A Report on our meeting held on 23rd March 2026

Our Scribe Bro Garry Sunley first defined Friendly and Fraternal societies. Tracing their history, he explained why many Friendly societies morphed into Fraternal societies and why many are now defunct.

Since classical times people have formed themselves in Friendly Societies subscribing to create a fund that can be called on by an individual in time of need such sickness or unemployment.  Garry listed the 29 societies registered in the East Riding in 1803 following their legal recognition under the Rose Act of 1793.

Garry explained that each society had its own set of rules.  Some had age limits and some retained a doctor to provide medical care, again with rules applied.  For instance hurt by fighting or drunkenness or venereal disease were often excluded. One common rule was that members, under pain of a fine, should attend a member’s funeral and annual feast days wearing full regalia which included banners and sashes, and often carrying a symbol of their origin, e.g. a crook for the Shepherds.  As well as showing respect, this was a useful advertisement for the benefits of society membership.  Garry gave further examples of local society rules from the society at Flamborough, the Driffield Union, and the Harpham Druids.

After bad harvests around 1830 many friendly societies collapsed or regrouped. In Bridlington this left eleven friendly societies which Garry listed.  He said there are none left today.

Garry explained how over time many Friendly societies changed into Fraternal societies serving as social clubs with specific interests often doing charitable work and having elaborate initiation ceremonies and secret signs.  Their regalia often borrowed symbolism from the bible.  The National Insurance Act of 1911 made friendly society benefits largely redundant.  Some that didn’t become fraternal societies became mutual savings societies.

Garry gave many interesting examples of fraternal societies.  The Order of Oddfellows were the largest locally peaking at 36 lodges. In 1912 they had 71 lodges in the East Riding. The next most popular were the Ancient Order of Foresters. They funded the 1899 Foresters orphanage in St Johns Avenue and donated the local lifeboat the “Friendly Forester” which was in use from 1953 to 1983 at Flamborough.

There are fewer Fraternal Societies today but some do still continue.  Garry cited the Freemasons. Garry admitted that society has changed and there are now many other ways in which people can achieve the benefits of Fraternal Societies and many other calls on their time.

The vote of thanks was given by Bro David Moore.