Information on Loughborough
News Index
2009
Nov 2009Oct 2009
Sep 2009
Aug 2009
Jul 2009
Jun 2009
May 2009
Apr 2009
Mar 2009
Feb 2009
Jan 2009
2008
Dec 2008Nov 2008
Oct 2008
Sep 2008
Aug 2008
Jul 2008
Jun 2008
May 2008
Apr 2008
Mar 2008
Feb 2008
Jan 2008
2007
Dec 2007Nov 2007
Oct 2007
Sep 2007
Aug 2007
Jul 2007
Jun 2007
May 2007
Oddfellows and others
Posted on 24/04/09
University of Leicester
The fascinating world of the Victorian friendly societies will be explored in this years W G Hoskins Lecture at Vaughan College, St Nicholas Circle, Leicester on Friday 24th April at 7.15pm.
The annual lecture is given in honour of Professor W.G. Hoskins, who founded the countrys first English Local History Department in 1938 at what was then the University College, Leicester, now the University of Leicester.
The lecture, hosted by the Vaughan Archaeological and Historical Society, will be given by Ron Greenall, who for more than 30 years was a tutor in the University of Leicesters Department of Adult Education.
Speaking about his lecture, Oddfellows and Others: the world of Victorian friendly societies, Ron Greenall said: The Victorian friendly societies always seem to have a strong public appeal. Whenever I lecture on the subject it seems to ring a bell with people, because when they do a bit of local history research they often come across family connections with friendly societies, like Oddfellows, Foresters or local benefit clubs.
People bring along memorabilia, like minute books, cash books or banners theyve got tucked away. Most of the societies are now defunct. Their role was taken by the rise of the Welfare State and National Insurance, which were all locked into now through the taxation system.
Friendly societies did two things. They insured members, who paid a regular monthly subscription, and paid out a death benefit. In the 19th century it was considered very important not to have a paupers funeral but to have a decent Christian burial. The societies also paid benefits when people were sick.
People got together at the village level and formed clubs out of which a number of national organisations grew, like the Oddfellows and the Foresters. These spread round the country until in the late 19th century every biggish village would have one or two local branches as well as their own benefit clubs.
They also employed young doctors starting out on their careers, who considered it a good thing to be employed by a local friendly society.
The role of these self-help welfare societies was gradually eroded by the state from 1911, with the start of the old age pension and medical and unemployment insurance, though the latter did not apply to most people. Friendly societies finally became redundant in 1945 with the onset of social insurance.
They were a great expression of the English spirit of self help and mutuality and the pooling of resources, said Ron Greenall.
They were largely for men, though by the end of the 19th century they had begun to form womens branches, too. There was a spirit of conviviality. Members usually met in pubs and had a few drinks. Lots of pubs are named after these societies, like The Oddfellows Arms, The Foresters Arms etc.
It became a massive network. There were 28,000 of them by 1900 and they were everywhere.
Thats why people enjoy hearing about them, it jogs their memories. By the end of the 19th century members would get together for processions on feast days, to organise sport and so on. They were a big thing in Victorian life.
Ron Greenall was a member of the Adult Education department until his retirement. For many years he tutored the Certificate in Local History, a subject that many people attended before going on to take University of Leicesters part time BA degree or MA in English Local History. He now teaches undergraduates at the University, part-time.
Gerry Stacey, Secretary of the Vaughan Archaeological & History Society, commented: The Society was formed from a Vaughan College class in 1947. The College has given the Society valuable support throughout our 62 year association with them. Each year we have talks on a historical and archaeological subject, during the winter months. In the summer we arrange visits to places of local interest.
The Society was formed by students who attended a class tutored by W.G Hoskins in November 1947 - Leicestershire Landscapes. Their intention was to invite speakers to discuss all elements of Hoskins subject, including archaeology, and he became its first President.
In 1991, the Society began to hold an Annual Hoskins lecture at Vaughan College. Ron Greenalls lecture is the final lecture of this year.
