King’s Lynn couple’s kindness celebrated

Published: 21 May 2026

Roger and Susan Williamson, members of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Oddfellows, have been announced as our 2026 ‘Achieving Together’ Making a Difference Award winners.

Susan and Roger Williamson

The husband and wife from King’s Lynn were presented with a trophy by the Oddfellows’ Grand Master (Chair) John Mann on Tuesday 19 May.

Worthy winners

On learning that they’d won the award, Roger said: “Initially, I thought it was a joke because it turned up on the first of April! I thought ‘there's a scam coming on here’.

“When I realised it was real, I was very pleased and humbled. I didn't see it coming. It was totally unexpected.”

He added: “The family were pleased to hear because between us they know we’ve put quite a lot of effort into the Oddfellows over the years. You don’t get anything unless you put something in, do you?
“We don’t do it for a trophy, but it’s nice when you’re recognised.”

Susan agreed, saying: “I couldn't believe it. I thought, ‘we’re only doing what anybody else would do’, but it was a nice surprise and we appreciate it. It’s nice to know that people appreciate what you do.

“To win the award together is special too.”

Helping hands

Susan can often be found in the kitchen making cups of tea for members

Roger and Susan, both in their 80s and members since 2008, take up positions on the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Oddfellows’ Committee of Management, helping to make decisions on the future of the Branch and making sure members’ voices are heard.

Roger, a retired timber buyer, is also a Trustee of the Branch, and has been its Grand Master on three occasions. He also takes a lead in organising, setting up and hosting many social events so his fellow members have a packed social schedule to look forward to and enjoy.

Roger said: “If you’re able to do things they’ll find a job for you, you know what the Oddfellows are like! 
“I was asked if I’d host some walks, so that’s one of the things that I do. I started doing Bingo, and that’s proved popular. These days we get up to 40 members – they love their bingo!

“The other one I do is a quiz every month. Again, that’s proved to be popular from nothing. We used to call out the questions from a book but now I’ve started using AI. You can get some quite interesting quizzes. I couldn’t believe it at first. You’ve got to watch it though, some of the answers aren’t always right so you’ve got to double-check!”

“Sue has been brilliant,” Roger added. “She’s not just a tea lady, she organises the kitchen and gets the supplies in.”

Susan, who worked in retail before retirement, said: “I make the tea, get the supplies, help with the raffles. 
“Funnily enough, I never make the tea at home – Roger always makes it. He says I don’t do it good enough! But at the Oddfellows I’ve got it off to a tee.”

Making friends, helping people

Roger hosting his regular quiz

Although the pair commit much of their time to King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Oddfellows and its members, their modesty and work ethic is admirable.

Susan said: “It’s what you do. You get out, you meet other people and help them.

“Of course I get satisfaction out of it, knowing I’m doing things that are helping people. Even if it’s just talking to people, that sort of thing.

“I enjoy it. I enjoy going on a Tuesday afternoon. Talking to people, having a laugh and a joke.”

Roger has found that, after a busy career, the Oddfellows has enabled him to remain physically and mentally active. He said: “Having been in business, you do miss that, and I find that with everything I do with the Oddfellows, all the social events and being involved with the management side of it, it’s a big involvement.

“And we’ve made lots of friends as well.”

A wonderful team

(L to R) Susan Osborne, Immediate Past Provincial Grand Master (Immediate Past Chair, King’s Lynn Oddfellows), Roger Williamson, Susan Williamson, John Mann, Grand Master (Chair) of the Oddfellows, Alison Schultz, Branch Secretary, King’s Lynn Oddfellows and Jonathan Schultz, Assistant Secretary, King’s Lynn Oddfellows

Alison Schultz, Branch Secretary at King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Oddfellows, said: “There are no more deserving winners of this award than Roger and Susan – they make a wonderful team and we’re so grateful for their selflessness.

“They are valued by every member that attends social events. They are always there with an ear to listen and will help if they can.

“They offer friendship to so many in the way Oddfellows should, and treat everyone with consideration, kindness and compassion.

“On behalf of everyone connected to King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Oddfellows, thank you Roger and Susan for everything you do.”

Making a Difference Awards

Many members within our Society go above and beyond to help and support others. Find out more in the Making a Difference Awards section of our website, including past winners.

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.