Friendly society, Albert Oddfellows is inviting residents to a series of special taster events as part of its annual Friendship Month celebrations this September.

The not-for-profit group, based in Hitchin but with members and events throughout Luton, Stevenage and Biggleswade, is made up of around 230 members, mostly older adults. It is appealing for people to push past any uncertainty or self-doubt, and to say 'yes' to giving their friendly group a try.

Promising a warm welcome to any newcomers, Social Organiser for Albert Oddfellows, Sam Johnson, said: "Trying new activities inevitably puts us in situations where we might feel uncomfortable or a little out of place – but that's all part of the experience. People who try us always leave saying they wish they hadn't worried so much and they were pleased they came along.

"It's easy to say 'no' to anything that challenges our regular habits. But these tasters have been specifically designed to put you at ease.

"Saying 'yes' to giving something new a try, especially a shared experience, has so many rewards, especially for wellbeing."

The group is kicking off the festivities with an acrylic painting session on Tuesday 2 September at 10:30am in Hitchin. The event costs £12, which includes refreshments, and has a booking deadline of Tuesday 26 August. This is followed by a coffee morning at Poplars Garden Centre in Dunstable on Thursday 11 September at 10:30am and lunch at Sala Thong, Stevenage, on Tuesday 16 September 12pm.

On Wednesday 24 September at 10:30 they'll round things off with a coffee morning and a guest speaker from Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, with special guest Sage the Labrador. 

"Good company boosts your mood, builds your social confidence, and keeps your brain and body active," Sam added. "Plus, what often gets overlooked is that when you create a new circle of friends, you're also creating a supportive network for when you might need a helping hand."

The Oddfellows also runs around 60 online social events through Zoom each month which are free and open to the general public, including online open days.

Albert Oddfellows has been celebrating Friendship Month since 2010, aiming to bring local people together through special taster events and to encourage the formation of new, supportive friendships.

Gerry Noble-Gough, a retired Bookkeeper from Hatfield, became a member of Albert Oddfellows during last year's Friendship Month. She said: "I joined primarily to meet people of a similar age to me. I was feeling a bit isolated as all my family members and many of my friends still live in Surrey. 

"I look forward to, and enjoy the Oddfellows' events as they are very social and lively. There are all types of people with interesting life experiences and stories to tell and we usually have a good laugh. That's important to me. It's an extremely friendly group. 

"I enjoy the brunches and other meals in the very nice historical and pretty town like Hitchin, and of course our lovely Sam is brilliant at arranging and hosting the events along with making our cups of tea and coffee at Oddfellows' Nuns Close premises."

Albert Oddfellows is one of 96 branches of the Oddfellows, which is one of the oldest and largest friendly societies in the UK. 

The Society aims to improve its members' lives through friendship and support. As well as its events, members can access a variety of benefits including care and welfare support and a travel club. There are also opportunities to take part in fundraising and volunteering initiatives.

To register an interest in attending one of Albert Oddfellows' Friendship Month taster events, or to find out more about the group and its activities, contact Sam via email on [email protected], call 07984 530 287, or request a local info pack at www.friendshipmonth.com