Society

In later life, free time often opens up, bringing more space to explore your interests and choose how, and with whom, you spend your days. This creates an opportunity to build the kinds of friendships you may not always have had room for before. But it’s rare for these connections to happen by chance.

Retirement is a chance to begin an exciting new chapter. But for some, it can come with unexpected challenges such as feelings of isolation or a sense of lost purpose.

It’s a reality that often goes unspoken: while retirement is eagerly anticipated, the loss of routine connection can come as an unexpected shock.

Members from across the UK have taken centre stage in a new advertising campaign reaching out to the nation’s retirees.

Retirement is often seen as a finish line, but once you reach it, what comes next? Without the structure and purpose of working life, it can feel unfamiliar and unexpectedly flat. Here, anthropologist, broadcaster and author, Dr Anna Machin shares five Rs to help you find your new rhythm in retirement.

Richard West, a member of the Royal Berkshire Branch of the Oddfellows in the Reading District, has been announced as the winner of this year’s ‘Enriching Lives Socially’ Making a Difference Award.

Roger and Susan Williamson, members of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Oddfellows, have been announced as our 2026 ‘Achieving Together’ Making a Difference Award winners.

The Oddfellows' charitable spirit has once again been demonstrated by branches and members across the UK, who together donated more than £148,000 to good causes in 2025.