Member of Local Oddfellows receives highest recognition
Following a remarkable 52 years membership of the Oddfellows Friendly Society, Peter English from Redruth has been awarded the internationally recognised Unity Meritorious Service Jewel, one of very few such awards made in recent years with only eight people worldwide currently alive holding the prestigious decoration.
Following a lengthy formal nomination process, the award was unanimously agreed at a recent meeting chaired by the Grand Master of the Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society, Sister Barbara Needham, and attended by the Chief Executive and Secretary, Sis. Jane Nelson, the 14 Board of Executive and non-Executive Directors and nearly 200 voting deputies from across the country and announced during a visit by the Deputy Sovereign Grand Master of the American Independent Order of Oddfellows, Brother Gerry Workman, his wife and Oddfellows member, Sis. Cheryl from West Virginia, USA and the United States Sovereign Grand Lodge Secretary Bro. Terry Barrett from North Carolina, USA.
A close friend of Peter’s, Mervyn Eaton, a member of the Oddfellows from Burton was also recognised by the award of the Jewel following 36 years membership and formal award ceremonies are being planned for later in the year.
Peter currently serves as Provincial Corresponding Secretary of the Plymouth and Truro District Oddfellows, is a fully qualified Welfare Officer, has served as Noble Grand (Chairperson) of several Lodges, as President of the Oddfellows Southern Group Conference and as chair of the Unity Investigation Committee and a Special Arbitrator, positions of great responsibility within the multi million pound fraternal and friendly society and non-profit mutual.
Speaking after the announcement, Peter said, “This is the highest award the society can make other than being made Grand Master and I am deeply honoured to having been nominated to receive it. I express my heartfelt thanks to the Grand Master, Chief Executive, Board of Directors, Grand Lodge, Deputies, members and friends and most particularly to my wife Tina, also a member who has supported me throughout. I am particularly pleased that my friend Brother Merv Eaton has also been chosen to receive this award and give him my sincerest congratulations.”
Meeting locally for a variety of activities in Plymouth, Truro, Redruth and other locations and with all the benefits of a well-established friendly society founded in 1810, the Oddfellows always welcomes new members of ALL ages and genders.
All enquiries should be directed to the Provincial Secretary, Peter English on 01209 200810, by email to peter.english@oddfellows.co.uk , by post to the District Office at The Oddfellows Hall, 49 Green Lane, Redruth TR15 1LL, or via the Oddfellows website: https://www.oddfellows.co.uk/ where there is a wealth of information about the society and the support it offers its members.
