. THURS Contact Fiona on 0118 9548454. 05 Zumba Gold
Members £2 10.30am Guests £3 The hall will be open from 10am beforehand for tea and coffee and chat. Oddfellows Hall. See page 4 for full details. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195.
13 MON December Lets Go Christmas Crackers 09 Princess Alexandra SAT Children’s 7.30pm Free 07 Christmas Party Members Free Join us for our final meeting of the 3pm Guests £12 year for a social evening of fun and games and seasonal food. Raffle Please come and join included. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford us for an afternoon of Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact fun with a professional Christine on 0118 9783919. entertainer at our Annual Children’s Christmas Party. Party tea will be provided for the children and Father Christmas will be coming along to give them all a present. The party is open to all our young members and their friends, although there is a charge of £12 for non-members which does include the tea and a present for the guest. TUES Please contact Debbie on 0118 9573354 Christmas Fare and for Young Oddfellow Membership Christmas Readings Information - only £10 per year (terms 10 Crown of England and conditions apply). Book by Friday 29 2pm Free November. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Debbie Please come along and join us for on 0118 9573354. a festive afternoon of Christmassy fun and food, everyone is welcome. SUN Christmas Lunch Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Jubilee Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Tony on 08 0118 9871488. Members £20 12.30pm Guests £22.50
You are welcome to join us for our WED annual Christmas Lunch, taking Singing Together place at the Britannia Marlow once 11 again. Please bring along a wrapped Members £2 10.30am Christmas Present each so we can all Guests £3 go home with a gift. Book by Friday 29 November. Britannia Marlow, Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. Little Marlow Road, Marlow SL1 1H7. See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354. Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195.
14 THURS Zumba Gold SUN Southern Group 12 Conference Carol Members £2 15 10.30am Guests £3 Service
The hall will be open from 10am 3pm Free beforehand for tea and coffee and chat. Oddfellows Hall. See page 4 for full details. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195.
THURS Christmas Meal - 12 Britons Pride
7pm TBC Please come along and join us, and members from all over the Please come along and join us for South at the Southern Group a Christmas meal, members and Conference annual Church friends welcome. Details to follow. Service. This will be a Carol Booking essential. Book by Thursday Service and hopefully a fitting 5 December. Contact Joyce on start to Christmas celebrations. 01635 868387. Refreshments will be served in the church hall afterwards, everyone is welcome. Book by Friday 6 December. St James Church Centre, Kingfisher Drive, Woodley, Reading RG5 3LH. Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354.
TUES 17 Oddfellows Academy
6.30pm Free FRI Christmas Meal Woodley Afternoon Group 13 If you have been a member for a while and are interested in learning 12 noon TBC more about the ceremonial side of our wonderful society, the academy is Come and join us when we go out for a the place for you. Please come along Christmas Meal. Date and venue to be and find out more. Oddfellows Hall, arranged. Book by Friday 6 December. 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Karen on 0118 9594073. Contact Russell on 0118 9548454. 15 December January 2020
WED Art and MON Beetle Drive 18 Craft Group 06 Tilehurst Social Meeting
Members £2 10am 2pm £2 Guests £3 You are welcome to join us for a Join us to welcome in morning of art and craft. See page the start of the New 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. Year with a Beetle Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354. Drive. If you don’t know how to play don’t worry its easy, fast and fun. Includes monthly raffle and light refreshments. All welcome. Cornerstones, Halcyon Terrace, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 4XR. Contact Mike on 0118 9071497.
THURS 19 The Royal Albert Hall - Christmas Friendship Matinee
3.30pm Members £15, Guests £18
Come along and join us on a trip to the Royal Albert Hall. Guy Barker’s inimitable mixture of jazz classics, unearthed treasures and Christmas oddities will put a swing in your step as the festive season kicks off.
With Barker’s musical mastery and illustrious guests raising the roof, Guy Barker’s Big Band Christmas can convert even the grumpiest bah humbugs to the joy of Christmas.
