'Respected' Peter's life of Oddfellowship recognised

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Congratulations to City of Norwich Oddfellows member Peter J Coe on winning in the ‘Working in the Spirit of Mutuality’ category of the Oddfellows’ Making a Difference Awards 2024.

As a mutual society, the Oddfellows is run by and for our members and this award seeks to recognise those who have gone the extra mile to assist in the running of their Branch and the Society as a whole.

Peter has gone several extra miles, and a trophy to acknowledge this was presented to Maggie Winter on Peter’s behalf during a special ceremony at the Society’s annual conference in Llandudno on Tuesday 28 May.

Peter with a letter from the Oddfellows’ CEO, Jane Nelson, informing him of his award win

Years of Oddfellowship

Peter, who lives in Norwich, joined the Oddfellows as a 20-year-old in 1963 after a friend had done the same and recommended it to him. Immediately, he was hooked and was eager to learn more about the Society, attending his first training event, the Weekend Seminar, the same year.

His involvement only increased from there. He has held a number of voluntary roles at his Branch, including Branch Chairman just three years after he joined, and going on to be elected Chairman of the whole Norwich District twice – in 1998 and 2009.

Peter has also been part of City of Norwich Oddfellows’ social committee for many years and, in that time, has helped to bring in countless new members, so much so that his District has previously presented him with an award for his efforts.

“I’ve always been very involved on the social side. You’d be surprised how many events I’ve organised and been to,” Peter, a retired engineer and electrical appliance salesman, said.

As active as ever

These days, at the age of 81, Peter remains an active member and volunteer and delights in taking the lead and organising social activities.

Some of his many popular events include annual trips to Scotland, the 'Cromer End of the Pier Show' and 'Thursford Spectacular Christmas Show', boat trips on the Norfolk Broads, various lunches and the Branch’s Annual Dinner, now in its 24th year.

Peter said: “The Oddfellows is full of very, very friendly people. We all get on. I’ve made some very good friends here over the years.

“It’s my life. It’s what I do. The best thing I did was join the Oddfellows.”

Chairman of the Society, Barbara Needham (left), presented Peter's trophy to his fellow City of Norwich member, Maggie Winter (right)

A fine example Edward Murrell

On winning the award, Peter said: “I was so pleased and overwhelmingly surprised. I’m greatly honoured.

“I’ve put lots of work in over the years and people often say they don’t thank me enough but I don’t need thanks because it’s my life.”

Branch Secretary of the City of Norwich Oddfellows, Edward Murrell, said: “Peter has always taken the responsibility of the roles he has held seriously and is not averse to challenging decisions, should he feel it necessary. At all times, his belief in the future of the Society is foremost in his intentions.

“Many members have benefited from his enthusiasm and have been encouraged to further their knowledge by attending Weekend Seminars and have subsequently advanced to taking up roles in the Branch and District.

“All in all, Peter is a well-rounded, level headed, committed and respected member of the Branch, District and Society, who throughout has set a fine example to others and duly deserves the 'Working in the Spirit of Mutuality Making A Difference Award’."

Our other 2024 award-winners

Meet our other cherished award-winners on our Making a Difference Awards page.

Who makes a difference in your Branch?

If you know somebody in your Branch who has gone above and beyond to help and support members of the Oddfellows, why not nominate them for a 2025 Making a Difference Award?

Any member can nominate another member. You can learn more about the different categories in the Making a Difference Awards section of our website.

If you're interested in joining an Oddfellows friendship group, contact us and we can send you a free information pack and local events diary.