Head housekeeper Christine Robinsonopens the doors of this 300 year oldfamily home to reveal the secretsbehind its lasting and universal appeal.

friendscene

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WIN: A dazzling pair of gardeninggloves! Send George a question foryour chance to win

WIN: £50 of Jessops vouchers in ourthrough the lens photo competition!Send us your best photo inspired bythis month’s theme: Friendship.

(See inside for more details)

August 2012 Issue 20 www.oddfellows.co.uk Not already a member? Visit www.oddfellows.co.uk to join now!

Also featured this monthAround Britain: Ahead of this year’s Preston Guild, a once in ageneration event, we visit our members there to find out how they’ll becelebrating

Discoveries: The latest news from the world around us, and our monthlyphoto competition

Home & garden: Our resident gardener George Hill is on hand to solveyour gardening problems

Health & wellbeing: We visit Spinal Research UK to find out how ourthree-year, £90,000 donation is helping the charity work towards a futurefree from paralysis

Inside ChatsworthSport & leisure

Win!

Food & drinkWord on the streetAs organisers of the British Street Food Awards get ready for next month’sevent in the shadow of the Olympic Park, food journalist and founder RichardJohnson explains why the public will be amazed by what they find on the menu.

Plus: We’ve got a guest recipe from last year’s winner. Be warned, it’s not forthe faint-hearted!

On your marksWith just weeks to go before thestart of the London 2012Paralympic Games, two-timeBoccia gold medallist andOddfellows member Nigel Murrayis ready.

This month he talks about the finalpreparations for what will be hisswansong games and why he’staking nothing for granted, but isconfident he can come out on top.

WIN: A trip for two to ChatsworthHouse! See inside for more details

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“I love going to the theatre once in a while, so

when I heard my local Oddfellows Branch was

arranging a trip I couldn’t pass it up.”

Sharon - Manchester

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(Continued on the next page...)

Christine Robinson never planned to stay at ChatsworthHouse. When she joined the housekeeping team in 1976she was part way through university, and a holiday job atthe stately home seemed a useful stopgap.

Even now, 35 years later, she can’t quite explain what changedher mind – save to say that the history and beauty of the 300year-old country estate got under her skin.

“Maybe it’s the family feeling that exists here,” she explains, “orthe way it feels just like a normal home, despite the luxurioussurroundings.

“There’s just something about it that’s different. I couldn’timagine working anywhere else.

”Obviously not. Three and a half decades after embarking onher supposed “stopgap”, Christine is now head housekeeperand a familiar figure to viewers of the recent BBC documentaryChatsworth.

The show followed Christine and other staff members throughthe day-to-day trials, tribulations and triumphs involved inrunning the estate.

In one memorable scene cameras followed Christine on themorning of a new season’s grand opening as she hurried tounlock 71 doors before the public arrived.

“I came across as rather short-tempered then,” she admits. “Itwas really busy, and they wanted to film me doing it five times.

“But overall the cameras didn’t get in the way too much. We’vedone these kinds of things before and it’s always good fun –but it was a relief when they left and we got our lives back!”

Chatsworth House was built between 1687 and 1696 by the 4th Earl of Devonshire, who later became the 1st Duke ofDevonshire. It closes its doors to visitors each winter, allowingstaff to quite literally get their house in order.

Part of Christine’s job during this time, coordinating the annualdeep clean, was filmed for the show. With the three-monthschedule for organising the yearly maintenance andrestoration tasks planned to the day.

“We’re always glad to close the doors so we can get to gripswith things, but then we really look forward to reopening so wecan show off all the new things we’ve done.”

Keeping house

Chatsworth is about the people whowork and live here as a family...Sharingtheir stories is the most important thing.

“

“

Culture clubInside, meanwhile, wiring, plumbing and security systems haveall been upgraded for the first time in half a century. Three newgalleries have also been installed, along with a £500,000 lift forless able visitors.

Since the decision to reopen for Christmas was taken 11 yearsago, Chatsworth is now able to fund the upkeep and runningof the house directly from visitor admissions. Christine believesthe much improved finances and attendance figures are due toone thing alone: focusing on what people want to see.

“To view Chatsworth as a business can sound a bit cold, butwe certainly have to be businesslike. Instead of assumingpeople will always want to visit, we’ve got to make sure theywant to come again while reaching out to a fresh audience aswell.

“Ultimately, though, Chatsworth is about people. It always hasbeen. It’s all about telling the stories of the people who workand live here as a family and who’ve made it what it is today.

“Sharing their stories with visitors is by far the most importantthing.”

Since Chatsworth aired this spring, visitor numbers have goneup dramatically. This soaring popularity has not goneunnoticed by the National Trust, which is currently making adetermined effort to imitate Chatsworth’s “lived-in” feel at manyof its properties.

The house’s permanent residents, the 12th Duke of Devonshireand his wife, the Duchess, are absolutely central to thephilosophy that underpins this success.

