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ValΜύSmith is the Social Development Organiser for the Humber Wolds District of the Oddfellows society. The 'Oddfellows' are made up of around 700 members and in addition to assisting members who need support with some financial benefits, they also help raise money for a variety of good causes. Members of this 'friendly society' pay a modest yearly subscription.Μύ

The organisation's local roots can be traced back at least three hundred years and its local headquarters are based in one of Hull's historic buildings in the city centre.

The society's main headquarters are based in Manchester and their website makes no secret that there's a traditional ceremonial side to some of the activities the Oddfellows undertake.

The local branch has members from all over the 'Humber area' and although not every member is active they still involve themselves in a variety of activities to encourage friendship and social gathering.

Val Smith at No.7 Jarratt St. Hull

The Oddfellows came about, as members of certain trades were excluded from some of the guilds that existed many years ago and therefore decided to go it alone. Although the more formal arrangements started around the 1700/1800s, Val says they were such societies stretching back to the 1300s.

Val's been involved since 1977 and joined because her parents were members, it seemed to her only natural to follow in their footsteps. It was January of this year she took on her current role.

Some of her duties involve promoting social activities such as arranging dinners and trips for the members in addition to trying to increase membership.

In her interview, Val explains the history of the building where the Oddfellows are based. LocatedΜύ No. 7, Jarratt Street in Hull, behind the ordinary looking facade there's arrange of rooms, some of which have original features.

The building backs onto the 'Maltings' development and Val explains something of the glass walkway that used to link the building to the other areas around it. We also discover that there are storerooms under the pavement which extend some way under the road in the direction of the Hull New Theatre. Many of these rooms are still in use today.

The organisation has branches all over the country and there are some 100,000 members. It also has international links. Although modest about their involvement in their community, the Oddfellows raise money for charity and Val also talks about what the Oddfellows did to support the Hull community during the summer floods of 2007.

Locally you can find out more about the local branch in Hull and surrounding district through the website contact details from the link at the top right of this page.