Meetups to keep you connected this Christmas and New Year
Friendship group, Mid Staffs Oddfellows, is encouraging adults across the area to stay socially connected over the festive season by joining a programme of free, friendly activities running throughout December and into the New Year.
The Oddfellows’ “Stay in touch this Christmas and New Year” initiative features a wide mix of online social events – all free and open to the public, not just members. The aim is to help people stay in contact, form new friendships, and enjoy companionship at what can be a difficult and sometimes isolating time of year.
Activities, hosted on Zoom, include quizzes, games, informative talks and relaxed social chats. Full details on how to take part can be found at oddfellows.co.uk/online-events.
Alongside the virtual programme, Mid Staffs Oddfellows is also organising a couple of in-person events in the New Year, giving people the chance to meet face-to-face in a warm and welcoming setting. The friendship group, which has around 400 local members, meets regularly in and around Stafford and Newcastle.
Newcomers are welcome to attend any upcoming meetups, including:
Cuppa & Chat at Six Arches Restaurant in the Garden Centre, Trentham on Tuesday, January 6, at 10.30am
Cuppa & Chat at the Oddfellows Hall, Greengate Street, Stafford on Wednesday, January 14, at 10.30am
Residents can also request a printed local events diary, which the Branch can post out on request. Anyone interested in trying the group is encouraged to get in touch to find out more.
Mid Staffs Oddfellows Branch Secretary/Social Organiser, Tina Bayley said: “The festive season can be an isolating time. We want people in Staffordshire to know they don’t need to feel cut off or on their own – there are friendly faces and regular opportunities to connect through our group.
“All our events – both online and in person – are open for anyone to try. They’re relaxed, informal and designed to help people feel part of a community. We encourage anyone who’d like details of what’s happening to get in touch. We’re very happy to post out our events diary so people can plan ahead and join us whenever they’d like some company.”
The Oddfellows, a not-for-profit with 96 branches across the UK, is one of the UK’s oldest and largest friendly societies and supports friendship and community connection for people of all ages.
For further information about Mid Staffs Oddfellows, or to request a local events diary, contact Tina Bayley or Christine Elliott, midstaffs@oddfellows.co.uk, 01785 258269. All events can also be found at oddfellows.co.uk/events.
