World Cup 1966 party kicks off Friendship Month

CELEBRATE one of the nation’s proudest sporting moments all over again and party like its 1966 at a charity tea party.

Oddfellows’ Rotherham Branch is holding a 50th anniversary fancy dress celebration of England’s 1966 World Cup victory to kick off a programme of fun, free events in September during Friendship Month.

The World Cup Willie Tea Party – named after the World Cup lion mascot – will be held from 12.30pm on Friday (September 2) at Oddfellows House in Westgate Road.

There will be prizes for the best football-themed and 1960s’ costumes, music, entertainment and refreshments.

Entry is free

Established in 1810, the Oddfellows is one of the largest and oldest friendly societies in the UK, with 320,000 members across 136 branches nationwide.

“If you thought it was all over when Geoff Hurst scored his famous winner at Wembley, you’d be wrong because we’re going to be partying like it’s the summer of 1966 all over again,” said Oddfellows Rotherham branch secretary Lesley Walton.

“Fancy dress is optional, just come as you are, make new friends and have some fun.

“Our Friendship Month campaign is in its seventh year now.

“It’s our way of reminding people just how important it is to have the support of friends around you.

“They really do make the good times better and the hard times easier.

“Friendships often start as a result of sharing a fun experience or by learning something together, so our events hope to provide that opportunity in a really easy, relaxed way.

“We’re also offering the chance to win a luxury afternoon tea for two and £100 spending money in a free prize draw.

“Visit the Oddfellows’ campaign website at www.friendshipmonth.com to enter.”

Other free events planned to bring people of all ages and walks of life in Rotherham together are:

On September 7, Oddfellows’ own take on Strictly comes to The Trades Club as professional dance instructor Barbara Sharp will be putting participants through their paces in a variety of hot-footing styles, from ballroom, to line, barn and sequence dancing. The music starts at 11am and runs to 1pm at the club in Greasbrough Road.
On September 22 at 1pm there is an educational trip to Clifton Park Museum, followed by lunch (not provided).
The final event of Friendship Month on September 30 is a guided tour of Rotherham Town Hall with the Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Lyndsey Pitchley.

The society’s members regularly get together to enjoy social events such as talks and trips out, lunches, craft sessions and coffee mornings.

For more information contact Lesley on [email protected] or call 01709 838673.

The not-for-profit mutual is run by its members and costs £30 to join.