Plymouth and Truro Oddfellows AGM Reveals Strong Finances and Big Plans Ahead

Warm welcomes and positive reports

The Plymouth and Truro District of the Oddfellows Friendly Society held its Annual Summoned Meeting recently, bringing together members from across Cornwall and Plymouth for a day filled with tradition, friendship and a packed agenda.

Attendees were welcomed with tea, coffee, chocolate biscuits and fresh fruit before settling in for the meeting, which was chaired by Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master Bill, standing in for the current Provincial Grand Master Tina, who was unable to attend due to a broken wrist. In a heartfelt gesture, those present sent Tina a bouquet of flowers and a card signed by all attendees to wish her a speedy recovery.

Singing, silence and strong finances

The meeting opened with the traditional Oddfellows Ode, followed by a minute’s silence in memory of members who have passed away.

Under Bill’s leadership, members heard a series of positive reports, including the District’s professionally audited finances, which were confirmed to be in excellent order. The agenda also included updates from trustees, confirmation of District Officers for the coming year, and a new addition to the Committee of Management.

A detailed welfare report highlighted the practical and financial support provided to members, alongside updates on grants for charitable donations, Christmas grants, and arrangements for regional and national conference attendance.

📷The Plymouth & Truro District Oddfellows Committee of Management fields questions from the delegates

Plans for growth and friendship

Members also discussed plans to launch new Oddfellows friendship and dining groups in the area, and after setting future dates and tasks, the meeting ended with the traditional closing ode, accompanied by a live keyboard performance.

The meeting concluded with a hearty pasty lunch, followed by a variety of cakes enjoyed by all.

Praise for a successful day

Following the meeting, Bill commented, “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, added, “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 is part of the Oddfellows Friendly Society, one of the UK’s oldest and largest, founded in 1810. The organisation welcomes new members of all ages and backgrounds, offering friendship, support, and a wide range of benefits, including a travel club, care and welfare support, and volunteering opportunities.

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 details, visit the Oddfellows website.

📷Plymouth & Truro District Oddfellows Committee of Management