BRADFORD Oddfellows have celebrated Friendship month with a Mad Hatters Tea Party.
The group, which offers friendship and support, held the fancy dress party to launch a series of events helping people explore the benefits of coming together socially.
Events coming up include Sing-along-Beatles at Woodbottom Social Club, Baildon, on Thursday, September 22 at 7.30pm (£8 including a buffet and live entertainment) and a Friendship walk and picnic at Roberts Park, Saltaire, on Monday, September 26 at 10am (£4 for picnic lunch or free just for the walk).
September is Friendship Month, the Oddfellows’ annual awareness campaign to promote the benefits of friendship.
Held at Carlton House in Bradford, the Mad Hatters Tea Party was hosted by Oddfellows social co-ordinator Emma Marshall, dressed as the Queen of Hearts. The fun afternoon tea included “quizzes and games and lots of laughter”.
Said Emma, and fellow social co-ordinator Sam Henry: “We love working for Bradford Oddfellows and it’s great fun organising events like this. We’re very lucky to have a dedicated volunteer, Ragan Fletcher, who helps us at most events. Seeing members laughing and chatting is what makes this job so worthwhile.
“During September we’re encouraging people to come along to events to see for themselves what a friendly group we are. All can attend for the members’ price all this month - so why not get in touch and arrange to come along to an event?”
Established in 1810, the Oddfellows is one of the largest friendly societies in the UK, with 42,250 members across 113 branches nationwide. Bradford Oddfellows has more than 400 members across the district, many of them older or retired people.
Mindful of the rising cost of living, the group is keeping social events affordable. Says Emma: “We saw the effect that spending less time in the company of others had on members during the pandemic and we need to make sure that as we face another difficult time, we stay in touch and support each other.
“If you’re finding it difficult to socialise in later life, or you’d like to build or extend your friendship circle, groups such as ours are a great way to meet like-minded people locally.”
As well as holding regular social events, the group helps members access information about financial benefits and welfare support.
Here’s what some members have to say about Oddfellows: “We can be assured of a warm welcome, whether we’re at a social meeting, walk or holiday,” says Jo Baxter.
“Oddfellows is somewhere to meet people, they’re a friendly group and always make you welcome. Friends make life less lonely if you live alone,” says Shirley Thomas.
“There is always a warm welcome at the Oddfellows and a wide variety of events and entertainment,” says Mike Waddams.
“They were so supportive during the pandemic, making sure we were all okay and getting us out and about when they could,” says Dorothy Fear.
“ Bradford Oddfellows is brilliant. Being active or just relaxing with friends indoors or outdoors, rain or shine,” says Ross Northage.
* To find out more about Bradford Oddfellows contact Emma Marshall on 07432 047213 or Sam Henry on 07940025397 or email emma.marshall@oddfellows.co.uk or samantha.henry@oddfellows.co.uk
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