Say ‘yes’ to new friendships at special taster events
Friendly society, Oddfellows is inviting Birmingham and Black Country residents to a series of special taster events as part of its annual Friendship Month celebrations this September.
The local not-for-profit group, made up of around just under 400,000 members, mostly older adults, is appealing for people to push past any uncertainty or self-doubt, and to say ‘yes’ to giving their friendly group a try.
They are kicking off their 10 events across the local region with a Cuppa and Catch up on Monday 1st September 10:30am-12 noon, in Morrisons Café, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9AH
Promising a warm welcome to any newcomers, Social Organiser for Birmingham and Black Country Oddfellows, Kerry Smith said: “Trying new activities inevitably puts us in situations where we might feel uncomfortable or a little out of place – but that’s all part of the experience. People who try us always leave saying they wish they hadn’t worried so much and they were pleased they came along. Saying ‘yes’ to giving something new a try, especially a shared experience, has so many rewards, especially for wellbeing.”
The Oddfellows also runs around 60 online social events through Zoom each month which are free and open to the general public.
Chris Loach, from Dudley has been a member of Oddfellows for just under 2 years
He said: “Many of us have found that we are suddenly on our own having lost a partner. We are looking at new ways to fill our time purposely perhaps keeping fit or volunteering. I was looking for a ‘safe’ place to meet new people and to enjoy socialising with new people.
It is hard to go to Theatres or Activities on your own and Oddfellows has given me the opportunity to do just that. Spontaneously groups decide to go for meals out, concerts and events that you can opt into if you want to. It’s like many things if you are unsure give it a go.”
The Birmingham District branch of Oddfellows which includes both the Birmingham and all the Black Country socials, is one of 96 branches of the Oddfellows, which is one of the oldest and largest friendly societies in the UK.
The Society aims to improve its members’ lives through friendship and support. As well as its events, members can access a variety of benefits including care and welfare support and a travel club. There are also opportunities to take part in fundraising and volunteering initiatives.
Birmingham Oddfellows has been celebrating Friendship Month since 2010, aiming to bring local people together through special taster events and to encourage the formation of new, supportive friendships.
Further events in Birmingham and the Black Country include:
· Kings Heath Cuppa and Chat: Wednesday 3rd September, 11am – 12.30pm, The Billesley, Brook Lane Birmingham, B13 0AB
· Aldridge, Games, Cuppa and Chat: Thursday 4th September, 12.15pm -1.45pm, The Crown Pub, Anchor Road, Aldridge, WS9 8PT
· Harborne Games, Cuppa and Chat: Monday 8th September, 11am – 12.30pm, The Green Man, 2 High Street, Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9NE
· Wednesbury Cuppa and Chat: Tuesday 9th September, 11am – 12.30pm, Morrisons Café, 239 Holyhead Road, Wednesbury, WS10 7BD
· Bromsgrove Cuppa and Chat: Monday 15th September 2025, 11am – 12.30pm, Bromsgrove Golf Centre, Old Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, B60 1LD
· Mere Green Cuppa and Chat: Tuesday 16th September 2025, 11.15am – 12.45pm, The Crown, Walsall Road, Sutton Coldfield,B74 4RA
· Solihull Cuppa and Chat,Thursday 18th September 2025, 1pm – 2.30pm, The Royal British Legion, 18 Union Road, Solihull, B91 3DH
· Dudley Quiz, Cuppa and Chat, Tuesday 23rd September at 11am-12:30pm, The Toby Carvery, Burnt Tree Island, Tipton, DY4 7UF
Wolverhampton Cuppa and Chat, Thursday 25th September 2025, 11.15am- 12.45pm, Oddfellows Pub, Bridgnorth Road, Compton, WV6 8AA
To register an interest in attending one of our Oddfellows’ Friendship Month taster events, or to find out more about the group and its activities, email Kerry.smith@oddfellows.co.uk, call Kerry on 07365 579287 or request a local info pack at www.friendshipmonth.com.