Warm wishes from our CEO, Jane Nelson

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

The turn of the year is naturally a time when we look at our lives, reflect on the last 12 months, and consider any changes that may be needed for the next...

The Oddfellows' CEO, Jane Nelson

Inevitably, our thoughts will turn to the support and encouragement we have received from those closest to us, but what about those friends we haven’t yet met?

Stay curious, keep learning

Staying open to meeting new people presents opportunities you might not have considered. They could open new doors and perspectives that might be uplifting and motivational, which can then be really beneficial to us.

It’s one of the many things I really love about being part of our Society – having the chance to cross paths with so many interesting people, from all corners of the country, and indeed the world! It’s invigorating and helps keep a spring in my step!

It is fantastic that we have welcomed so many new members to our Society in 2023. If you are one of the new members, welcome, and I hope that you are enjoying getting to know other members at your Branch.

If you’re a seasoned Oddfellow, and you see a new face at one of your Branch’s social events, please make sure you say hello and pull out the chair next to you. Yes, it’s about extending our trademark warm welcome, but it’s also about what it can do for you. They just might introduce you to your new favourite thing.

Strength in numbers

Bringing people together who care about the welfare of others is the bedrock of the Oddfellows. And, as a mutual organisation, it’s one of our strengths. We know that by working as a supportive collective, we can achieve so much more than we could alone.

So make sure you add ‘stay open to new friendships’ to your list of resolutions for 2024. It really is a wonderful way to stay curious about life and remain open to all its joyful possibilities.

On behalf of the Society, my fellow Directors, all the staff at Unity Office and my family, I would like to wish each of you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2024.

Yours always in friendship,

Jane Nelson, CEO, the Oddfellows