Price includes coach travel - times and pick up points will be confirmed on booking. Booking opens on Friday 1 November. Email [email protected] or phone Karen on 0118 9594073. Tickets will be given out on a first come, first served basis. The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, Kensington, London SW7 2AP.
16 January 2020 FRI No Strings Attached 10 Woodley Afternoon Group TUES Happy New Year Members Free 2pm 07 Reading Abbey Guests £3 Back by popular 2pm Free demand, No Strings Attached, Please start the year as you mean to Ukulele Group. go on and come along to Reading Come along Abbey afternoon group for our New and join us for Year themed meeting. Tell us how an afternoon you saw the New Year in and your of singing and plans and aspirations for 2020. dancing to the Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, cheerful and brilliant band. What Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Fiona on better way to start the year off. Don’t 0118 9548454. miss the fun! The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road (Opposite the Shopping Precinct), Woodley, Reading, Berkshire RG5 4JZ. Contact Karen on 0118 9594073.
MON Installation of Officers and Welcome in 2020 WED 13 Princess Alexandra Singing Together 08 7.30pm Free
Members £2 10.30am Guests £3 Come along and join us to welcome in 2020 by installing our new officers Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. for the year. Followed by relax See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows and chat, raffle and refreshments. Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Christine THURS Zumba Gold on 0118 9783919. 09 TUES Members £2 Singing Together 10.30am Guests £3 14 Members £2 The hall will be open from 10am 10.30am Guests £3 beforehand for tea and coffee and chat. Oddfellows Hall. See page Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. 4 for full details. Contact Lynn on See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows 01442 823195. Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195.
17 MON January 2020 Board Game Challenge 20 Get Together Henley TUES Members Free Great Minds Think Alike! 2pm 14 Crown of England Guests £2 Following the 2pm Free festive season come and join Do you think in the same way as your us for a gentle teammates? Come along and join us afternoon of for an afternoon of fun and games. board games and relax and chat. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Includes raffle and light refreshments. Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Tony on All welcome. Following this meeting 0118 9871488. a business meeting will take place for the Good Samaritan Branch at WED Art and approximately 4pm, organised by Tony 15 Craft Group Bonnett. The Christ Church United Reformed Church, Reading Road, Members £2 10am Henley on Thames, Oxon RG9 1AG. Guests £3 Contact Lynda on 01491 871054. You are welcome to join us for a TUES morning of art and craft. See page Oddfellows Academy 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. 21 Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354. 6.30pm Free
If you have been a member for a while and are interested in learning more about the ceremonial side of our wonderful society, the academy is the place for you. Please come along and find out more. Oddfellows Hall, THURS 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Zumba Gold Contact Russell on 0118 9548454. 16 WED Members £2 Singing Together 10.30am Guests £3 22 Members £2 10.30am The hall will be open from 10am Guests £3 beforehand for tea and coffee and chat. Oddfellows Hall. See page Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. 4 for full details. Contact Lynn on See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows 01442 823195. Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. 18 THURS THURS How did you Spend Zumba Gold Your Christmas? 23 30 Get Together Reading Members £2 Members Free 10.30am 2pm Guests £3 Guests £2
The hall will be open from 10am To ease us into the New Year a gentle beforehand for tea and coffee and relax and chat afternoon. Monthly chat. Oddfellows Hall. See page raffle and refreshments provided. Non 4 for full details. Contact Lynn on members welcome. Oddfellows Hall, 01442 823195. 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Christine on 0118 9783919. TUES 28 Singing Together February Members £2 10.30am MON Guests £3 Name that Person Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. 03 Tilehurst Social Meeting See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. 2pm £2 TUES Dominoes Tournament A light hearted competition of ‘Guess 28 Jubilee Who!’ Join us for our monthly meeting to include a raffle and refreshments. 7.30pm Free All welcome. Cornerstones, Halcyon Terrace, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 4XR. Can you carry off the trophy this year? Contact Mike on 0118 9071497. Join us and find out! Card games will also be available. St Peters Church, St Peter’s Road, Furze Platt, Maidenhead SL6 7QU. Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354.
