Co-ordinator	Rodney Glew
Telephone	01280 821962
E-mail	local.history1@buckinghamu3a.org.uk
Weekday	3rd  Thursday (  and April – September, ex August for 1st Thurs as well for visits)
Time	10:00 – 12:00
Venue	Maids Moreton Village Hall

About the group

Our September meeting was a really fascinating talk by the regional organiser and local branch secretary, of an organisation most had heard of but did not know what they did.

Susan Doulton-Smith gave an amusing overview of the Oddfellows history from 1810 to the present day. Meetings started in public houses (when 6p would buy 24 pints!) but progressed to more sober meeting halls. They are basically a mutual society and friendship organisation, covering a wide range of activities from social meetings through talks, quizzes, walks, theatre, dining out etc. However they also have a serious side, providing grants to medical research funds.

They also help with local care and welfare to members, including a Welfare Visitor and other branch benefits and benevolence.

Doreen Sams, the Buckingham Branch secretary, told us about the local history, including branches, from villages and smaller towns that, over the years, have merged with Buckingham. They hold regular local meetings and anyone can join. They have people in their 90’s who have been members since school age.

Our programme for the rest of this year is planned to be:

Date:	Subject:	Speaker:
October 20th	Tingewick – Now and Then	Rosemary Stuchbury
November 17th	The Fremantle’s of Swanbourne	Ken Harris
December 15th	Quiz and Social	TBA

Please note that, due to the current COVID situation, speakers could still change at short notice. However, we do keep all of our group’s members updated, via a monthly email or even “real mail” for those who do not have electronic access.

We are a friendly group and new members, and visitors from other groups, are always welcome.

With the exception of outings, we meet from 10:00 am to midday on the third Thursday of each month (excluding August) at Maids Moreton Village Hall.
Our meeting fee is currently £2 per meeting, which includes coffee/tea and biscuits.