What Awaited Joan and Ian at Redruth’s Penventon Hotel

Joan and Ian thought they were heading out for a quiet lunch. A simple visit to the Penventon Hotel in Redruth, nothing more.

Then they walked into the bar.

A room full of fellow Oddfellows members was waiting for them, gathered for a surprise birthday celebration neither of them had seen coming. The cheers went up, the laughter followed, and the whole room broke into “Happy Birthday.”

A Lunch With All the Trimmings

Their friends at the Oddfellows had organised the lot. Fish and chips, mushy peas of course, and a glass of wine to mark the day.

The thoughtful touches kept coming. Alongside a pile of birthday cards, Joan was handed a bouquet of flowers and Ian was given a bottle of whisky.

Then came the cake. A large one, decorated with the Oddfellows’ insignia, the three links that stand for friendship, love and truth. It was shared around the table and brought the lunch to a close.

“A Day to Remember”

Past Provincial Grandmaster Bill, who put the event together, said recognising valued members mattered. “We wanted to make sure Joan and Ian had a day to remember and to show our appreciation for their friendship and involvement over the years,” he said.

The day did not end there. That evening, members gathered at the Oddfellows Hall on Green Lane, Redruth, for a meeting of the Cornubian Oddfellows Lodge. There was a second round of “Happy Birthday” and a buffet, so even more members could join in.

Joining the Oddfellows

The Oddfellows is one of the UK’s oldest friendly societies, and the Plymouth and Truro District covers Redruth, Truro, Plymouth and the surrounding areas. Members meet for friendship groups, lunches, organised trips, quizzes, talks, games and special events. Membership also brings welfare and care support, a members advice line, a travel club and organised holidays.

It is open to people of all ages and backgrounds.

For a free information pack and a diary of upcoming events, you can contact local Secretary Peter English by email at [email protected] or by phone on 01209 200810. The Oddfellows Hall is at 49 Green Lane, Redruth, TR15 1LL.