“They lead from the front, that’s for sure,” says Christine.“They’re always at the sharp end of the decision-makingprocess, going out of their way to welcome our visitors and findout what they think.”

Gone are the days when the owners of stately homes couldrest on their laurels. Over the past 50 years too many havelearnt the hard way that they must behave like businesses orface soaring costs, closure and bankruptcy. Chatsworth’sflourishing bottom line today seems all the more impressiveconsidering the 80% death duties imposed on it following thedeath of the 10th Duke in 1950.

Advisers to the 11th Duke thought all was lost, but by sellingthousands of acres of land and gifting artwork and propertiessuch as Hardwick Hall to the nation he managed to pay thedebt and return to Chatsworth in 1959. He then began work inearnest to safeguard its future.

This led to the creation in 1981 of the Chatsworth House Trust,a registered charity that now owns the house and to which thefamily pays rent. This meant that when the 11th Duke died in2004 his successor inherited only his father’s personal wealthand the title of Duke of Devonshire.

Today the Chatsworth estate boasts the house, gardens, afarmyard, shops, restaurants and an adventure playground –all set within 1,200 acres of parkland open to all. Further afieldare two hotels and the now famous farmshop.

The Trust continues to protect and restore the house and widerestate and for the past 10 years has been working on anongoing £14 million restoration project.

The house – which has featured in films such as The Duchess,Pride and Prejudice and The Wolfman – was recently given afacelift to restore the exterior to its original 18th centuryappearance.

The 12th Duke of Devonshire and his wife the Duchess

Chatsworth House after its facelift

All images property of Chatsworth House Trust 2012

What’s on at Chatsworth31 August – 2 September

Country fair

7 September – 31 OctoberOutdoor sculpture exhibition (Beyond Limits)

9 SeptemberAutumn plant fair

21 – 25 SeptemberFlower festival

10 November Christmas opening (this year’s theme: pantomime)

Becoming a friend of ChatsworthAnyone can become a friend of Chatsworth, gettingaccess to the house ahead of the crowds, special benefitsand the chance to meet the Duke and Duchess at theirannual Friends of Chatsworth garden party.

For more information go online to www.chatsworth.org orcall 01246 565300.

Culture club

The Reader’s ReviewBook: Unforgettable Senior Jokes by Geoff Tibballs

This book will be enjoyed by senior citizens of both sexes, without doubt.There are new jokes, old jokes, some rehashed and some brought up todate. But they’ve all got one thing in common; a self-depreciating punchline at the end.

And therein lies the fun and enjoyment, because the jokes are aimed atus! Some of us might be getting old, overweight or unfit, but at least wecan still laugh at ourselves.

As an age group, senior citizens like nothing better than having a laughat their own expense. In fact, the saucier the better is how we often preferit. Those famous naughty seaside postcards, often so near the knucklebut uniquely British, are testament to this.

I’ll look forward to my older friends attempting to relate some of thesejokes and, of course, forgetting the punch lines!

Laurence Manning - North London District Oddfellows

Win a trip to Chatsworth House for two!The 12th Duke and Duchess of Devonshire are offering afantastic prize of a trip for two to their historic residenceChatsworth House.

One lucky winner will receive a pair of adult tickets to the statelyhome. There they will have access to more than 30 rooms behindthe newly restored house facades housing one of Europe’s mostsignificant art collections.

The winner will also get unlimited access to the 105 acre gardenwith its waterworks, sculptures and maze.

To enter, simply sign someone up to receive Friendscene. Emailsubscribe@oddfellows.co.uk with the email address of a friend orfamily member by Friday 31 August and you’ll both be entered intothe prize draw. Good luck!

Competition terms and conditions1) Please ensure you get the permission of the person you are nominating before submitting their details. Only once we have received confirmation of their willingness to subscribe will you both be entered into the prize draw.

2) Only one entry allowed per applicant (aged 18 or over).

3) The deadline for entries is before Friday 31 August – any entries received after this time will not be counted.

4) The winning entries will be chosen at random from all entries and notified within three weeks.

5) The Oddfellows reserves the right to change the details of this competition without prior notice.

The prizes submitted by Chatsworth House may be subject to change, up to the value indicated above. Final decision for thisrests with the Chatsworth House Trust and this decision will be supported by the Oddfellows Society. For further details pleasecontact ezine@oddfellows.co.uk.

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“My favourite thing about the Oddfellows is that all the

events are aimed at foodies like me. We even went on a

tour of an English vineyard recently – I’ll drink to that!”

George - Brighton

(Continued on the next page...)

Street expectations

Buying food on the streets of Britain is only for the brave –or at least that’s what the stereotype would have youbelieve. Trestle tables, red-hot plates, greasy or bone-dryhelpings that have been awaiting their unsuspecting victimsfor hours…

All in all, you could be forgiven for not expecting fresh,innovative, Michelin star quality dishes. Yet that’s exactlywhat award-winning food journalist and broadcasterRichard Johnson wants – and he claims it represents a farmore accurate picture of today’s street food than most of usappreciate.

