A SOCIETY which has been promoting the value of friendship for more than 200 years is looking to recruit new members.

Formed in 1810, non-profit mutual the Oddfellows is one of the largest and oldest ‘friendly societies’ in the UK.

And now members in Bolton are inviting new recruits to join up and ‘get more out of life’ with the society’s ‘five-a-day’ approach focusing on social events, care and welfare support, travel clubs, discount offers and access to historical archives.

Pamela Casey, secretary of the Oddfellows in Bolton, said: “There are many reasons to get involved with our group, but essentially we’re about helping people of any age get a bigger kick out of life. We’ve so much to offer if you take a look.”

“Meeting new people locally, getting more involved in the community through volunteering and fundraising and-most importantly-having reliable people to turn to in good times and bad, is the bedrock of what we offer.”

She added that the society had plenty to offer people– and was hoping to welcome several new faces very soon.

“We’d love for new people to come along, give us a try and see how we could bring that extra bit of happiness into their lives,” she said.

“We’re here for everyone from all walks of life and we know that by bringing people together, we can achieve so much more than we could alone.”

Oddfellows believes in a community bonded by friendship, care and charitable support and boasts 310,000 members across 132 branches around the UK.

The Oddfellows’ Leigh and Bolton district branch, based at Dorset Road, Cadishead, runs regular free or inexpensive activities for members including day trips, walks and coffee mornings.

Ms Casey added: “There’s something for everyone here, whoever you are, or whatever your personal circumstance. We have welcomed lots of new people, many who have come along on their own, whose lives have changed for the better with the support of friends around them.”

To find out more about the Oddfellows in Leigh and Bolton, and to receive a membership pack and local events diary, contact Pamela Casey on 0161 776 0945, email pamela.casey@oddfellows.co.uk

And there are further details online at oddfellows.co.uk/five

Annual membership costs £30 a year (or £28 by Direct Debit).