THE journey was long but the warm welcome extended to members of the Oddfellows and their families who had travelled from Cornwall to the Burton-on-Trent for a well-attended celebratory lunch more than compensated for the distance travelled. 

This was a very special occasion for two members of the Oddfellows Friendly Society. Peter English from Redruth who serves as the Plymouth and Truro District secretary working from the Redruth office and Mervyn Eaton, District secretary for the Burton on Trent District.

They were joined by their families and well over a hundred members of the Society on the occasion of the official presentation to them of the Unity Meritorious Jewel, an internationally recognised award following both their long and distinguished service. 

The formal lunch, which was of banquet proportions and which comprised four courses accompanied by a range of fine wines, was attended by a number of distinguished guests including Jane Nelson, the Oddfellows chief executive officer and secretary of the order, who presented Peter and Mervyn with the awards. 

A raffle with some 50 quality prizes held at the event raised well in excess of £500 for that charity. Following the Loyal and other toasts, short speeches were made and then gifts presented to the special guests. 

The loudest applause though was reserved for the highlight of the day, the award of the Meritorious Service Jewels to Mervyn and Peter and these were pinned on by Jane Nelson who warmly congratulated both on over 88 years of membership between them. 

These awards are the highest honour, other than that of Grand Master of the Order, that can be bestowed on a member and only 250 have ever been produced and presented, with Mervyn being the 249th recipient and Peter the 250th. The jewels are of solid gold and are of a unique design approved during the early years of the 20th century. 

Peter is one of only five recipients of the award ever in the Plymouth and Truro District and has served in a wide variety of roles at national, regional and local levels during his 52 years as a member. 

He was joined at the lunch and award ceremony by his wife Tina, who currently serves as Provincial Grand Master of the Plymouth and Truro District, his mother and his aunt who are members of the Oddfellows as well other home District Officers.

Plymouth and Truro District Oddfellows is part of one of the UK’s oldest and largest friendly societies and always welcomes new members of all ages and genders. It aims to improve people’s lives through friendship and support. 

To receive a free information pack and a diary of Plymouth and Truro District Oddfellows’ upcoming events contact Peter at [email protected], by phone on 01209 200810 or by post to The Oddfellows Hall, 49 Green Lane, Redruth TR15 1LL. 

The Oddfellows website is at: www.oddfellows.co.uk