Giving back to get more from retirement

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

The Oddfellows is proud to be a mutual society that improves the quality of people’s lives through friendship, care and charitable support. And while Pete Mouland is one of thousands of retired members to enjoy all these benefits, he also says the opportunities to get involved, support others and volunteer, enhances his experience even more.

Pete, centre, enjoys meeting up with other Oddfellows members from across the UK.

The best of both worlds

Pete, 60, who lives in Shrewsbury and retired in 2019, joined the Oddfellows after plans to volunteer with Citizens Advice were hindered due to the COVID pandemic.

A member of the Oddfellows’ Severn and Trent Branch, along with his wife Sally, Pete said: “I really enjoy helping people and giving back. It’s something my wife and I have always done.

“I have been a trade unionist for many years, and my wife and I spent a number of years fostering children too. I enjoy the feeling of making a difference and having an impact that will be felt by others now and into the future. When I retired, it was natural for me to look at ways I can continue to fulfil that desire.”

He added: “The Oddfellows is the best of both worlds. I have been given some responsibility to help members and the committee, but I also get the benefits of being a member myself.”

A natural fit

Just two years into his membership, he was elected District Chairman (Provincial Grand Master) of his local Branch. He’s now also on its management committee and looks after its social media.

He said: “When I thought about retiring I thought about volunteering for Citizens Advice, but COVID stopped that because they couldn’t run the training.

“My mum is a member of the Oddfellows and had invited me to a few events, so I thought I’d go along.

“It suited me very well because it all felt quite familiar. My first official session was very much like a trade union meeting in format, they introduced new people, went through finances and things like that. It felt like I was a natural fit to get involved on the organisational side. I had a lot of experience being an ex-trade unionist and a trustee, I’m naturally quite logical, so it was nice to have that role again.

“I’m also able to help in other ways such as helping the members get to grips with computers and run the social media. It’s something that I’ve had to learn but I really enjoy it.”

Arline, Pete's mum, encouraged him and his wife, Sally, to join the Oddfellows.

A fascinating history

Pete was born in Hong Kong and moved to Shrewsbury when he was seven. He worked as an apprentice at Rolls Royce Shrewsbury – now Caterpillar Shrewsbury – working on electronics and electronics maintenance.

It was during this time he got his first official taste of responsibility and altruism when he was appointed trade union official to represent his colleagues at a time of unrest.

Pete spent the rest of his career in development, working as an instrumentation engineer testing engines and transmissions on military vehicles around the world. He retired after 46 years but continues to be a pension trustee for the firm, a post he has held for 25 years.

In addition, he volunteered for the Territorial Army for 26 years where he met Sally, joining the Royal Corps of Signals, and gaining the rank of Sergeant Major and Captain.

Pete’s enthusiasm for the Oddfellows has also stretched into his homelife, as he has started researching the history of the society in his spare time and collecting memorabilia.

He added: “The Oddfellows has a fascinating history and the more I learn about it the more I’m interested. When I first joined, I became interest in the membership jewels that members wear to the events – some of them date back to the 1800s – it’s part of British history.”

Opportunities to challenge yourself

Pete says the Oddfellows has opened more doors than he ever considered. Not only has the society provided him with opportunities to meet new people and to support others, but it has enabled him to constantly learn and develop new skills.

He added: “I enjoy the challenge of being on the committee at the Oddfellows and it’s a very natural fit for me skills wise, but on a personal level, I have also met some amazing people and made some very good friends.

“Not only do I get to meet people local to me within my Branch, but my role as Provincial Grand Master and on the management committee also means I get to meet some really fascinating people from across the country too.”

He added: “In some ways I would describe it as a career, I enjoy having the responsibility and I also get fulfilment and self-development out of it. I don’t have an answer for everything but I work hard to represent and support everyone to the best of my ability.”

He added: “Oddfellows isn’t just for people looking to make friends locally, it’s an opportunity to challenge yourself and engage with others. You can get involved in the committee like me or you can enjoy the benefits the Oddfellows brings both socially and financially, or you can do both!

“One of my personal aims is to encourage some more younger members. Not only will this aid succession planning for the future of the Oddfellows but ensure that people continue to the enjoy the fantastic benefits that Oddfellows has to offer.”

I get to meet some really fascinating people from across the country...

George Brotherton, Branch Secretary for Severn and Trent Oddfellows, said: “Pete’s head for business and natural compassion for others saw him elected District Chairman within just three years.

“He has made a real impact on our Branch and is a wonderful example of how the Oddfellows has something for everyone.

“As one of the UK’s oldest friendship societies, we pride ourselves on providing comfort and support through friendship, as well as opportunities to give something back to the community.”

Oddfellows friendship groups

Whether a lack of routine has hindered your ability to enjoy your retirement, or anxiety around meeting new people is putting you off, now is the time to enjoy your freedom rather than feel imprisoned by it.

If you'd like to meet other retirees in your area or find out about volunteering opportunities with us, 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.

Read more advice on making friends in later life and building social confidence in our friendship guides section.