Appreciative comments received after a well-attended September ‘Friendship Month’ gathering of the Oddfellows Friendship Group in Redruth confirmed that the afternoon was everything that being a member of the society was all about. 

The afternoon’s activities opened with a short presentation by the local Oddfellow’s welfare representative on the support and help available to members who may find themselves in need. This ranges from dental, optical, convalescent and emergency financial grants, a bespoke ‘in house’ citizens advice phone line and legal service right through to practical assistance. 

The focus then shifted on to a very local theme with a short and highly amusing talk on baking Cornish Hevva Cake to a recipe passed down through generations of a Redruth family and as a special treat, large slices of the cake baked by a member were enjoyed with the cups of tea and coffee accompanied by a selection of chocolate biscuits and fresh fruit. 

A prize raffle which included items crafted by members was held with proceeds being placed into a special charitable fund used to support local and other good causes and a message of thanks received was read out following the extraordinary efforts made in providing practical and financial donations in aid of the annual ‘Link to Hope Shoebox Appeal’.  

It was then agreed to make a small grant towards another local, small charity, ‘Hedgepigs and Hoglets Rescue’ from Penzance which is dedicated to the rescue, treatment and release of hedgehogs and small wild mammals which are sick, injured or orphaned. Together with matched funding and tax relief, the charity benefitted from £125 donated by the Oddfellows towards their work. 

The afternoon rounded off with a lively beetle drive and distribution of take away quiz sheets with free books from the book club and sweets being made available to all.