Oswestry group encourages residents to make time for friendship
Oswestry residents are being encouraged to make time for friendship as winter approaches
People in Oswestry are being encouraged to make time for friendships and social activities as the evenings draw in and winter approaches.
Oswestry Oddfellows is opening its doors through a programme of free and low-cost taster events during September to mark Friendship Month.
The group, which has around 200 local members, organises social events, activities and meet-ups across Oswestry and the surrounding area.
Svitlana Shtakun, branch secretary of Oswestry Oddfellows, said: “Summer is often full of opportunities to get out, meet people and spend time with friends and family. But as winter approaches, many people find they have fewer social plans and can start to feel isolated.
“That’s where groups like ours can help. We provide easy routes to meet other local people.”
The events taking place in September include a Games Club – Boccia at 11.30am on Saturday, September 19, at Oswestry Memorial Hall.
There will also be a Sunday lunch at the Black Horse in Maesbrook at 1pm on Sunday, September 27, followed by a coffee morning and bingo at 10.30am on Tuesday, September 29, at Oswestry Memorial Hall.
Gillian Mansell from Kinnerley joined the group after looking for ways to meet new people and take part in activities locally.
She said: “The friendships I’ve made through the Oddfellows have made a huge difference. It’s given me companionship, confidence and a real sense of belonging.
“It’s important to always have something to look forward to in your diary and to know you have people looking out for you.”
An Oddfellows survey found that 62 per cent of people said they had lost touch with a good friend because they had stopped meeting regularly in person.
Dr Anna Machin, an evolutionary anthropologist and friend of the Oddfellows, said regular face-to-face contact was important for maintaining friendships.
“Friendships need regular contact to thrive,” she said. “The key is consistency, regularity and proximity. As winter approaches, making time for regular catch-ups can make a significant difference to your wellbeing.”
Dr Machin will also host a free online friendship webinar on Tuesday, October 13, at 7pm, offering advice on building and maintaining friendships in later life.
People interested in finding out more about Oswestry Oddfellows can contact branch secretary Svitlana Shtakun on 07927 515230 or email [email protected].