Three years ago Richard founded the British Street FoodAwards. As he explains, he came up with the concept with onegoal in mind: to convince people that street food can be asgood as restaurant food.

“It’s had such negative press for years, but in reality street foodis going through a cultural renaissance,” he says. “Many peoplejust don’t realise what’s happening on the streets of Britain.

“Because it’s eaten the instant it’s ready, some street food isactually miles better than any restaurant food you’ll everencounter. It’s just all about getting that message out there.”

Thankfully, Richard’s background will help him do just that. Having begun his career as a features writer for the Sunday

Times Magazine, he had never even considered moving intofood journalism until a friend who was an editor at TheIndependent approached him.

Despite his protests that the only thing he knew about foodwas that he loved to eat it, Richard took the job. It proved awise move.

He has since been a judge on Channel Four’s Cooking Schooland presented the BBC’s Full on Food and Kill it, Cook it, Eat it,as well as co-presenting Radio 4’s The Food Programme. Hisfirst book, Street Food Revolution, which was inspired by theUK scene, will soon be followed by a second, based on histravels abroad.

It was while on Sunday Times duty overseas five years ago,surrounded by the glitz and glamour of New York, that Richardfirst had the idea for a grass-roots celebration of British streetfood.

“Somehow I ended up accompanying Marco Pierre White to aparty hosted by Jay-Z, the rapper,” explains Richard, addingalmost sheepishly: “Very much as a ‘plus one’, of course!

“The next morning we both woke up feeling the worse for wearand in need of a substantial breakfast.

Food & drink

“So we ended up in aManhattan park, having byfar the best burgers we’dever tasted from a streetvendor. That’s when Ithought: ‘Why can’t we do itthis well back in the UK?’”The result was the BritishStreet Food Awards.

At the inaugural event,staged in 2009, Richardstruggled to fill a smallShropshire car-park withstreet fare worth serving andcould offer only a humblefood-mixer as a prize.

Now the competition attracts more than 3,000 applicants a yearand Jonathan Williams, owner of last year’s winner Café Mor,earned a business makeover from Marks and Spencer.

Working out of a beach hut shaped van he built from driftwood,he went on to serve his locally sourced Pembrokeshire seafoodto athletes at the London 2012 Olympics.

Jonathan beat rivals including a cupcake business operatingout of a converted pink and white ’60s VW campervan and aseaside-themed fish and chips stall contained in a striped hutcomplete with foldout sandpit and seagulls.

“People do tend to be surprised when they arrive at theawards,” says Richard proudly. “It’s just so exciting. These arewonderfully British, truly idiosyncratic ventures.”

It all sounds a far cry from the greasy kebab outlets socommonly seen in town centres at weekends. These are thevery antithesis of what Richard is trying to achieve. It’s perhapssurprising, then, to hear that this year’s awards could welcomea kebab stall as a finalist.

“Ever since I went to Istanbul in search of ‘the real donner’ forRadio 4 I’ve been convinced that kebabs can be so muchbetter in this country,” says Richard.

“Now two writers from London have started a street foodbusiness giving customers real kebabs. They’re made withamazing Welsh lamb and served with homemade flatbread. Ifthey make the finals this year their food will really confoundpeople’s expectations.”

So far the event has only been held outside London – aconscious decision by its founder. “I didn’t want it to be justanother London thing,” says Richard. “It was important that thiswas rooted in British food as a whole.”

But the Olympic year has presented Richard with a goldenopportunity to bring the awards to the place he feels is still thebeating heart of the street food revolution.

“Every week in London there’s a new night market springingup with new traders doing exciting things with seasonal Britishingredients in great looking imaginative stalls,” he says.

So it’s in the capital, in the shadow of the Olympic Park, thatthe cream of the British street food industry will convene inSeptember.

This year’s contest will feature 20 street food finalists battling itout outside Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant. The event is beingbilled as the biggest and best street food spectacular thatBritain has ever seen.

The winner will receive a business makeover and a chance torepresent the UK in a street food “fight” against the USA’s bestnext year. Before they can win, though, they’ll have to impressa judging panel of industry experts and famous faces –including Richard himself.

“We’ve chosen 17 finalists so far,” he says, “but I’ve left a fewspaces because things are so exciting right now. I want to havespace for a few last minute entries to heat up the competition.”

Behind all the rivalry, however, the true legacy of the awards isbeing developed. Richard passionately hopes local councilswill see how inventive street food can help tackle two blights onmodern Britain – youth unemployment and the decline of theHigh Street.

“They’ve got to make it easier for start-ups,” he says. “Thereare so many young people out there who want to trade butaren’t being allowed to do so.

