Report and photos: Judith Catton

A local friendship group says it will do all it can to help bring people seeking company together this spring.

Ormskirk and Southport Oddfellows, a group of mostly older and retired members who meet up regularly to enjoy events and activities in and around the local area, is extending a welcome to anyone interested in getting to know new people locally.

“There are lots of obstacles that can get in the way of making friends, particularly as we get older,” said Judith Catton, Social Organiser at Ormskirk and Southport Oddfellows. “Not knowing how to start or where to look is often the first and most difficult hurdle, so we want people to know that we’re here and will help to remove as many barriers as possible.

“We have a variety of events for you to try and a whole host of people to enjoy doing them alongside. There really is something for everyone.

“If you’re nervous about trying out a new group, many of our now regulars felt that way in the beginning. We’ll do all we can to put you at ease. You can always call ahead to get an idea what to expect.”

The group is also sensitive to pressures on people’s budgets.

Judith added: “We’ve just published our new Events Diary which runs till the end of October with lots of varied events to suit all tastes and budgets. We try to keep the prices of our events to a minimum in order to make them as accessible and affordable as possible.”

Upcoming social activities include a cabaret afternoon at Briars Hall, a coach trip tour of Birkenhead Priory and Williamson Museum and lunch at The Italian Orchard, Broughton.

“The highlight of our spring social programme is a concert by Oddfellows’ very own brass band at Lord Street West United Church on Saturday 11 May at 3pm,” Judith said. “Tickets for this are just £8 and all are welcome.”

The Society also runs around 60 online events every month which are free and open to all.

Ormskirk Oddfellows is part of one of the UK’s oldest and largest friendly societies. It aims to improve people’s lives through friendship and support.

As well as social events, Oddfellows members can access a wide range of benefits, including care and welfare support and a travel club. There are also opportunities to volunteer and play a part in raising money for good causes.

To find out more about Ormskirk Oddfellows or to buy tickets to the Oddfellows Brass concert contact Judith on judith.catton@oddfellows.co.uk or 01704 545 279. More information about the Oddfellows can be found at www.oddfellows.co.uk. The Oddfellows also has advice on creating friendships in later life on its website at www.oddfellows.co.uk/friendship, including a ‘Friendship MOT’ designed in collaboration with Chartered Psychologist and later life career coach, Dr Denise Taylor.

• Established in 1810, the Oddfellows is one of the largest and oldest friendly societies in the UK, with around 39,600 members across 99 branches nationwide. We're a non-profit mutual run by our members for our members, and we do our best to improve the quality of people’s lives through friendship, care and charity. It costs from £25 a year to join us as a member and become part of our friendly society.
• For further information about the Oddfellows, please contact Lewis Finney (lewis.finney@oddfellows.co.uk) or Naomi Fulwood (naomi.fulwood@oddfellows.co.uk) on 0161 832 9361.