THURS Zumba Gold 30 TUES Members £2 Singing Together 10.30am Guests £3 04 Members £2 10.30am The hall will be open from 10am Guests £3 beforehand for tea and coffee and chat. Oddfellows Hall. See page Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. 4 for full details. Contact Lynn on See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows 01442 823195. Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195.
19 February THURS 06 Zumba Gold TUES Members £2 Indoor Treasure 10.30am Guests £3 04 Hunt - Reading Abbey The hall will be open from 10am 2pm Free beforehand for tea and coffee and chat. See page 4 for full details. Please come along and join us Oddfellows Hall. Contact Lynn on for another Indoor Treasure Hunt, 01442 823195. something to get the brain into gear. See how well you are at solving the MON The Ernie Holt clues! Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact 10 Dominoes Competition Fiona on 0118 9548454. Princess Alexandra 7.30pm Free
Join us for our annual dominoes competition for the Ernie Holt Trophy. If you are unsure how to play we can teach you. Includes raffle and refreshments. All welcome. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Christine WED Art and on 0118 9783919. 05 Craft Group Members £2 10am Guests £3
You are welcome to join us for a morning of art and craft. See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. TUES Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354. Films from Norman Horsham Crown of England WED 11 Mexican Train Dominoes 05 Pangbourne 2pm Free Members £2 7.30pm Guests £3 Please come and join us when we welcome Norman Horsham to watch Always lots of laughs with this fun eight short films about his travels. game. The Elephant Hotel, Church Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Road, Pangbourne RG8 7AR. Contact Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Tony on Doug on 0118 9614610. 0118 9871488.
20 WED TUES Rapunzel - Kenton Theatre Singing Together 12 18 Get Together Henley
Members £2 10.30am 1pm £12 Guests £3 Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. A seasonal visit to the pantomime. See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Limited number of tickets available. Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. Bookings taken from January 2020. Book by Friday 7 February. The Kenton THURS Zumba Gold Theatre, 19 New Street, Henley on 13 Thames, Oxon RG9 2BP. Contact Lynda on 01491 871054. Members £2 10.30am Guests £3 TUES Oddfellows Academy The hall will be open from 10am 18 beforehand for tea and coffee and chat. See page 4 for full details. 6.30pm Free Oddfellows Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. If you have been a member for a while and are interested in learning FRI Seated Exercises/ more about the ceremonial side of Meditation our wonderful society, the academy is 14 Woodley Afternoon Group the place for you. Please come along Members Free 2pm and find out more. Oddfellows Hall, Guests £3 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Please come along and join Des Contact Russell on 0118 9548454. when she takes us through some chair based movements to music with WED Art and breathing, meditation and stretch. You 19 Craft Group don’t want to miss it! The Oakwood Centre, Headley Road (Opposite Members £2 10am the Shopping Precinct), Woodley, Guests £3 Reading, Berkshire RG5 4JZ. Contact You are welcome to join us for a Karen on 0118 9594073. morning of art and craft. See page TUES 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. 18 Singing Together Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354.
Members £2 10.30am Guests £3 Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195.
21 February THURS 27 Zumba Gold THURS Members £2 Zumba Gold 10.30am 20 Guests £3 The hall will be open from 10am Members £2 10.30am Guests £3 beforehand for tea and coffee and chat. See page 4 for full details. The hall will be open from 10am Oddfellows Hall. Contact Lynn on beforehand for tea and coffee and 01442 823195. chat. See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. Contact Lynn on WWI and WWII - A talk THURS 01442 823195. by Mr Green from the TUES 27 Royal British Legion Cheese and Wine Get Together Reading Evening - Jubilee 25 Members Free 2pm Guests £2 7.30pm Free We would like to welcome back Mr Come and enjoy our annual Cheese Green who will be giving us a talk and Wine Evening. A variety of on the Great War and the Second cheeses and wine will be on offer World War. Please feel free to bring along with a small game or quiz. St along any artefacts for display Peters Church, St Peter’s Road, Furze and discussion. Monthly raffle and Platt, Maidenhead SL6 7QU. Contact refreshments provided. Non-members Debbie on 0118 9573354. welcome. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Christine on 0118 9783919. March
MON Indoor Treasure Hunt 02 Tilehurst Social Meeting WED 26 Singing Together 2pm £2 Come and test your observation Members £2 10.30am skills with our Treasure Hunt. Raffle Guests £3 and light refreshments. All welcome. Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. Cornerstones, Halcyon Terrace, See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Tilehurst, Reading RG30 4XR. Contact Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. Mike on 0118 9071497.