“I want councils to come and see what can be done toregenerate the High Street rather than just opting for yetanother ‘cookie-cutter’ restaurant chain.”

And so Richard’s real plan is revealed: to use the British StreetFood Awards as a vehicle to drive innovation and imaginationback on to our High Streets and into the minds of our youngpeople. However unlikely its beginnings, it sounds like a recipefor success.

The British Street Food Awards2012 will take place at fifteenStreet, Hoxton, London, on 15 and 16 September. Tickets areavailable online now.

Please book online before the day.For more details visitwww.britishstreetfood.co.uk andsign up to the newsletter or visit

www.facebook.com/britishstreetfood.com.

Richard’s first book, Street Food Revolution, can bepurchased online or from any good bookshops.

The follow-up is due for release in Autumn 2013.

Street food is going through a cultural

renaissance...people just don’t realise

what’s happening on the streets of Britain.

““

This drink won the awardfor best drink at the 2011British Street Foodawards.

Ingredients (serves two)6 fresh tomatoes (washed)

2 limes

2 tbsp of good honey

A dash of olive oil

A few drops of Tabasco sauce

A handful of fresh shellfish – prawns, mussels and cockles.(Brave cooks can use raw oysters, while sliced lobster isgreat for special occasions.)

Salt and pepper

Dried powdered Dulse seaweed or sea grass

MethodPlace the tomatoes in a blender and whizz up untilyou’ve got a smooth consistency.

Next, add the lime juice, honey, olive oil and Tabascosauce and blend it all together.

Remember you can adjust quantities according to yourtaste, but the sweetness of the honey should bebalanced against the lime juice and the kick of Tabasco.

Keep tasting it to find your own favourite mix. Onceyou’re happy with the taste, season with salt and pepperand pour into shot glasses.

To finish, top with fresh shellfish and sprinkle with theDulse or Sea Grass.

Then, depending on how brave you are, sip it slowly ordrink it in one go!

La Bomba

Food & drink

Created by Jonathan Williams, founder of Cafe Mor

Cafe Mor was established in 2011 by Jonathan Williams tocelebrate local produce in a new and inspiring way.

All of Cafe Mor’s produce is locally sourced whereverpossible and a sustainable ethos runs through the core ofthe business. Visit www.cafemor.co.uk for more details.

“These days we take ‘staycations’ in the UK to

keep costs down. But wherever we go there are

always Oddfellows events to entertain us.”

Lesley - South Yorkshire

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A rich historyThe Romans built roads close to theplace where Preston now sits and itsfirst parish church was built around705AD. By the 13th Century, Prestonwas one of the wealthiest towns inthe Country.

Many decisive battles were foughthere during the English Civil War,and the 19th Century’s IndustrialRevolution turned Preston into aleading producer of cotton. It waseven the first town outside ofLondon to be lit by gas.

PrestonThis month we visit the culturalcentre of Lancashire to discover itsproud, sporting and industrial past.

The beautiful gameAs one of the Football League’sfounding members, the city’sfootball club, Preston North End,

were the first team to be crownedchampions in 1888. The team earnedthe nickname ‘the invincibles’ thatsame year by staying unbeaten in theleague and the cup.

The golden cityPreston was officially granted city status in 2002 as part ofHM The Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. It becameEngland’s 50th city in The Queen’s 50th year on the throneand has a population of almost 115,000.

Famous facesPreston was the

birthplace of these well-known fi

gures

• Andrew Flintoff, former England

Test cricketer

• Mary Anne Hobbs, DJ and music

journalist

• Sir Tom Finney, former footballer

• Nick Park, animator and creator o

f Wallace and Gromit

(Pictured left)

“[Preston is] a pretty town

with an abundance of

gentry in it, commonly

called Proud Preston.”

“ “

Edward Calamy, 18th CenturyEnglish Presbyterian church leader

To sum it up in one sentence…

©iStockphoto.com/Nick Park

Around Britain

On the ground: Oddfellows members from Preston

Gaynor Colman only became Social Organiser for the PrestonDistrict in May of this year, but she’s already been busyplanning a packed social calendar for the rest of this year. Hereshe explains how she’s getting on.

I decided to join the Oddfellows originally because I wanted to findout more about what the Society did.

Since joining three months ago, I’ve realised that there’s a lot moreto it than meets the eye and I can’t wait to share it with the rest ofPreston.

Thankfully, the new events diary for the next few months shouldkeep everyone entertained.

There’s a shopping trip to the Trafford Centre, a day of walking andfresh air in the Lake District and much more.

The District does a lot of its work in the town of Penwortham, butour events take place right across the region.

Talking to people in the local area, I’m always struck by how manypeople are interested in getting out and about and want to hearmore about the events we offer.

As a newcomer myself who’s still learning about the great work theSociety does, I can’t wait to welcome everyone along and showthem exactly what we’re about.

