Members at heart of new campaign

Published: 26 May 2026

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

Under the spotlight

Running throughout June and July, the upbeat and colourful campaign is built around the theme of “real people, real joy, real experiences”, and shines a spotlight on the authentic friendships, shared laughter and meaningful moments that happen every day across the Society’s local friendship groups.

The campaign also highlights how Oddfellows branches bring together people from all walks of retirement life – creating welcoming spaces where friendships flourish and people feel connected.

After putting out a call for members to represent the Society, the Oddfellows was delighted by the response.

Members from Leeds, Derbyshire Peak, Mersey, Handforth and Altrincham, Mid-Staffordshire, Nottingham Trent, and Ormskirk and Southport Oddfellows all stepped forward to take part.

The campaign came to life during a professional studio shoot in Manchester, where members spent the day working alongside an experienced production team.

“A fun day”

As well as appearing in the adverts, members also shared their personal thoughts on retirement, friendship and the positive impact being part of the Oddfellows has had on their lives.

Derbyshire Peak Oddfellows members, Andrea and John

Partners Andrea Jenner and John Burke, both members of Derbyshire Peak Oddfellows, took part in the shoot. She said: "It was such a fun day. There was lots of laughter and interaction with Oddfellows from other areas. Most of us forgot the professional photographers were there as we engaged with each other. It was a very relaxed vibe and I was ‘honoured’ to be asked to take part."

Andrea, who put her work life behind her in 2014, admitted she isn’t really someone who joins groups, but decided to give an Oddfellows meetup a try. Andrea explained: "The beauty of the Oddfellows is that they have a great deal of varied activities and you can do as much or as little as you wish – with a great bunch of people."

John added: “It was amazing, exciting and great fun to be involved in a professional photo shoot in a studio. I was astonished at how much effort, experience and craft went into the end product. Being in front of the lens was definitely the easy part.”

Members from across the country left as friends. Pictured left to right: Mary, Derbyshire Peak Oddfellows, Maryse, Mid-Staffordshire Oddfellows, Earl, Ormskirk and Southport Oddfellows, and Carol, Leeds Oddfellows

Carol Pitchford, a member from Leeds Oddfellows, also shared her experiences. She said: "It was lovely to meet up with a crowd of strangers who then became friends. The photo shoot was professional and relaxed."

Carol initially felt that she wouldn't fit in with her local group, but then discovered how wrong she was. She said: “I meet up with a lovely bunch of men and women, and join in with a lot of the organised activities.

"Instead of sitting at home, I now have something to look forward to with as much or as little I'm prepared to do. I can also join in with activities outside my own local group if I wish."

Friendly and inspiring

Tina Bayley is the Branch Secretary for Mid-Staffordshire Oddfellows, and says making sure that people walk into a friendly and inspiring space is critical, as well as offering lots of variety.

Mid-Staffordshire Branch Secretary Tina Bayley

Tina explained: “Like other branches, we plan lots of activities during the week to fill people's diaries. Some suit you, some don't, but people can pick and choose. 

“My members say that the thing they really cherish is the new people you get to meet and become friends with – sharing laughs, stories of their past, and interests too. 

“I hear our retirees saying that they have the time now to spend making a difference to how they live, and it’s wonderful to know that we can be a part of that.”

An invitation to retirees

The adverts will appear on Facebook and Instagram, online with Rest Less and Saga, and in upcoming editions of People’s Friend, Saga Magazine, Yours and Woman’s Weekly.

Oddfellows spokesperson, Pam Casey, said: “We wanted the campaign to reflect the real people at the heart of our Society, so it was important for us to feature members themselves. We were thrilled by how many people wanted to get involved, and they did a fantastic job representing the friendship, joy and community spirit we see every day in our branches.

“The campaign is all about showing how shared experiences can make a huge difference to getting the most out of retirement. Our groups are places where people can simply be themselves, enjoy real companionship, and feel genuinely supported.”

The Society hopes the campaign will inspire more retirees to come along and give their nearest Oddfellows friendship group a try.

Oddfellows friendship groups

Whether newly retired, looking to meet new people, rediscover hobbies, or simply wanting regular social connection, the Oddfellows offers a supportive community where everyone can feel part of something.

The Oddfellows has branches across the country, organising regular social events including talks, quizzes, group trips and social gatherings for members to enjoy.

The Society also supports members with care and welfare advice, opportunities to holiday together, and volunteering activities.

New members are always welcome at local Oddfellows friendship groups across the UK.

You can find your nearest branch using the Branch Finder, or search for social events and activities happening near you or online using the Events Finder.

The Society also hosts regular online open days for people interested in finding out more about membership and its benefits.

Request your free information pack and local events diary by contacting us.