The Isle of Mona Oddfellows is hosting a series of ’Friendship Month’ events to bring friends back together and welcome new faces.

The branch, whose members meet up regularly for social and fundraising activities, has dedicated the month of September to welcoming new members with a range of events specially designed to make newcomers feel at ease.

With regular coffee morning meet ups, a modern writing group and organised walks around the island, social organiser Cat Jenkins says the Oddfellows has something for everyone, no matter what their age.

Cat, who is from Douglas and responsible for organising events across the whole of the Isle of Man, said: ’The Oddfellows is all about making friends and helping people.

’We’ve spent much of the past 18 months ensuring our members were supported emotionally and physically, but it’s now the time to help even more people reconnect with old friends, and of course, make new ones.’

Events specifically geared around welcoming new faces include meet and chat events at coffee shops in Ramsey and Douglas on Tuesday, August 31, and a coffee morning in Port Erin on Wednesday, September 1.

There’s also a fortnightly walk and coffee on Tuesdays in Douglas and a fortnightly Zoom coffee and chat for those who prefer online events.

Members also join the ’Shut Up and Write!’ meetings at Windsor Coffee shop in Douglas on Saturday mornings.

Cat added: ’The wonderful thing about the Oddfellows is that it’s the members who make it what it is.

’If people want to meet friends for coffee, we do that.

’If others want to go zip wiring or for a night down the pub, we do that too. It’s all about giving our members plenty of choice and saying to people of all ages, we are here to be your friend and have fun together.’

The Isle of Mona Oddfellows, which is part of the Ormskirk and Southport District Branch, is a non-profit with about 90 local members.

In addition to attending regular social events, members can access financial benefits and welfare support, with a dedicated care helpline and citizens advice team, and a travel club.

Events taking place during Friendship Month include:

â?¢Coffee and chat: Tuesday, August 31, 10am to 12 noon, Conrod’s Coffee Shop, 74 Parliament Street, Ramsey

â?¢Coffee and chat: Tuesday, August 31, 2pm to 4pm at The Windsor Coffee Shop, Loch Promenade, Douglas

â?¢Coffee and chat: Tuesday, August 31, 6pm to 8pm at The Windsor Coffee Shop, Loch Promenade, Douglas

â?¢Coffee and chat: Wednesday, September 1, 10am-12 noon at The Whistlestop Cafe, The Railway Station, Port Erin

â?¢Coffee and chat: Wednesday, September 1, 2pm to 4pm, Cafe Bar Two-Six Derbyhaven (The Old Flying Club), Airport Road, Ballasella

â?¢Fortnightly walk and coffee events: every other Tuesday at 2pm in Douglas (contact branch for more info).

â?¢Fortnightly zoom coffee event: 2pm online (contact branch for more info)

â?¢Shut up and Write! writing group, Saturdays 11am to 12.30pm, The Windsor Coffee Shop, Loch Promenade, Douglas

To register an interest in attending a taster event, or to receive a free local events pack, contact Catherine Jenkins on 07624 482077 or email [email protected].

Further event and open day details can be found at www.friendshipmonth.com, as well as a competition to win one of six tapas hampers.