Gaynor with Social Organiser for Ormskirk & Southport District,Judith Cattton

Vital statistics• Established in 1830

• As well as Preston, the District covers Blackpool, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancaster, Lytham and Cleveleys

• The District now has nearly 1000members

For further details contact Gaynor on07874 205268 or emailgaynor.colman@oddfellows.co.uk.

As a newcomer myself who’s still learning

about the great work the Society does, I

can’t wait to welcome everyone along and

show them exactly what we’re about.

““

Events being organised by Preston District

Tuesday 13 November – 9.30am onwardsTrafford Centre tripCome and take advantage of a day at the TraffordCentre. Whether you’re shopping for yourself orgetting some early Christmas presents, there’s ashop for almost everything. You could even catch anew release at the cinema

There’ll be a chance to meet for a late morningcoffee, then lunch later on in the food hall.

Either join us at Penwortham Library for transport at9.30am, or meet us there.

Around Britain

Wednesday 12 September – 9.30am Windermere Day OutJoin us for a wonderful day out by Windermere inthe heart of the Lake District. Transport has beenbooked from Penwortham to the Lakeland Store inWindermere where we will have a coffee beforethe day gets going.

We’ll then have time to explore Windermere andenjoy the quaint shops before meeting for lunch atFrancine’s Restaurant at 1.30pm. There’ll be timefor more exploring, shopping or relaxing afterlunch before travelling back to Penwortham in theearly evening.

It’s sure to be an enjoyable day out.

Tuesday 30 October – 11am Botany Bay Day OutOur monthly coffee morning in October will becombined with a shopping trip to Botany Bay inChorley. After meeting in the coffee shop at 11am,we will have ample opportunity to discover thedelights of this converted Victorian mill.

Home to a delightful Christmas shop, the milloffers a mixture of giftware and collectablesavailable from Dickensian-style shops and theoutdoor garden centre.

The restaurant also has an extensive menu tochoose from during lunch. If you’re interested inthis trip please contact Gaynor. © Copyright Mr T and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Cost: Transport £14 (members) or £16 (non-members).Address: Depart from Penwortham Library, Penwortham, at 9.30am

Cost: No charge for entry but there will be a cost for coffee and lunch.Address: Botany Bay, Canal Mill, Bothany Brow, Chorley, PR6 9AF.

Cost: Transport £12 (members), £14 (non-members)Address: The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AA

If you have a query or would like to join us for any of these events please contact Gaynoron 07874 205 268 or email gaynor.colman@oddfellows.co.uk

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“I love the Oddfellows’ Active Travel Club. My friends and I

go on active and culture trips, weekends away and holidays

abroad. It lets me meet new people, and it was free to join!”

Roger, London

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Active Travel

Mud-covered, alcohol-fuelled youngsters listening to loud music and getting covered in mud. The stereotypes that manyof us believe about music festivals are reaffirmed by the papers almost endlessly. But contrary to what you might think,the fast-growing UK festival scene has something for everyone, no matter how old you are.

‘80s Rewind (17-19 August 2012)Rewind festival features a line-up of some of the ‘80’s greatest rock legends. This year’s festival offers posh nosh in the form ofJamie Oliver’s Fast Feasts, a selection of upmarket meals and snacks and a Pizza Express on site. You can go ‘glamping’ inluxury, exclusive camping accommodation with ready-pitched tents and hotel quality facilities, and there’s even When NatureCalls; a luxury loo company!

Ticket Price £50-£100 Location Henley-on-Thames

First time festival goers

Nestled in the Sussexcountryside, the BigGreen Cardigan is one ofthe UK’s most intimatemusic festivals. Withcapacity limited to 500people, it’s a great wayto sample the festivallifestyle for the first time.

With the chance to take part in early morning yoga sessions orrelax in an evening cafe, the Big Green Cardigan seems moreakin to a restorative weekend break and is set apart from whatsome might call the ‘brash’, mud-covered atmosphere of thestereotypical music festival.

The low cost day tickets means camping is not a necessity;great news for those who aren’t thrilled by the idea of roughingit. For more information visit www.biggreencardigan.co.uk

Ticket priceWeekend packages £55-£60 Day tickets £15-£30 Location Robertsbridge, East Sussex

Glastonbury (2013 Date TBC)Glastonbury, has beenrun by 76 year oldMichael Eavis for 42years, but it’s oftenassociated just withyoung people. Yet 1 in9 of Glastonbury’s138,000 guests lastyear were over 50;that’s more than15,000 people. It isn’t difficult to see why the festival ispopular to all ages; the 2011 line-up included U2, PaulSimon and BB King, who played the festival at 85 years old.

Although Glastonbury is not on this year, it will return toSomerset in 2013. Tickets go on sale in October but sell outquickly, and prices will be confirmed in the coming months.

Ticket price TBCDay tickets TBC Location Worthy Farm, Glastonbury, South England

©iStockphoto.com/Glastonbury

The Big Green Cardigan (7-9 September 2012)

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“Sorting out the garden is how I like to relax.

