A GLOBE-trotting great-grandmother has praised a Wirral friendship group for helping her continue her adventures as a widow.

The Oddfellows is a friendship group based across Merseyside which provides social events for its members.

Val Rider, who was born in Hunts Cross in Liverpool but travelled across the globe with her husband John, said the society has helped her overcome the first steps of socialising again after the loss of her husband.

Val, who met John when they were both working in the Liver Building in the 1950s, said: “We had a wonderful life together. We took chances but we had each other for support.

“After John died, I had to learn to go forward on my own, I sold my home in Cumbria and relocated back to Liverpool which was quite a big thing.

“I joined the Oddfellows after seeing an advert in a magazine and thought ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’ and I’m so glad I did.

“There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, there’s always something to look forward to.”

Val, who moved to be nearer her children following John’s death, added: “I have loved everything I’ve done with the Oddfellows.

“It’s a good laugh, it’s good company, and you meet people you wouldn’t otherwise have done, and who are in the same position as yourself.

“It’s not replacing John of course, but it’s provided me with some company.

“It’s hard being on your own, especially when you’ve been with someone for over 50 years.

“I’ve gained confidence as I’ve got older, but I still find it hard to walk into a room full of people I don’t know.”

The next event in Wirral is ‘Get Togethers’ on Friday, July 8, and Friday, August 12, at the Heart of Egremont, Guildford Street, Wallasey. Anyone interested should contact Margaret Hughes on 0151 639 2777 or Margaret.hugehes@oddfellows.co.uk for more information.