Leeds woman fronts national friendship campaign for retirees
Leeds Oddfellows is celebrating after one of its members was chosen to feature in the organisation’s new national campaign.
Carol Pitchford, age 76, of Leeds, was selected and invited to a professional studio shoot in Manchester.
With the theme of “real people, real joy, real experiences”, the upbeat campaign features genuine Oddfellows members from across the UK rather than models or actors, and centres on how simple social connections – meeting for coffee, joining an activity or sharing experiences with others – can have a positive impact on post-work wellbeing.
The adverts will appear online, across social media, and in national lifestyle magazines throughout June and July.
Carol, who retired in 2015, said: "It was lovely to meet up with a crowd of strangers who then became friends. The photo shoot was professional and relaxed."
Thrilled to be able to represent her Leeds group nationally, Carol added how the activities and the people she’s met have helped her enjoy her retirement more. She said: “I meet up with a lovely bunch of men and women, and join in with a lot of the organised activities.
"Instead of sitting at home, I now have something to look forward to with as much or as little I'm prepared to do. I can also join in with activities outside my own local group if I wish."
The Oddfellows is a not-for-profit mutual society with 91 branches across the UK that offer social opportunities for members of all ages, as well as opportunities to volunteer, wellbeing support and a travel club.
Leeds Oddfellows has around 1,500 members who are mostly retired, and organises a wide range of regular social activities in and around Meanwood, Kirkstall, Morley, Knaresborough and Keighley, including coffee mornings, lunches, games groups, walks and day trips, helping people make new friendships and feel more connected to their community.
Kerry Cawthray, Branch Secretary for Leeds Oddfellows, said: “We’re incredibly proud that Carol was chosen to represent the Oddfellows nationally. She truly reflects what our group is all about – full of energy, friendship and kindness.”
She added: “The campaign highlights how important social connection is when you leave the world of work, and shows there are welcoming local groups right here in Leeds where people can make new friendships and enjoy new experiences.”
The group is now encouraging local retirees to come along and try a few events for themselves, with no pressure to join immediately.
Upcoming events include a Breakfast Social starting at 10.30am on Friday June 19 at the hall, Unity Court, Meanwood Road, LS7 2LD. There is also a racing pigs event starting at 7pm on Thursday June 25 at Milford Sports Club, Beecroft Street, Kirkstall, LS5 3AS.
Kerry added: “Sometimes taking the first step can feel daunting, but people quickly discover they’re among friends.”
The Oddfellows’ campaign to support retirees who may feel alone when navigating this new stage of life is inspired by the latest article from anthropologist and friend of the Society, Dr Anna Machin. She shares how without the structure and purpose of working life, retirement can feel unfamiliar and unexpectedly flat.
Available on the Oddfellows’ website – www.oddfellows.co.uk – her piece, ‘Five Rs for a Happier Retirement – Recognise, Reveal, Rebuild, Replace, and Rhythm’, offers a practical roadmap for retirees looking to embrace this transition with greater confidence and positivity.
“Dr Machin’s advice resonates with how our members feel, and the struggle of adjusting to life without being kept busy and connected through work,” Kerry said.
To further support retirees, Dr Anna Machin is hosting a free online webinar on Tuesday 14 July at 7pm. In this Zoom session, she’ll explore her ‘Five Rs for a Happier Retirement’ and offer expert advice on how to navigate the emotional and social aspect of this life stage. Attendees will learn how to recognise and rebuild their identities, reveal their feelings, replace lost routines with new ones, and ultimately find a new rhythm that excited them.
Anyone interested in finding out more, attending an event or requesting a free information pack with details of local activities can contact Kerry on [email protected] or call 01132 930 901.