As part of the Oddfellows National Friendship Month, local members of the friendly society recently visited the Hayle Masonic Centre.

They were met by Peter Everest, the Freemason’s curator and librarian, and were given a guided tour of the historic building which included the dazzling display of Masonic regalia and the historic library. 

The current Freemason’s Hall in Hayle was the former the White Hart Hotel and stands alongside the later hotel which replaced it in 1838 and was originally built by Henry Harvey, to support his sister Jane, wife of the famous Cornish engineer Richard Trevithick. 

The visit also gave the Oddfellow’s District Secretary, Peter English the opportunity to present Peter Everest with a very rare Oddfellow’s jewel to be added to the collection which includes some non-Masonic regalia. 

This jewel was produced in 1935 and awarded to commemorate the Oddfellow’s annual national conference church parade which was held in Plymouth that year.  

Making the presentation, Peter English said, “We are extremely grateful to Peter and to the Freemasons for allowing us to visit particularly during this Oddfellows Friendship Month. We have been dazzled by the historic and beautiful items we have seen.

“The Oddfellows have also produced many such items and it gives us huge pleasure to present this rare jewel from 1935 as our contribution to the magnificent collection we have seen today. This really has been a great privilege for us all and a visit we have really enjoyed. Thank you Peter and all the Freemasons.” 

Following the visit, the party moved to the White Hart Hotel next door and enjoyed a very convivial lunch especially marking the Oddfellows Friendship Month.