Plymouth and Truro District Oddfellows Holds Successful Annual Meeting

The Plymouth and Truro District of the Oddfellows Friendly Society has held a highly successful Annual Summoned Meeting—essentially the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM)—with a series of positive reports about the District’s activities.

Attendees, who travelled from across Cornwall and Plymouth, were warmly greeted with tea, coffee, a variety of chocolate biscuits and fresh fruit before settling in for the meeting’s agenda.

Bill, the Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master, chaired the event in place of the popular Provincial Grand Master Tina, who unfortunately could not attend due to an accident resulting in a broken wrist.

Without hesitation, those present sent their sincere best wishes to Tina, accompanied by a bouquet of flowers and a card signed by all attendees.

The meeting commenced with the traditional singing of the time-honoured Oddfellows Ode, followed by a one-minute silence in memory of members who have passed away.

Under Bill’s skilful leadership, the meeting proceeded with the agenda, which included reports on the District’s finances and accounts, which had recently been professionally audited and found to be in excellent order. Other topics included a report from the District’s trustees, the election of members to the District’s Committee of Management including the appointment of a new team member, confirmation of District Officers for the coming year, and a comprehensive welfare report detailing the support—both practical and financial—that members have received.

Additional updates covered grants available for charitable donations, allowances and arrangements for attendance at regional and national conferences, Christmas grants for specific members, and plans to launch new Oddfellows’ friendship and dining groups in the area.

After agreeing on future dates and tasks, passing votes of thanks, and holding a session for open discussion, the meeting concluded with the traditional Oddfellows closing ode, accompanied by a keyboard performance. Everyone then enjoyed a hearty pasty lunch, followed by a selection of cakes.

Following the meeting, Bill remarked, “Once again, we have come together as friends and members of this great friendly society to address all the matters on the agenda in an amicable and agreeable manner. We look forward to expanding our activities across the District, and I thank everyone who attended today.”

Peter, the Provincial Corresponding Secretary, also praised the meeting’s success, adding, “I personally thank the members and friends for their kind wishes to Tina and their offers of assistance. It is during times like these that Oddfellows truly shows itself to be a fantastic organisation to be part of.”

The Plymouth and Truro District Oddfellows is part of one of the UK’s oldest and largest friendly societies founded in 1810, always welcoming new members of all ages and backgrounds.

The organisation is committed to improving lives through friendship, support, and a wide range of services.

In addition to social events, Oddfellows members can access a variety of benefits, including care and welfare support, as well as a travel club. There are also ample opportunities for members to volunteer and take part in fundraising efforts.

To receive a free information pack and a diary of upcoming events hosted by the Plymouth and Truro District Oddfellows, contact Peter at peter.english@oddfellows.co.uk, by phone at 01209 200810, or by post to The Oddfellows Hall, 49 Green Lane, Redruth TR15 1LL.

For more information about the society and the support it offers to its members, visit the Oddfellows website at https://www.oddfellows.co.uk/.

Photographs:

• The Plymouth & Truro District Oddfellows Committee of Management at the Annual Summoned Meeting