The lecture is open to the public. Tickets cost 2.50 to non-members, payable at the door. Anyone requiring more information about the Society or this lecture should contact Gerry Stacey, tel 01455 636686
Latest News
Charnwood Museum Hosts Royal Photographic Society Members' Exhibition | |
|---|---|
 | Community Services6 November 2009Charnwood Museum Hosts Royal Photographic Society Members' ExhibitionPhoto Opportunity: A fantastic array of photographs from around the world will be on display at Charnwood Museum when it hosts The Royal Photographic Society Members' Exhibition for 2009. Roger Wilson, the Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, together with, Councillor Roy Brown, the Mayor of Charnwood will welcome invited guests, including the President of the Royal Photographic Society, Rosemary Wilman, to a special preview event.... 06 Nov 2009 Charnwood Museum Hosts Royal Photographic Society Members' Exhibition |
Helping make decisions at life's end | |
| Adult Social Care Service5 November 2009Helping make decisions at life's end ***Photo Opportunity***An event is being held to highlight a project designed to enable older people to die with dignity. Tomorrow's event will thank all partners involved in DALE (Decisions At Life's End) which aims to help older people, along with their families and carers, to make choices about where they want to die.... 06 Nov 2009 Helping make decisions at life's end |
Bid to beat the burglars in South Charnwood | |
 | A campaign has been launched in a bid to reduce burglary in South Charnwood. This week an advertising van emblazoned with the slogan lock it or lose it will do the rounds in Birstall, Mountsorrel, Syston, Anstey and Thurmaston. ... 06 Nov 2009 Bid to beat the burglars in South Charnwood |
Get involved in Markfield, Ratby and Groby community projects | |
| Chief Executive's4 November 2009Get involved in Markfield, Ratby and Groby community projectsMarkfield, Ratby and Groby residents can pick up the latest news and help choose how £20,000 will boost their local area at an interactive meeting. At a Dragons' Den-style workshop held earlier this autumn, people pitched ideas for community projects which would benefit from a share of the money, voted for their favourite and compiled a shortlist.... 04 Nov 2009 Get involved in Markfield, Ratby and Groby community projects |
Reed Supports Campaign on Pay and Work Rights | |
| Andy Reed supports the drive by Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) to let workers know their rights... 04 Nov 2009 Reed Supports Campaign on Pay and Work Rights |
Related News
Anglo Saxon heritage revealed in annual lecture | |
|---|---|
 | Centre for Local History hosts W G Hoskins Lecture at the University of Leicester on Saturday 16th May at 2.30pm ... 27 Apr 2009 Anglo Saxon heritage revealed in annual lecture |
Holocaust | |
 | The time has come to address this treacherous tendency to misunderstand the place of the Holocaust. Professor Griselda Pollock will deliver the Aubrey Newman Lecture 2008 at the University of Leicester on Tuesday 6 May .... 06 May 2008 Holocaust |
International experts on feminism and religion to speak at university | |
| Theologians Dr Rita Nakashima Brock and Professor Elaine Graham are to speak at University of Leicester... 20 Aug 2009 International experts on feminism and religion to speak at university |
Computer technology plus archaeology equals enhanced knowledge o | |
| University of Leicester Lecture by Prof. Lin Foxhall Department of Archaeology and Ancient History " Tuesday March 10th, 5.30pm, Frank and Katherine May Lecture Theatre, Henry Wellcome Building... 10 Mar 2009 Computer technology plus archaeology equals enhanced knowledge o |
Preserving the cultural heritage of New York City | |
 | American History expert highlights visual representation of iconic city, University of Leicester: Tuesday 6 October at 5:30pm... 02 Oct 2009 Preserving the cultural heritage of New York City |
Relevant News
English Landscape Garden Design re-interpreted by Tsarist Russia | |
|---|---|
 | English Landscape Garden Design re-interpreted by Tsarist Russia Lecture on 15 May at 8pm is jointly sponsored by the Friends of the University of Leicester Botanic Garden and the Leicestershire and Rutland Gardens Trust... 23 Apr 2008 English Landscape Garden Design re-interpreted by Tsarist Russia |
Holocaust | |
| The time has come to address this treacherous tendency to misunderstand the place of the Holocaust. Professor Griselda Pollock will deliver the Aubrey Newman Lecture 2008 at the University of Leicester on Tuesday 6 May .... 06 May 2008 Holocaust |
Industry lecture highlights advances in fuel and vehicle technol | |
| Lecture at University of Leicester Department of Engineering on 17 March 2009 hosted by Vice-Chancellor of Aston University. ... 09 Mar 2009 Industry lecture highlights advances in fuel and vehicle technol |
Computer technology plus archaeology equals enhanced knowledge o | |
| University of Leicester Lecture by Prof. Lin Foxhall Department of Archaeology and Ancient History " Tuesday March 10th, 5.30pm, Frank and Katherine May Lecture Theatre, Henry Wellcome Building... 10 Mar 2009 Computer technology plus archaeology equals enhanced knowledge o |
The Bayeux Tapestry, Napoleon and the Nazis | |
| University of Leicester Medieval Research Centre Public Lecture Series 2009 - Dr Carola Hicks (University Of Cambridge), Wednesday 18th March 2009, 6.00pm, Attenborough Lecture Theatre 2 (Film Theatre)... 11 Mar 2009 The Bayeux Tapestry, Napoleon and the Nazis |
Most Read News (today)
Loughborough Firework Display | |
|---|---|
 | What has to be one of the best firework displays in the county is being held at Loughborough University tonight.... 03 Nov 2007 Loughborough Firework Display |
