The Oddfellows
The OddfellowsOn the Third Sunday in Advent 2008, All Saints' Church hosted the Annual President's Carol Service of the Southern Group Conference of the Oddfellows.
Though no longer well known, the Oddfellows have been around a long time. The Manchester Unity, Independent Order of Oddfellows, was founded 198 years ago. The history of Oddfellowship however, goes back much further, at least to the village guilds of the Middle Ages.
Before World War II they, and other friendly societies like them, were effectively the 'welfare state' for their members. Now, of course their role has changed. They still offer dental and optical treatment, emergency grants and other benefits. In recent years, however, they have set up care and advice lines (the latter in conjunction with Manchester CAB) to help their members get the most out of social services and the NHS, and started organising a variety of social evenings and events.
The Southern Group Conference of the Oddfellows unites all branches in Southern England, the Cardiff area of Wales and the Channel Islands. It's President this year is Stephen Ashcroft, a regular worshipper at All Saints' and a member of the P.C.C.
Stephen and his wife Valerie, both attend Oddfellows meeting at the Sir Cyril Black Community Centre in S. George's Road, Wimbledon. If you want to know more about the Oddfellows please phone them on 020 8715 3938