An expert gave a talk at my local Oddfellows

branch – it helped me no end.”

Christine - Derbyshire

Home & garden

Not already a member? Click here to join now!

Q: “How can I protect my saladboxes from squirrels and birds?”Laura, Cambridgeshire

A: The best thing for you to do is put alittle ring of wire around them and overthe top. Make sure it’s tied tightlywithout any gaps, otherwise birds canget stuck inside. But that’s really theonly way to make it safe and secureagainst grey squirrels.

Q: “What can I do to protect theplants in my greenhouse during veryhot weather?”Gareth, London

A: Try putting up a shade in thegreenhouse, especially on the southside where the heat of the sun will bestrongest. You can create whitewash forthe windows to soften the sun’s rays, oryou can use netting, fleece or anything likethat to create some partial shade.

Q: “What should I be doing with mykidney beans now to get the bestcrop later?”William, Cardiff

A: If they’re already getting going, thenadding a nice mulch of organic matterwill stop them drying out. You can usewell-rotted compost or farmyardmanure to keep the moisture in. Kidney bean plants are verythirsty but also very worthwhile too. I think a good row ofkidney bean plants is a must in any good vegetable garden.

Q: “I’ve neglected my garden so farthis year. What can I do to get somevery quick results?”Neil, Burton-on-Trent

A: You can sow this year’s final crop oflettuce to produce some nice saladtowards the end of the season. Again,a sowing of turnips grows very quicklyand they’re succulent when used in a stew or a stir fry.Alternatively, a Chinese winter cabbage grows quickly toowith good results.

Is your garden giving you grief? Well, fear not, help is at hand. George Hill is here to answer your gardening problems.

If we publish your question in next month’s edition we’ll send you a fantastic gardening kit absolutely free! Thisincludes one brand new pair of dazzling gardening gloves and five packs of assorted seeds to get you started. Allthanks to Joe’s Garden and Suttons Seeds. Email ezine@oddfellows.co.uk with your question today.

Ask George

(Continued on the next page...)

Home & Garden

Important jobs this monthI would be going through my Daliasand disbudding them, keeping all theside shoots out to create some nicebuds later. This lets the flowers performat their best, producing nice brightflowers on the stems. Try staking themdown too, with the stems tied in so thatthe wind won’t break any of them off.

The same applies if you’re growing outdoor chrysanthemums;don’t let them dry out in the hot weather. All of your floweringplants should be kept nicely moist but not overwateredthrough the summer. Staking up your gladioli this month isreally important too.

The great indoorsIn the greenhouse, keep pinching outthe side shoots on your tomatoes. When you’ve got around five or sixstrong growing shoots, pinch thegrowing top out to let the plant focuson fruiting. Do this at the end of themonth and you’ll help the fruit to growto a bigger size and ripen well in September.

Keep your cucumbers mulched with something like driedblood. However, don’t give them a nitrogen feed or they cangrow too fast and have a bitter taste when you come to eatthem.

George’s focus: August

Smelling sweetContinue to keep an eye on your sweetpeas this month and don’t let them go toseed. If you do then they’ll stop flowering,meaning you won’t get all those vividcolours for as long as you should do.

Very berryCheck all of your soft fruits this monthto make sure they’re growing well.

All of these fruits should be croppingnow and you should pick them onlywhen they’re reaching full ripeness.

These will then be good for bottling,eating or jamming.

And don’t forget to keep yourraspberries mulched with plentyof moisture in the soil.

August is the height of summer and the full results of the year’s hard work outdoors should now be evident. With any luckwe’ll get a good mixture of sunshine and rain because too much of either makes life tough for gardeners.

Members with green fingersSuttons is an internationally renowned supplier of flower and vegetable seeds, young plants,bulbs, fruit bushes and other horticultural products to amateur gardeners.

Members are eligible to receive a 10% discount on anything at www.suttons.co.uk, from seedsand bulbs to gardening equipment and greenhouses. To take advantage of your exclusiveOddfellows 10% discount click here*.

*You will need to be signed in as a member to access the Members' Benefits page.

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Sport & leisure

“I’ve never really been ‘sporty’, but I try to keep fit. My local

Oddfellows branch now hosts a walking club. It’s great to get

some fresh air, and we always have a good time.”

Diana - Essex

Sport & leisure

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With the Paralympic Games just weeks away, for two-timegold medallist and Oddfellows member Nigel Murray thewait is almost over. This summer’s London homecomingwill be the Boccia champion’s swansong. So before hebids farewell, he reveals his hopes for the games’ lastinglegacy and how he fully intends to go out with a finalflourish.

This summer marks the culmination of four years’ preparationfor Nigel Murray. His sport, Boccia, is a cross between bowlsand boules that dates back to Roman times and there’s bothan individual and team event at the Games. Nigel, who hascerebal palsy, will be competing in both.

