Fish, chips and a fresh invite from Redruth’s Oddfellows

Somewhere between the fish and chips and the finance report, a room full of old friends in Redruth paused to remember two who weren’t there to share it.

Members of the Plymouth and Truro District of the Oddfellows Friendly Society met at Oddfellows Hall in Green Lane, Redruth for their half-yearly meeting, timed, fittingly, to fall during the Society’s national friendship month.

A half year in review

Before any formal business, there was lunch. Members sat down together over fish and chips, the kind of low-key social moment the Oddfellows has built its reputation on for more than 200 years.

Once the plates were cleared, the committee took members through the first half of the year, with reports on activities, finance, property, allowances and welfare, each one opened up for questions and comment. The picture that emerged was a settled one. The district remains in a sound financial position, and there is a full programme of events and activities already planned for the six months ahead.

Remembering Jenny and Peter

The meeting also carried a more sombre moment. Members paused to remember two much-missed former Provincial Grand Masters of the District, Jenny and Peter, whose deaths had brought real sadness to the group. A short ceremony of remembrance gave members the chance to reflect on the contribution both had made to the Oddfellows over the years, and on the friendships they had built along the way.

The meeting itself was chaired by Bill, a Past Provincial Grand Master whose experience kept the day’s business moving smoothly.

Cake, thanks and a familiar tune

Formal business done, the room settled back into the sociable mood it had started with, cakes and refreshments, and more time to talk. Thanks went out to the district’s various lodges and friendship groups for the fundraising and activities they keep running throughout the year, and to Ian, the organist, for his part in the day.

It was, in the words of the district itself, a meeting that mixed looking back with gratitude, looking forward with optimism, and remembering, with affection, the friends no longer with them.

An invitation to join

The district is also using the moment to put out an open invitation. The Oddfellows describes itself as one of the UK’s oldest and most welcoming friendly societies, bringing people together across Redruth, Truro, Plymouth and the surrounding areas for a mix of lunches, day trips, quizzes, talks, games and simple cups of tea, with no pressure to take part in everything on offer.

Membership also carries a welfare side, a Care and Welfare Helpline, local branch support, access to a Citizens Advice service, group holidays and short breaks through Oddfellows Travel, member discounts, volunteering opportunities, and a searchable online archive stretching back more than 200 years.

“Everyone’s welcome,” is how the Oddfellows puts it.

Anyone wanting to find out more can contact the district’s secretary, Peter English, for a free information pack and a diary of forthcoming events, by emailing [email protected], calling 01209 200810, or writing to The Oddfellows Hall, 49 Green Lane, Redruth, TR15 1LL.