Society
27 May 2025
Give your retirement a 'glow-up'
A go-getting retirement
Updated: 28 Jan 2025
Highflyer Jonathan who travelled the country with his work has praised his local Oddfellows group for keeping him challenged and supported in retirement.
Jonathan Platt, who worked as a Head of Investment for the National Lottery Heritage Fund, described retiring aged 55 as ‘daunting’. Not only would he become a full-time carer for his wife Dawn, but he was also concerned his mind wouldn’t be fully occupied after his challenging 40-year-career as a volunteer, curator and public servant.
Members Jonathan and Dawn Platt.
Jonathan, who is now 57 and lives with his wife in Skipsea in Yorkshire, said: “Retirement was quite a long time coming. We knew Dawn wasn’t going to get better health-wise and she needed someone to care for her full-time. There was a lot of travelling involved at work and I was gaining more responsibility, so we decided that we should start looking at options.
“It was always a concern that I was going to get bored. I’ve had a long and varied career and I need to be mentally and physically active. But I couldn’t have been more wrong – sometimes there just aren’t enough days in the week!”
Staying challenged
Jonathan and Dawn, who are now members of the Oddfellows’ Hull Branch, said: “Oddfellows has been a huge part of keeping us both occupied and active. It’s very interesting, it’s great getting to know new people and it keeps us very busy with lots of events and activities.
“The nice thing is it’s something we can both do together or apart. I can go for a walk and if Dawn feels up to it she can come along.”
Jonathan joined the Oddfellows in 2021, a couple of years after his wife Dawn, who retired as a reflexologist aged 50 due to long-term health problems following an accident.
Jonathan, who had hoped to keep busy doing renovations on a new bungalow they bought in retirement, said his local Oddfellows group came to the rescue when he had completed the DIY works quicker than expected due to lockdown.
He said: “I had thought I’d be kept busy with the renovations of our new bungalow, but due to lockdown I was able to get everything done pretty quickly. Dawn enjoyed going along to the Oddfellows so when things started opening up again during the pandemic I thought I’d give it a go. I’m so glad I did.”
The friends I have made have more vigour and vim than most 20-year-olds. We have a great time.
Jonathan began taking part in outdoor walks and, when lockdown lifted, he and Dawn joined in with meals and quizzes.
Jonathan, who is a grandfather of one with a second on the way, added: “I’m glad I retired. I needn’t have worried about being bored because there is just so much to do and lots of interesting people to meet.
“The friends I have made have more vigour and vim than most 20-year-olds. We have a great time.”
As well as enjoying regular activities such as walks and bingo, Jonathan and Dawn also enjoy theatre trips and look forward to taking part in the Oddfellows’ group holidays in the future.
Jonathan, who also volunteers for Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Another huge advantage of the Oddfellows is all the benefits that you can get such as contributions towards dentistry and suchlike.
“As a carer and looking to the future, the potential for respite care or confidential support for me as is also reassuring.”
Jonathan and Dawn with friends they've made at their local Oddfellows Branch.
Meeting interesting people
Neil Smith, Secretary of the Oddfellows’ Humber Wolds District, said: “We are thrilled to have welcomed both Jonathan and Dawn to our group.
“Most of our more active members are retired so it’s the perfect place to meet people who are in a similar position to you and who are looking for interesting and social ways to fill their days.
“The wonderful thing about the Oddfellows is that our members come from all walks of life and have lots of stories and experiences to share, so whether it’s a coffee morning or a guided walk, everyone always has lots to talk about!”
Oddfellows friendship groups
Whether you want to stay fit and active, find new ways to give back to the community, or you’re looking for new ways to keep occupied in retirement, the Oddfellows is a great place to start.
We're always ready to welcome new members to our local Oddfellows friendship groups.
You can find your nearest by using our Branch Finder, or use our Events Finder to search for social events and activities happening near to where you live or online.
Contact us to request your free information pack and local events diary.