Loughborough Fair - Official Opening | |
 | The 780th November fair is coming to Loughborough and the news is that charnwood Borough Council have a good time lined up.... 01 Nov 2007 Loughborough Fair - Official Opening |
Loughborough shoppers to benefit from Bonfire Night Advice | |
| Information about being safe on Bonfire Night will be available for shoppers who visit Loughborough town centre on Wednesday.... 03 Nov 2009 Loughborough shoppers to benefit from Bonfire Night Advice |
Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood | |
 | A SERIES of free graffiti workshops could help creative youngsters avoid a brush with the law. Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, of which Charnwood Borough Council is a partner, is staging the six-week programme of graffiti workshops in three neighbourhoods to give 11 to 16-year-olds an alternative means of expression rather than daubing slogans and images on buildings throughout the Borough.... 18 Jul 2008 Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood |
Loughborough MP Announces Free Chess Sets for Schools | |
 | Andy Reed MP today announced the giving away of chess sets to schools. The chess sets are available for schools as part of a scheme to provide a quarter of a million chess sets into the school network. Negotiations with manufacturers and distributors means that ten sets and boards can be offered to every school in England. ... 13 Feb 2008 Loughborough MP Announces Free Chess Sets for Schools |
Most Read News (this month)
Leicestershire County Council reveals results of groundbreaking archaeology survey | |
|---|---|
| Community Services29 October 2009Leicestershire County Council reveals results of groundbreaking archaeology surveyLeicestershire County Council today held a press conference at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre to announce the conclusion of a groundbreaking three year archaeological survey to locate the battle of Bosworth, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund grant. Battlefields Trust archaeologist, Glenn Foard, revealed an exciting collection of finds from the Battle of Bosworth of international archaeological significance.... 30 Oct 2009 Leicestershire County Council reveals results of groundbreaking archaeology survey |
Police searching for missing man have found a body | |
 | Police searching for missing man have found a bodyPolice searching for a 77 year old man from Loughborough, who has been missing since yesterday evening, have found the body of a man. Ernest Sanham from Park Road in Loughborough, was admitted to the Leicester General Hospital on Thursday 22nd October 2009 suffering from confusion.... 26 Oct 2009 Police searching for missing man have found a body |
Loughborough shoppers to benefit from Bonfire Night Advice | |
| Information about being safe on Bonfire Night will be available for shoppers who visit Loughborough town centre on Wednesday.... 03 Nov 2009 Loughborough shoppers to benefit from Bonfire Night Advice |
Coin scam in Loughborough | |
 | Coin scam in LoughboroughPolice in Loughborough are hoping the general public will help them solve two crimes which involved large quantities of commemorative coins. The suspect has been selling Charles and Diana Royal Wedding coins to vulnerable elderly people at a retirement complex on Craddock Street in Loughborough.... 21 Oct 2009 Coin scam in Loughborough |
Remembrance Events in Loughborough and Charnwood | |
| Once again, Charnwood Borough Council is proud to support the Royal British Legion s Remembrance Events which will be taking place this year. ... 21 Oct 2009 Remembrance Events in Loughborough and Charnwood |
Most Read News (alltime)
Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood | |
|---|---|
| A SERIES of free graffiti workshops could help creative youngsters avoid a brush with the law. Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, of which Charnwood Borough Council is a partner, is staging the six-week programme of graffiti workshops in three neighbourhoods to give 11 to 16-year-olds an alternative means of expression rather than daubing slogans and images on buildings throughout the Borough.... 18 Jul 2008 Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood |
Loughborough MP Announces Free Chess Sets for Schools | |
| Andy Reed MP today announced the giving away of chess sets to schools. The chess sets are available for schools as part of a scheme to provide a quarter of a million chess sets into the school network. Negotiations with manufacturers and distributors means that ten sets and boards can be offered to every school in England. ... 13 Feb 2008 Loughborough MP Announces Free Chess Sets for Schools |
Robot in Loughborough Town Centre | |
 | Reports are coming in that Loughborough Town Centre was yesterday infiltrated by a giant robot. The robot which some eye witnesses say they saw in Market Place and Market Street at various times yesterday afternoon stood some 8ft tall, was metallic in colour, had blue glowing eyes and spoke in sound bites.... 27 May 2008 Robot in Loughborough Town Centre |
Mini moto campaign in Loughborough is a crushing success. | |
 | 14 motorbikes and mini-motos have been crushed after they were confiscated by police in Loughborough during a crack down on young people who drive dangerously and inconsiderately on roads, parks and public places.... 02 Jul 2008 Mini moto campaign in Loughborough is a crushing success. |
Loughborough Firework Display | |
| What has to be one of the best firework displays in the county is being held at Loughborough University tonight.... 03 Nov 2007 Loughborough Firework Display |