Tony James Achieves Prestigious Oddfellows Purple Degree

Published On: 16 February 2025Last Updated: 16 February 2025By CornishStuff

A Significant Achievement for Redruth’s ‘Cornubian’ Lodge Member

Members of the Oddfellows Friendly Society from across the Plymouth and Truro District gathered to witness a rare and prestigious moment as Tony James of Redruth’s ‘Cornubian’ Oddfellows Lodge successfully undertook the ceremony to receive the Purple Degree.

A Highly Respected Qualification

The Purple Degree is an esteemed recognition within the Oddfellows and is only awarded to members who have met strict requirements. To qualify, members must have served as Immediate Past Noble Grand (Immediate Past Branch Chair) and completed several preceding degrees, including the White, Blue, Scarlet, Gold, and Past Officers Degrees linked to the role of a Noble Grand.

The ceremony was led by Tina English, Plymouth and Truro’s Provincial Grand Master, with Brenda Lowe, Noble Grand of Plymouth’s ‘Pride of the West with Saint Andrews’ Oddfellows Lodge, acting as Conductor.

Witnessed by Notable Oddfellows

Alongside other holders of the Purple Degree, the event was attended by Nigel Stock from the Oddfellows head office in Manchester. He praised the age-old ceremony, stating that it had been conducted with great proficiency.

Tony, who is active across the district’s meetings and events and serves on the Committee of Management, expressed his gratitude:

“I would like to thank all those who have organised this occasion and those who travelled to witness me undertake my Purple Degree, some of whom have made considerable journeys. There is so much to be gained from membership and although not every member chooses to participate in the ceremonial side of things and there is no compulsion to do so, I very much enjoy it. Like many others, I also enjoy the social side of things, the informal friendship groups, the charity events and so on and it gives me huge pleasure to help whenever I can.”

A Social Celebration

Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a well-earned fish and chips meal, marking the occasion in true Oddfellows style.

More Than Just a Society

The Plymouth and Truro District Oddfellows is part of one of the UK’s oldest friendly societies and welcomes new members of all ages and genders. It aims to improve lives through friendship, social events, and support services, with gatherings in Redruth, Truro, Plymouth, and beyond.

Members also benefit from care and welfare support, a travel club, and opportunities to volunteer or get involved in fundraising.

For more information or to receive a free information pack and event diary, contact Peter at peter.english@oddfellows.co.uk, call 01209 200810, or write to:

The Oddfellows Hall, 49 Green Lane, Redruth TR15 1LL

To learn more about the Oddfellows and the support available, visit www.oddfellows.co.uk.