Redruth Oddfellows, a hevva recipe and £170 for cats and greyhounds

A bag of cat food. A box of Christmas cards. A slice of hevva cake baked from a great grandmother’s recipe. On their own, none of them sounds like much.

But gathered together by members of the local Oddfellows Friendly Society, they have added up to £170 for two animal causes, a heap of donated food, 35 shoeboxes sent off to people in need and a fresh look at a history going back hundreds of years.

📷Jan and some of the donated cat food

Rallying round for Sue’s Cats Welfare

When members heard about the challenges facing Sue and Sue’s Cats Welfare, rising vet bills in particular, they were quick to offer their support.

A substantial collection of cat food and other foodstuffs was organised. Fellow member Alan designed magnetic badges and key rings specially for the cause, and sales of those, along with a well-stocked raffle, brought in valuable funds.

Jan coordinated the activities, with every penny going towards Sue’s work. The total came to £110, on top of all the donated food.

“Sue was absolutely overwhelmed with thanks for the generosity and kindness shown by everyone,” Jan said. “It was wonderful to see so many members getting involved and making such a difference.”

Christmas cards for the greyhounds

With the festive season ahead, members also turned their attention to Cornwall Greyhound Trust, buying Christmas cards and other seasonal goodies to raise money for the charity.

Tina ran the sales stall and helped bring in a further £60 for the greyhounds. She was delighted with the group’s efforts and the support shown for the dogs.

📷Mandy and her hevva cake

A hevva cake from a family recipe

No Friendship Group gathering would be complete without refreshments. Member Mandy baked a Cornish hevva cake using her own great grandmother’s recipe.

It went out alongside a spread of other cakes and treats, chocolate biscuits and fresh fruit, with tea and coffee to wash it all down.

35 shoeboxes on their way

There was more good news from fellow member Sandra, who reported that 35 shoeboxes filled with carefully selected items had been sent off as part of the annual shoebox appeal.

Each one is a small parcel of practical help. And for whoever opens it, a reminder that someone cares.

📷Members look in at the talk

Sashes, jewels and centuries of history

Members also had the chance to learn more about their own roots. Groups meeting in Redruth, Truro and Plymouth were treated to an entertaining talk from Pete on the history of the Oddfellows Friendly Society, an organisation whose story stretches back hundreds of years.

Pete walked them through the Society’s traditions, how it developed and its long-standing commitment to friendship and mutual support.

He also brought along pieces from his collection of historic regalia and jewels, so members could see something of the Society’s past up close.

📷Pete and regalia

Who the Oddfellows are

The Plymouth and Truro District Oddfellows is part of one of the UK’s oldest friendly societies, bringing people together through friendship, fun, care and community.

Members can get involved in:

• Social groups, lunches, quizzes, games and talks
• Day trips, holidays and travel opportunities
• Volunteering and fundraising for good causes
• Welfare support, care advice and a members’ advice line

Details of membership and its benefits are on the Oddfellows website.

📷Pete explaining sashes

How to find out more

For a free information pack and a diary of upcoming events, contact Peter English, Local Secretary, at [email protected] or on 01209 200810.

Post goes to Oddfellows Hall, 49 Green Lane, Redruth, TR15 1LL. The group is also on Facebook as Plymouth and Truro Oddfellows.

📷Mike and Carol examine the embroidery

📷Pete explains to Alan