BRADFORD'S Oddfellows Friendly Society is taking part in the organisation's annual friendship month with a series of events organised through the rest of September to attract new members.

The society has recently commissioned a study which has revealed friendship is one of the unexpected pleasures open to those who reach retirement, along with staying active.

Oddfellows was founded more than 200 years ago and is one of Britain's largest friendly societies, with more than 140 branches including one in Bradford.

It meets at different venues and during September has a range of activities planned. Members have already enjoyed a casino night at Napoleons and held a bingo night last Thursday at Shipley Conservative Club.

Other events on the way include a lunchtime talk, with soup and cake, at Carlton House in Little Horton Lane, and a fish and chip supper.

Bradford members include Sue Jones, 66, who joined the group six years ago after seeking out a new source of companionship.

“There are endless clubs and societies you can join, but most of them are effectively all-male or all-female in terms of their membership,” she said.

“I’d been involved in all-female groups and then in a Rotary club where I was the only woman. I decided what I really wanted was diverse, mixed company and an informal, friendly environment.”

She now also serves as a Welfare Officer, visiting other membership groups around Yorkshire.

The society has a £30 a year subscription and members can also benefit from financial assistance for optical and dental care and also to help those in ill health.

“Anyone who takes advantage of these benefits is more than covering the cost of membership straight away,” she says.

“As for making new friends, I’ve seen the warm welcome Oddfellows members extend to newcomers who attend events during Friendship Month.

“I can vouch for the fact that anyone who comes along won’t just be well looked after – they’ll also settle in right away,” she said.

The Oddfellows study showed 45 per cent of those aged 50s who responded said spending time with friends was what they were most looking forward to about being retired.

However, almost two thirds of those aged 70s who were interviewed said it was the most enjoyable element of retirement, suggesting those approach retirement underestimate the value of friendship.

Anyone interested in joining the Bradford group can contact Maureen Holloway for more information on 01274 580230.