THE HISTORY & TRADITIONS OF THE WISBECH ODDFELLOWS ‘MAKING FRIENDS AND HELPING PEOPLE’

At our September meeting & after the A.G.M, Keith Adamsom, Director of The Oddfellows gave an interesting talk about the origins of the Oddfellows & particularly of the Lodge in Wisbech & surrounding districts.
In the 12 century, Guilds were established for groups of people belonging to the professions. The Oddfellows were so called because their various occupations did not let them belong to the Guilds, so they banded together to form their own society. The reason for their existence was bound closely to the teachings of the Church in that they gave care, sustenance & friendship to those in need.
In 1700 the society was considered illegal because of the fact that to belong one had to take an oath, which some considered to be against the church’s teaching.
An Act of Parliament made the societies illegal & Henry 8th took their monies for the royal coffer. Elizabeth 1 sold back to them their Charter.
In 1834 the Tolpuddle Martyrs were deported for belonging to an illegal society. The society had to be kept secret so special passwords & handshake was instigated as a form of communication and despite their illegality the society grew.
In 1837 the Northern district established the Neptune Branch of Wisbech. The branch was still considered illegal, but continued to care for & befriend others as it does today.
In 1839 Surgeon Tubbs became a member. Members paid 1 shilling a week so that the doctor could give them medical care.
These societies were the fore runners of today’s Trade Unions
Keith then demonstrated the meaning of the symbols on their banner showing that the society still adheres to the teachings of the church.
He spoke of the social functions they arrange – how the young members receive vouchers at Christmas and trips to the pantomime.
He brought with him a large board showing the names of Grand Masters of the Wisbech branch from 1838. He also demonstrated the way that voting was carried out by putting one’s hand into a covered box & dropping a ball into the yes or no section of the box. Other regalia was on display. There were minute books from 1854 & 1873, which many people were able to examine at the end of the evening.
[Barbara Holmes]