22 WED March Trivial Pursuits 04 Pangbourne TUES Members £2 7.30pm 03 Singing Together Guests £3 Members £2 The first team home wins! The 10.30am Guests £3 Elephant Hotel, Church Road, Pangbourne RG8 7AR. Contact Doug Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. on 0118 9614610. See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows THURS Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. Zumba Gold TUES Barbados to 05 Reading Members £2 10.30am 03 Reading Abbey Guests £3
2pm Free The hall will be open from 10am beforehand for tea and coffee and Please come and join us for an chat. See page 4 for full details. interesting afternoon where we will Oddfellows Hall. Contact Lynn on hear a talk by Cyrilene Tollafield who 01442 823195. was born in Barbados, hear about MON her early life there and how she came Picture Bingo with Mike to live in Reading. Oddfellows Hall, Princess Alexandra 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. 09 Contact Fiona on 0118 9548454. 7.30pm Free
Come and join us for a light hearted game of Picture Bingo WED hosted by Art and our Noble 04 Craft Group Grand Mike. Members £2 10am Monthly Guests £3 raffle You are welcome to join us for a and refreshments provided. Non morning of art and craft. See page members welcome. Oddfellows Hall, 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354. Contact Christine on 0118 9783919.
23 March FRI Chocolates 13 Continental TUES Mercyships Talk Woodley Afternoon Group Members Free Crown of England 2pm 10 Guests £3
2pm Free
Please come along and join us as we welcome Alan and Morna Whitlock and hear a very interesting talk all about the Mercyship, this is a hospital ship which sails to Africa. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Tony on 0118 9871488.
Who doesn’t like Chocolate! Come along and listen to a talk by WED Bob Whelpton from Chocolates Singing Together Continental, try two samples and 11 have the opportunity to purchase on the day. Join us for an Members £2 10.30am interesting and yummy afternoon. Guests £3 The Oakwood Centre, Headley Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. Road (Opposite the Shopping See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Precinct), Woodley, Reading, Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195. Berkshire RG5 4JZ. Contact Karen on 0118 9594073. THURS Zumba Gold 12 TUES Members £2 Singing Together 10.30am Guests £3 17 Members £2 The hall will be open from 10am 10.30am Guests £3 beforehand for tea and coffee and chat. See page 4 for full details. Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. Oddfellows Hall. Contact Lynn on See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows 01442 823195. Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195.
24 TUES TUES Charity Bingo and Oddfellows Academy Afternoon Tea 17 17 Get Together Henley 6.30pm Free Members Free 2pm Guests £2 If you have been a member for a while and are interested in learning more about the ceremonial side of our wonderful society, the academy is the place for you. Please come along and find out more. Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Russell on 0118 9548454.
WED Art and 18 Craft Group
Members £2 10am Guests £3 Join us for an afternoon of Julia’s bingo, to raise money for the You are welcome to join us for a District Chairman Clive Tayler’s morning of art and craft. See page charity, The Royal Berkshire 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. Hospital. This will be followed by Contact Debbie on 0118 9573354. an afternoon tea (sandwiches/ cakes etc) so don’t eat too much THURS Zumba Gold lunch! Following the meeting a 19 business meeting will take place for the Good Samaritan Branch Members £2 10.30am at approximately 4pm, organised Guests £3 by Tony Bonnett. The Christ The hall will be open from 10am Church United Reformed Church, beforehand for tea and coffee and Reading Road, Henley on Thames, chat. See page 4 for full details. Oxon RG9 1AG. Contact Lynda on Oddfellows Hall. Contact Lynn on 01491 871054. 01442 823195.
