OUT AND ABOUT
Making new friends for life
Based on the motto of friendship, love and truth, a friendly society in Rotherham has been supporting the local community for over 200 years.
Part of a national organisation, Oddfellows has been officially established as a fellowship group since 1810, with its societal roots stretching back even further to Roman times.
Improving lives through friendship, care and support, the main idea behind becoming an Oddfellow member is to make new friends, forging strong bonds with people from all walks of life.
protected against illness, injury or even death. King William IV was also a lifelong member. However, while members still receive some medical benefits such as optical and dental, the main belief today is that more can be achieved in unity than on your own. An all-encompassing pillar of support in the local community, the Rotherham branch of Oddfellows provides a calendar of social events with a chance to come along and meet new people no matter of age, race or religion.
There are quizzes and games, plus guest talks based around Rotherham’s rich history, with a buffet, drinks and lots of laughter in the air. The group also has
regular trips out for afternoon tea or lunches, with visits to other areas and lots of time for talking.
While you don’t have to be a
member to attend any of the events, Oddfellows do offer a friend referral scheme with Love2Shop vouchers available as a thanks for inviting other members to join.
Long before the days of the NHS, welfare state and trade unions, the fraternity was started as a somewhat benevolent fund by landowners and farmers who’d put away a few pennies a week as an allowance for their workers in times of need. After much scrutiny and an illegal status which drove their meetings underground or in secrecy, the brotherhood ban was overturned in 1851, with Oddfellows becoming one of the largest societies of its kind during the Industrial Revolution. By joining Oddfellows, it meant workers and their families were
The meeting lodges of old were often pubs, but today the Rotherham branch is based on Westgate which still has a ceremonial room littered with the names of former grand masters where members can meet once a month to swear allegiance to the cause.
A support system for those facing particular hardship, Oddfellows also provide a free care and welfare advice line for when you just need someone to turn to.
Enshrined in charity and a helping hand attitude, joining Oddfellows can provide a new lease of life and a host of new friends.
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ODDFELLOWS ROTHERHAM
Activities July to December 2017 ALL EVENTS START AT 1PM
Tuesday 11th July
Health Quiz & Buffet with a prize for the winner! Oddfellows members FREE, Guests £3.00
Friday 14th July
Barbara Sharp “Armchair Aerobics” A fun session of sit down exercises for all abilities. Oddfellows members FREE, Guests £3.00
Friday 8th September Margaret Jackson “Chapel on the Bridge”.
Local author Margaret Jackson gives an insight into the history. Oddfellows members FREE, Guests £3.00
Tuesday 12th September Fun Quiz -Who’s the Baby? & Buffet. Oddfellows members FREE, Guests £3.00
Tuesday 10th October
General Knowledge Quiz & Buffet, prize for both winner and loser! Oddfellows members FREE, Guests £3.00
Friday 13th October
Ron Clayton gives a fun and informative talk “My Individual Research into British Pub Culture” Oddfellows members FREE, Guests £3.00
Friday 10th November
Pam McConnell gives a presentation on the fundraising for “Gambian Schools”
Oddfellows members FREE, Guests £3.00 Tuesday 14th November
Join us for an afternoon of ‘Play Your Cards Right’& Buffet. Oddfellows members FREE, Guests £3.00
Tuesday 12th December
Get into the Christmas spirit with The Oddfellows Festive Buffet, Christmas songs and laughter compulsory. Oddfellows members FREE, Guests £3.00
Booking essential telephone Lesley on 01709 838673 Or Call into the Oddfellows office at 40 Westgate, Rotherham S60 1AS
We look forward to seeing you
Welcome All
Come and join us and make new friends
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