ONE of the largest and oldest societies in the UK is celebrating its friendship month this September by holding a special event.

The Oddfellows has more than 280,000 members across 146 branches nationwide and on Tuesday, September 2, the Stourport branch will host its harvest festival.

The society’s annual friendship month is now in its fifth year and highlights how having a supportive circle of friends not only makes you feel happier, but healthier too.

The harvest festival, which takes place at 7.30pm at The Elizabeth Mills Centre, aims to make it easy for people, who may feel lonely or disconnected from friends, family or their local community, to make new contacts.

John Bradley, social secretary, said: “We want to remind everyone how beneficial it is to have a good network of friends around you.

“We also want to make it really simple for people to get to know others locally through our open events, as we appreciate how it can be quite a daunting experience initially.

“We hope friendship month can act as an inspirational nudge for people who may have been putting off taking that first step.

“We say there’s no time like the present to make new friends and many of our members agree that they haven’t looked back since coming along.”

The free event will feature a raffle and refreshments will be served, while the organisation is also holding a prize draw to win two luxury food and wine hampers to share with a friend.

For more information about the harvest festival call Sandra Loynes on 01905 422591, email sandra.loynes@oddfellows.co.uk or visit friendshipmonth.com

To take part in the prize draw, enter your details online at friendshipmonth.com/competition