25 March THURS 26 Get Together Reading TUES Lasting Power of Attorney Members Free 2pm 24 Jubilee Guests £2 Further details to be confirmed. 7.30pm Free Monthly raffle and refreshments provided. Non members welcome. Please come along and join us as we Oddfellows Hall, 118b Oxford Road, learn more about the complex issue Reading RG1 7NQ. Contact Christine of Lasting Powers of Attorney. We on 0118 9783919. welcome a speaker from LPA Made Simple, to simplify things for us. St THURS Peters Church, St Peter’s Road, Furze Spring Craft Platt, Maidenhead SL6 7QU. Contact 26 Britons Pride Debbie on 0118 9573354. A small charge to 7.30pm cover materials Come along and join us for an evening of Spring Crafts. No skills required, just come and have fun! Thatcham Memorial Hall, Brownsfield Road, Thatcham RG18 3HF. Contact Joyce on 01635 868387. WED 25 Singing Together
Members £2 10.30am Guests £3 Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195.
THURS Zumba Gold 26 TUES Members £2 Singing Together 10.30am Guests £3 31 Members £2 The hall will be open from 10am 10.30am Guests £3 beforehand for tea and coffee and chat. See page 4 for full details. Tea and coffee and chat beforehand. Oddfellows Hall. Contact Lynn on See page 4 for full details. Oddfellows 01442 823195. Hall. Contact Lynn on 01442 823195.
26 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 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 Camp Mohawk Donation Reading
After months of fundraising quizzes, raffles, dinners and events, the Reading District Oddfellows has raised £2,300 for Camp Mohawk.
Our 2018/2019 Chairman Fiona Vince named Camp Mohawk as her charity of the year after learning how the day centre provides children with special needs a safe place to play, socialise and learn. This fantastic amount, raised by our members and the wider community over the past Camp Mohawk, just outside Wargrave 12 months will contribute towards the provides both indoor and outdoor facilities running costs involved in providing a safe which are accessible to children who may and welcoming space for young people not otherwise have the help and support with physical or developmental disabilities to get outdoors and play or socialise. and their families. Well done Fiona. Dinner Dance 85 members and friends attended was attended by many members from the Reading District Dinner Dance neighbouring Districts, the special guest on 29 June 2019. was the Grand Master of the Order David Randall accompanied by his wife Diana. The double celebration, in honour of our Chairman Clive Tayler, pictured left and The Southern Group Conference Annual newly installed President of Southern Bowls Match took place the following day, Group Conference Debbie Jex was a rounding off a lovely weekend, especially great success. The event was held on an as the winning and runners up team both extremely warm evening at the Double represented the Reading District. Tree By Hilton Hotel in Sindlesham and
28 Julia Yeo
Congratulations go to Three Counties help given to member and Henley on Thames her whilst her resident Julia Yeo who recently husband was ill received a Henley Hero Award in and in the years recognition for years of volunteering following his sad in her local community. Her kindness passing. Barbara has helped the Chilterns Court said that without Care Centre, the Memory Cafe at the love and the Christ Church Centre and the friendship Julia Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal had given her amongst others. She was also highly she would not praised for her dedicated service to the St. John Ambulance over the last have been able to 43 years. face daily life in the way she has. Julia attends the Henley Get Together Group where her contribution to the More than 100 people attended the meetings, be it running quizzes and bingo presentations of the inaugural Henley sessions or giving first aid demonstrations Heroes awards, which were launched is greatly valued. She is also renowned for to celebrate those who make a positive her excellent baking skills. difference to life in the town but aren’t always recognised. We congratulate One of Julia’s neighbours, Barbara Julia very much for receiving hers, it is Maynard who also attends the group in obviously very well deserved. Henley praised Julia for the wonderful Thanks to David Lang for the photo. 2019/2020 Charity
Our Chairman for 2019/2020, Trust and has recently helped purchase Clive Tayler Past Grand Master an ultrasound System for the Breast (Past Chairman) has named the Screening Unit, a Fibreoptic Endoscopic Royal Berks Charity as his charity machine for the stroke unit, a portable to support during his term in Urology ultrasound machine and 30 new office and so far this year almost wheelchairs for patients to use. £1,500 has been raised for this great cause. This is a cause that is close to all of our hearts and we hope we can count on The charity supports the work of the your support. Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation
