My day starts when my alarm goes off at 6.45am. I don’t know how to work it, so it rings at that time every morning since my 20 month old grandson had a look at it.
My morning routine is always the same; make a coffee, sort out the packed lunches for myself and my husband Paul, feed Jasper (an 11-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel) have breakfast then take him out for a walk. I set off for Saltney, the home of the Deeside District Branch of the Oddfellows Friendly Society, at 8.15am and I arrive before 9am depending on the traffic. We have an office, hall and meeting rooms in the building on the High Street next to St Anthony’s Primary School.
On arrival I check the post box, the answer phone and emails and respond accordingly. That’s where any normality or routine ends. Every day is different and no matter what I intend to do, it rarely goes to plan.
We have numerous community groups using the building as well as our own events, so there is a constant flow of people in and out wanting to chat or needing help of some sort. The Oddfellows is a not-for-profit Friendly Society run by its members for its members. It is over 200 years old and was set up to help people provide for their families in times of need before the Welfare State was in existence. At that time there were a lot of tradesmen forming Guilds in smaller villages. Single Tradesmen came together to from their own Guild called the Oddfellows.
Nowadays for a very small membership fee we offer an array of benefits including optical and dental assistance and a varied social programme including a weekly coffee club, fortnightly scrabble club, ‘crafternoons’ and theatre club to name a few. My day is spent doing the administration of the branch and looking after the building and hirers of our facilities.
I can also be called out to visit members at home and I attend social events that take place in our district,. It is a very sociable job and one that I enjoy immensely.
Dress: A branded polo shirt or fleece.
What is the favourite part of your job? Socialising with the members. We have had some great times on trips, eating out and weekends away. Our strap line is ‘making friends and helping people’ and that is exactly what I do.
What is the least favourite part of your job? Dealing with bereavement, whether it’s a member we know well or one that lived miles away that we only knew by name, we treat all members the same.
What would be your dream job if your weren’t doing what you do now? To own my own sweet shop. My first job after leaving school was in a newsagent. I gave up work when the children were young and then I took a job in Asda.
How do you relax when you are not working? I enjoy walking the dog. Jasper and I have a regular arrangement with my friend to meet up and walk our dogs together on my day off. We have a large garden so I am trying my hand at a bit of gardening. Paul is a gardener so he is the expert; we are trying a few more fruits and vegetables this year. I enjoy spending time with family especially my grandson.
What is your favourite book? Dawn French’s books.
What is your favourite film? I really enjoy the stage show Blood Brothers and I wish they would a DVD of it.
What is your favourite song? Tell Me It’s Not True from the show - it makes the hairs on my neck stand up.
If a film was made of your life, who would like to play you? Julie Walters .
Have you had your 15 minutes of fame yet? I was once in a video made for staff training in Asda. It certainly wasn’t 15 minutes more like 15 seconds.
FACTFILE:
- Name: Denise Turner
- Job: Branch secretary, Deeside District Oddfellows
- Born: Wallasey
- Lives: Bromborough
- Education: St Mary’s College, Wallasey
- Family: Married to Paul for 29 years. Two children, Clare 28 and Stephen 25, one grandson, Joseph, aged 20 months and Jasper the dog
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