Award-winner Julie brings tears of joy to her ‘gang’

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

St Helens and Warrington Branch member, Julie Webster, has been presented with a prestigious national award in recognition of her work supporting fellow members through the Coronavirus pandemic.

Enriching lives

Julie came first in the category of ‘Enriching Lives Socially’ at the Oddfellows’ Making a Difference Awards, held as part of the Society’s annual conference in May this year.

The award is to celebrate individuals who stand out in their ability to put on social events that help their local Branch and its surrounding communities to thrive.

Julie has been a member for over 17 years and has been a Social Organiser for the Oddfellows’ St Helens and Warrington Branch since 2015. Reflecting on her award, she said: “Being a Social Organiser is really hard work sometimes, but it's very rewarding. Seeing people, especially people on their own, some of whom don’t have family or family close by, really enjoying themselves and laughing so much they have tears rolling down their faces, makes it all worthwhile.

"We're there for each other, one big family. I think the pandemic highlighted this more than anything.”

Award-winner Julie Webster

Julie, who lives in Billinge in Lancashire, calls her members ‘my gang’ and loves nothing better than taking them all to the seaside, followed by a trip to the pub and dancing.

Despite contracting Covid-19 quite seriously, Julie managed to maintain phone contact with members throughout lockdown and she set up twice-weekly Zoom sessions where members could continue to be in contact and support each other.

Describing Julie’s caring personality, one member said: "Whatever she’s facing personally, Oddfellows members are not forgotten. She has been there throughout for them and they love her for it. Julie is a brilliant organiser, keeps us well informed and enriches our lives – no one else could do the job that Julie does for our Branch.”

Lucky to have Julie

CEO of the Oddfellows, Jane Nelson, joined in her praise of Julie and added: “Despite being badly struck down with Covid herself, Julie was there for the members continuously – not only in a social aspect but as a friend, and a listening ear. People like Julie are the very foundation of the Oddfellows – we simply wouldn’t be the Society we are without her and her like. We’re lucky to have her amongst us.”

Julie is pleased to be getting her ‘gang’ as she calls them, back to normal, organising day trips as well as the regular coffee mornings.

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 2023 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. 

To find details of your nearest Branch, visit our Branch Finder. To search for local events, visit our Events Finder.

There are also monthly online open days where you can find out more about the Oddfellows and what membership to your local friendship group has to offer.

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.