A FRIENDSHIP society is going all out in September to bring people in the community together and help them make new friends.

Next month, the Oddfellows – one of the largest and oldest societies in the UK – mark Friendship Month, a national campaign to raise awareness of the importance of friendship to the nation.

Particular effort is made to recruit new members through interesting activities and raise additional funds for their chosen charity.

This year, the society has announced that Grace’s Place Children’s Hospice in Radcliffe as the chosen charity and will be hosting a fundraiser in their aid next month, along with a host of other events.

Helen Carnson, development officer for the Oddfellows South East Lancashire District, said: “Our Friendship Month campaign is in its eighth year now.

“It’s our way of reminding people just how important it is to have the support of friends around you and the events really do make the good times better and the hard times easier.

“Friendships often start as a result of sharing a fun experience or by learning something together and our events provide that opportunity in a really easy, relaxed way.”

Friendship Month events are open to everyone and people just had to show up on the night of an event.

First up in September will be a Warhammer and Gaming Evening on Saturday, September 2 from 7pm at Oddfellows House in Manchester Road.

At noon on Friday, September 8 a Food with Friends event will take place at Thompsons Chippie on the Rock.

On September 9 from 10am to 4pm, a free seminar will be held at Oddfellows House on Manchester Road where people can find out all about the history and traditions of the Oddfellows and membership.

Then on Saturday, September 16, a Coffee and Cake, fun and games event will take place at Oddfellows House at 1pm.

Helen added: “We can’t wait to welcome new faces at our Coffee and Cake event as we know there’s nothing quite like sharing laughs and a brew in good company.”

The Society’s members regularly get together to enjoy social events such as talks, trips out, lunches and coffee mornings.

To find out more about the events call Helen on 07564 641909 or email helen.carnson@oddfellows.co.uk.

For more about Friendship Month visit www.friendshipmonth.com