Friendship Month brings out the ‘Best of British’

A NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation is marking September’s Friendship Month with events including a ‘Best of British afternoon’ in Rotherham.

The South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire branch of Oddfellows, a friendly society established more than 200 years ago, will hold the event next week at the High House pub in the town centre as part of “extra efforts” to ensure residents have access to affordable social events during the cost of living crisis.

The organisation launched its Friendship Month campaign in September 2010 and has more than 700 local members.

Branch secretary Lesley Walton said: “We want to remind people that socialising doesn’t have to be expensive. It’s not where you get together that matters, but just that you’re getting together.

“We saw the effect spending less time in the company of others had on our members during the pandemic and we need to make sure that as we face another difficult time we stay in touch and support each other.”

Research recently undertaken by the Oddfellows revealed 87 per cent of people aged 60-plus in the UK believed friends improved their quality of life — but three per cent admitted they didn’t have any close friends.

The Best of British event will take place at the High House on Moorgate Street on Wednesday, September 7, starting at noon.

Tickets cost £3 for Oddfellows members and £5 for guests.

For more information or to book a place contact social organiser Julie Davis on 01709 828673 or email [email protected].