A modest yet confident man, Nigel knows what he and hisTeam GB teammates can achieve, but only if they perform tothe best of their abilities. Such self-awareness should servehim well on his quest for that all important third gold.

“I know that on our day we can beat anyone in the world, but,to use a cliché, there’s no easy games when you compete atthis level.

“Any one of 12 teams could win in London. It’s just all aboutfinding the momentum and keeping our confidence high.”

Nigel took gold in the individual event in 2000 in Sydney,followed by gold in the team event in Beijing eight years later;his proudest moment to date.

“Winning in Beijing meant the most because of thecamaraderie of the team. I enjoy both but the team event ismy favourite. It’s the blue ribbon event that’s still seen as theultimate achievement.”

The fact that the 2012 Games are in London inevitably puts anadded pressure on Team GB to succeed. But as a seasonedathlete, 47 year old Nigel is sure that being on home turf willbe more of a help than a hindrance.

“Of course it brings more pressure. With the advantage ofplaying at home comes huge expectation. We’ve just got touse that pressure positively and I’m sure the home fans willhelp us do just that.”

And with this home advantage, Nigel hopes there’ll be alasting sports legacy in the UK.

“The Paralympics will open peoples’ eyes I think. We’ve gotto inspire the next generation of young people, both able-bodied and those with disabilities, to step up and take partin sport.

“The long term success of these games will be judged onwhether or not we use this opportunity we’ve been given.”

For Nigel, competing one last time in London will be a fittingend to a world beating career. But while he’s in no doubtthat now’s the right time to call it a day, he still got the fireinside him to go for glory one last time.

“If it was decided on will and desire alone then I’d definitelywin gold. It’s the right time and place for me to finish and Ican’t think of anything I could want more than to win here.”

Nigel Murray is a member of the Lemington Spa Branch ofthe OddfellowsNigel’s Beijing 2008 team gold medal

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Discoveries

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“I’ve promised myself I’ll try new things, and I can do that

thanks to the Oddfellows. My friends never thought I’d try

paragliding, but it was of the best things I’ve ever done!”

Karen - Nottingham

It’s all in the genes, for now

Incurable genetic disorders could one day be a thing ofthe past as European medical chiefs debate the use ofexperimental gene therapies on patients.

Genetic diseases occur when part of a person’s DNA, theblueprint inside each cell in the body, is either missing,duplicated or not working correctly.

Genetic abnormalities cause afflictions such as Haemophilia,Cystic Fibrosis and Down’s syndrome. Gene therapies workby infecting the patient with a virus containing a copy of theaffected gene that works correctly.

Doctors at the European Medicines Agency recentlyrecommended the technology for use when treating patientswith lipoprotein lipase deficiency; a rare disease affecting onein a million people whose bodies struggle to break down fats.

The final decision now rests with the European Commission,but, if approved, it could pave the way for a revolution in theway we treat genetic defects.

Cutting edge news from the world around us

Did you know? You can keep up to date with the latest news from the Oddfellows throughout the month onFacebook. There’s photo galleries, events information, entertainment and more.Visit www.facebook.com/OddfellowsSociety to see for yourself.

Moon made by ‘hit and run’

Scientists from Switzerland have come up with a new theoryto explain the much debated question of how the mooncame to orbit the Earth.

Researchers at the Center for Space and Habitability in Bernbelieve they’ve found evidence that suggests the moon is theproduct of a high-speed celestial crash billions of years agobetween the Earth and another much larger planet.

Instead of previous theories which pointed to a relatively slowmotion collision with a planet the size of Mars, the Swiss teamran computer models that support their new theory. Thisevidence, they say, explains why metals found in moon rocksamples are almost identical to those found on Earth.

More of a glancing blow than a head on crash, the result of thisimpact would have been a hot disc of debris being thrown outinto space. It was from this debris that the scientists believe themoon was eventually formed.

Discoveries

Through the lens – photography competition

The theme of this month’s through the lens photo competition is ‘friendship’; ahead of our second annual FriendshipMonth in September. So we’d like you to send us photos that show what friendship means to you.

If we choose your photo to appear in the next edition, you’ll win £50 of Jessops vouchers to spend in-store. So go andget snapping.

You can enter by emailing your photo to ezine@oddfellows.co.uk, posting it on our Facebook wall or sending it in a tweet thatmentions @oddfellowsUK. Click on the links below to visit our social media sites.

Terms and conditions1) Entries can be submitted at any time and still be included in this competition. However the cut off date for each edition will be the first day of the month. For example, this month’s competition closes on 1 September.

2 If successful, you will be contacted by the Oddfellows to arrange delivery of your prize.

3) If your photograph contains an image of a person, building or private location please ensure you get permission from the person/building owner before submitting your entry.