29 Wokingham Charity Bowls
On a lovely sunny evening in July the real winner was the Royal Berks we had a great time at Wokingham Charity to which the £395.56 raised Bowling Club for our annual during the evening is going. Thank Chairman versus Deputy Chairman you everyone who came along and Bowls Match. The Deputy Chairman’s made it such a fun night and thanks team was the winner on the night but to Colin for the photos as well. Concord Lunch and Goodbye
On 1 July 2019, the Concord Financial Branch transferred out of the Reading District to become the Concord (West Surrey and North East Hampshire) District Lodge. To mark this occasion a very successful luncheon was held on 13 July 2019 at the Macdonald Frimley Hall Hotel, in Frimley, the event was attended by many members and the special guest was our CEO Jane for the future and hope we can Nelson. We wish them all the best retain our special link with them.
30 Windsor Races
On 19 August 2019, 42 members and Handicap Stakes’, a five furlong race for friends attended the Royal Berkshire horses of three years old and upwards. Branch annual trip to Windsor Races. The winning horse, ridden by jockey The weather was kind to us and the Cieren Fallon was seven year old Harry going was good, although I am not Hurricane. The horse is owned by the sure anyone came home richer than Dare To Dream racing syndicate and was when they went in despite us being trained by George Baker. given some tips by Jump Jockey David Cross. David also escorted some of Royal Berkshire Branch Trustee, Alan the group across the course to see Porton is pictured above, (second right) the horses in the fourth race being making a presentation to the team, Alan loaded into the starting gates, this enabled us to get a close up view of a also made a presentation on the night race start, which, as you can imagine to the groom of the best turned out was very quick. horse in that race which was 10 year old Pettochside. The Royal Berkshire Branch sponsored the third race of the night ‘The Oddfellows Many thanks to David Lang for the photograph. Join the conversation @OddfellowsUK
Find us at OddfellowsUk OddfellowsUk
31 Sports Awards 2019
Reading District Oddfellows are very proud to be a joint sponsor of the Reading Sports Personality of the Year Awards and sole sponsor of the Reading Sports Aid Fund which aims to provide financial support for up and coming local young sports men and women.
Pictured here are our Deputy Chairman Bob Young and District Secretary Debbie Jex at the recent awards ceremony, held at the Penta Hotel in Reading, presenting of Wokingham and play cricket at county Oddfellows’ members, Charley and Ella level for Berkshire. Well done girls, keep Phillips with their award, won in the up the good work. Female School Personality of the Year category for their prowess in the field of Thanks to Colin Lewis for the photos. cricket. At that time Charley and Ella attended the Holt School on the outskirts Oddfellows Members: Do you need help?
Local Care and Welfare Support To request contact from a Welfare Visitor and for local help and information about Branch benefits and benevolence contact Debbie on 0118 9573354 or email [email protected] Oddfellows Advice Line Care and Welfare Helpline Call 0800 0149 821* Call 0800 0149 822 (free to callers from any landline or (free to callers from any landline or mobile number) mobile number) Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Thursday, 9.30am - 4.30pm, Email: Friday, 9.30am - 4pm [email protected] Email: [email protected]
*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. 32 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
33 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
34 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.
35 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 Provincial Deputy 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 bene 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? at would have to be the Amal 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 ction books and his one non- ction book. long-serving Castle Branch (Colchester) o cer and trustee, so he encouraged me You’re stranded on a desert island…. What three items would you take with you? to nally sign up. I guess I was always 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 shing line. Secretary of Castle Branch, so there’s Who would play you in the always a little healthy Branch competition. movie of your life? Matt Damon. 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