Friendship duo from Nottingham to Southwell reunites after 50 years thanks to Nottingham social group
Women who were best friends but lost touch were reunited when they both joined the same friendship group by coincidence.
After being Sandra Peak’s bridesmaid in 1969, Madeline Ramowski never saw her best friend again after she moved to Southwell.
Fifty years later, both Sandra and Madeline joined a social group run by Nottingham Trent Oddfellows, which provides activities and social events across the area.
“Never in a million years did I think the friendship group would reunite me with my old friend. It was a complete fluke,” said Sandra.
“When I first saw it was Madeline I felt wonderful, it was so lovely to see her.
“On one hand it was like time hadn’t passed at all but on the other we had so much to fill each other in on. She’s so easy to get on with, it was very natural.”
Madeline, who joined the group to meet new people said: “It’s been lovely reconnecting with Sandra. We’ve seen each other more times in the last few months than we have in the past 50 years.”
The Oddfellows group is making efforts to welcome news members and to provide local events so that people don’t isolate themselves.
“We saw the effect spending less time in the company of others had on our members during the pandemic and we need to make sure that as we face another difficult time we stay in touch and support each other.” said Karen Pye-Smith, branch secretary of Nottingham Trent Oddfellows.
“We are thrilled to have played a part in helping Madeline and Sandra reconnect.
“It’s a great testament to the Oddfellows that no matter who you are or where you come from, you will find a new friend and perhaps even an old one.
“We have a whole range of events, from the flower arranging and guided walks Madeline and Sandra enjoy, to yoga, quiz nights and bowling.”
The next event that the public can take part in and join Oddfellows is a walk to Cross at Great Gonerby in Grantham, starting at Wyndham Park carpark, on September 8.
A trip from Southwell to the National Memorial Arboretum on September 13, a charity fundraising at The Crossing Club in Carlton on September 16, are also planned.