4) By submitting a photograph to this competition you are confirming that you have given permission to use and reproduce this image and that the Oddfellows can use this photo in future publications and marketing material, both online and printed.

5) The Oddfellows will assume your consent has been given once your entry is submitted unless you directly state otherwise.

Despite all the medical obstacles modern science hasconquered, finding the fabled cure for paralysis causedby spinal cord injuries has long seemed impossible.

But that could all be about to change, as Oddfellows Boardmembers found out when they visited Spinal Research UK’sresearch centre at King’s College London (KCL).

They were shown cutting-edge research made possible by athree-year, £90,000 donation from the Society’s H AAndrews Fund.

Visitors on the day included the Society’s Chairman CharlesVaughan and Directors George Lickess, Clive Taylor, andMaggi Winter, (pictured from left to right above).

After being welcomed by the research team, the party wasgiven a tour of the labs where the skill, dedication, andenthusiasm of the team became clear.

Daring to think the unthinkable

The visitors were overwhelmed by the hi-tech methods atfirst, but thanks to the clear explanations from their tourguides they soon felt like experts.

After the tour, Charles Vaughan presented the SpinalResearch team with the third of three annual donations; acheque for £30,000.

The aim of the H A Andrews Memorial Fund is to raise moneyto support medical research projects.

It honours the man who was Society Secretary for more than30 years while playing a pivotal role in the creation of theUK’s National Insurance scheme.

Since its inception in 1971, the fund has donated more than£650,000 to medical research projects across the UK.

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Health & wellbeing“The Oddfellows give so much. I wish more people

knew about the great services they have to offer.”

Paul - LondonNot already a member? Click here to join now!

To announce a significant breakthrough

in this field would be worldwide news,

and I feel we’re now in a phase where

it’s actually conceivable.

““

Dr Mark Bacon, speaking to Friendscene in April 2012

Health & wellbeing

Researchers already know that in the case of spinalinjuries, some neurons become damaged beyond repair.That’s why the majority of their research now focuses onlooking for new ways to encourage undamaged neurons tocompensate for damaged ones.

The first part of the three-year research project centred onthe enzyme called Chondroitinase, which breaks downscar tissue to aid functional recovery.

The second stage has been to develop new ways for theresearchers to visualise the effects of this enzyme tounderstand how this functional recovery takes place.

After years of research, the progress of the team – led byProfessor James Fawcett and Professor Stephen McMahan –is gathering pace.

The information gathered and techniques developed meanthat the prospect of human clinical trials within the nextdecade is now highly likely.

Thanks to the Society’s donation, researchers are daring tothink what was previously considered unthinkable; about afuture free from paralysis.

For more information about Spinal Research or to getinvolved in fundraising, please contact James Clark on01483 898786 or visit www.spinal-research.org. You candonate £5 to Spinal Research today by texting SPIN41 to70070.

Left to right: Oddfellows Directors Maggi Winter and George Lickess, Director of Fundraising (Spinal Research) Dr Mark Bacon, TrustManager (Spinal Research) James Clark, Oddfellows Director Clive Tayler, Professor Stephen McMahon (KCL), Oddfellows ChairmanCharles Vaughan, PhD students (KCL) Claudia Kathe, Karen Bosch and Dr Elizabeth Bradbury

Dr Mark Bacon with Maggi Winter, Charles Vaughanand Karen Bosch

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“When I had money worries the Oddfellows putme in touch with the right people who couldhelp. They were with me every step of the way.”Pam - Cambridgeshire

Money

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The Oddfellows' Central Head Office in Manchester wasdelighted to announce the appointment of its new CEOlast month; current Finance Director Jane Nelson.

As the first woman to hold the role, Jane, 46, fromCheshire, took the top job this month less than a yearafter being awarded the UK’s top marks for exams run bythe Institute of Directors, seeing off competition from 266other candidates.

“I was delighted to get the chance to take this prestigiousposition,” said Jane, “and being the first woman to hold therole adds an extra special dimension.”

She takes the Society’s senior role at a time when genderinequality within the workplace remains an all too familiarissue.

Government figures predict that women will hold more than25% of UK board-level positions by 2015, they still onlyaccount for 6% of top senior executive roles today; a figureJane hopes will soon change for the better.

“Hopefully this achievement and others like it will inspire morewomen to realise they can reach the very top. That’s thefuture I hope to see.”

Jane has more than 25 years’ experience in the financialservices and accountancy industries.

Since joining the Oddfellows in 1995 as Financial Controller she has worked as Company Secretary since 2000and Finance Director since 2007.

Her knowledge of the Society and experience of running one of the world’s largest membership organisationsmade her the obvious candidate.Before the announcement was made, Jane had been acting CEO.

Charles Vaughan, Chairman of the Oddfellows, said: “On behalf of the Society, I would like to wish Jane all the bestin her new role. We’re all looking forward to the future and the ideas she will undoubtedly bring to the Society.

Society welcomes its first female CEO