A strong, supportive social group for Sue

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Friends make all the difference, as Sue Davies learnt first-hand following the sudden death of her husband.

Sue (second from left) with her Oddfellows friends at a lunch in Sept 2019

Sue, 82, a retired Home Economics teacher from Hartlepool, has been a member of the Cleveland and Durham Branch of the Oddfellows since her husband, Tom, died suddenly 17 years ago.

She’s urging others who might benefit from meeting up with like-minded people regularly, or from being more involved in their community, to seek out the support of a local social group. 

“I was grieving, lonely and needed a support network. I was looking forward to a long and contented retirement with Tom, but that was shattered in an instant.

“I was determined not to give in, so that’s when I decided to give the Oddfellows a try. Having heard about the Society on local radio and receiving a flyer through the door. I took the plunge.” 

Many people come along and just enjoy the company and the events – there’s something for everyone. Sue Davies, Member of the Cleveland and Durham Branch of the Oddfellows

Sue added: “I realised the Oddfellows was much more than just insurance, it was an enthusiastic and dynamic team of people like me, hosting a wide variety of events – coach outings and holidays, visits to local places of interest, black tie dinners and afternoon teas, many to raise money for charities.

Supportive friends

“Me being me, I threw myself into branch life – writing the newsletter, volunteering to set up a lunch club and putting on a monthly speakers and quiz nights that drew the community together. Not only were these great places to bring people together, it meant I started to build a strong, supportive friendship group.”

Sue is now in a happy relationship with her partner, Alex, who has also joined the Oddfellows on her recommendation.

She added: “He’s 77 and a World Master’s Bench Press champion, holding several unbroken world records! We’re very well-matched as we both like to keep busy and achieving!

“Not every member has to get involved with organising like I did, many people come along and just enjoy the company and the events – there’s something for everyone. I’ve had to hand over the reins now, due to my increased immobility, but I’m continuing to arrange the monthly lunch club, and support my local branch however I can.”

Give an Oddfellows friendship group a try

You can use our Branch Finder to see which of our Branches is closest to you, or take a look at our Events page to see what's happening online, or nearby.

You can also contact us to request a free membership pack.