Meet Grand Master Debbie Jex

Published: 25 Sep 2026

Longstanding member and passionate advocate for friendship, Debbie Jex shares the experiences, people and values that have shaped her Oddfellows journey. Read on to discover what inspires her and what she hopes to achieve during her year as Grand Master.

A sense of pride

"I know it's a huge honour and I am immensely proud," she says. "But half the time I'm just the District Secretary at Reading Oddfellows until somebody reminds me I'm the Grand Master."

That modesty runs through everything Debbie says about her new role. While she is proud of her achievement, she is far more interested in people than titles.

"I don't need lots of adulation," she explains. "I'm just here to do my best, really."

Yet Debbie is also honest about the sense of pride that comes with a lifetime of service to the Society. In Reading District’s hall there are four honours boards recognising those from the District who have held some of the Society’s most senior positions. 

During her Oddfellows journey, Debbie has served as District Chairman, District Secretary, President of Southern Group Conference and now Grand Master.

"My name will be on all four of those boards," she says. "I'm the only person in our District to have had all four of those roles."

It is an achievement that means a great deal to her.

"That's something I think I'll be immensely proud of. Seeing my name when I go into the hall on all those boards."

Characteristically, however, she adds one final thought with a smile.

"I'm not quite looking forward so much to having my photograph up there, however!"

Debbie was honoured to present fellow Reading Oddfellows member Richard West with his 2026 Society Making a Difference Award in May this year

A lifetime with the Oddfellows

Debbie's Oddfellows story began more than 50 years ago.

She first became a member at around the age of 12, when her parents joined the Society under a family membership. While she remembers travelling by bus with her sister to Juvenile Lodge meetings in Reading, it wasn't until later in life that she became actively involved.

That turning point came in 1993 when she became Lodge Secretary of what was Reading Lodge, and then Thames and Kennet Lodge.

"That's when I got pulled in," she jokes.

Since then, the Oddfellows has become far more than just an income.

Over the decades, Debbie has built friendships across the country through countless social events, conferences and Society activities.

Looking back on more than 30 years of active involvement, Debbie is clear about the impact the Society has had on her life.

"It's not just a job now, it's a way of life. It's a huge part of my social life, a huge part of my friendship group."

"I've attended some lovely events and made friends with lots of lovely people all over the country. So it's definitely enriched my life."

She admits, with humour, there may have been one small downside.

"Maybe slightly too much, because it's virtually all you eat, drink and think about."

The Society’s Annual Moveable Conference remains a particular highlight.

"I've also always loved AMC, our annual conference – being sat there with all the main business going on, scribbling notes furiously.

“The international AMC in 2010 to celebrate our bicentenary really stands out in my memory. We paraded through the streets of Manchester for the church service and attended some fabulous social events at Old Trafford football and cricket grounds.”

Friendship at the heart of everything

Ask Debbie what the Society has given her and she doesn't talk about positions held or achievements earned. Instead, she talks about people.

"It's definitely enriched my life," she says. "I've attended some wonderful events and made friends with lots of lovely people all over the country."

Enjoying the social side of the 2022 annual conference at its 80s-themed opening party with colleague and now close friend Karen Dyke

She believes face-to-face friendship remains as important as ever, particularly at a time when so much of life has moved online.

"I know there is a place for online meetings and digital platforms, but nothing can beat face-to-face.

"You can't give the same caring, compassion and empathy screen to screen. Face-to-face, for me, is much more valid."

She has seen first-hand the difference genuine friendship can make.

"It's quite nice to think that somebody who was perhaps a bit lonely before has now found companionship with somebody else in that situation. It’s also great when you see the friendship continuing outside of our events. This makes it all the more worthwhile.”

Representing members

As Grand Master, Debbie sees her role as being a strong voice for members.

The position may have changed significantly over the years, but her focus is clear.

"I'm there to champion our members and make sure we're doing the best we can for them."

As both Grand Master and a Director, she believes it is important to keep members at the forefront of every discussion.

"Whatever meeting we're in, whatever decisions are about to be made, I try to keep in my head the whole time, 'How does this benefit our members?'"

She describes the Society as being in a period of change and evolution and is looking forward to helping shape its future.

"Things are going to evolve. We're going to become a more modern Society. I'm looking forward to playing a part in that."

Looking ahead

One of the things Debbie is most excited about during her year as Grand Master is getting out and meeting more members around the country.

"I'm looking forward to visiting more branches and districts, getting out and about and meeting more people. Leeds, Norwich and Nene and Welland are a few of the places I’m looking forward to visiting soon."

She laughs when talking about the miles she'll be covering during her year as Grand Master.

"Luckily, I've got quite a considerate husband who doesn't mind driving miles and miles and miles."

She also hopes to help members discover more of what the Society has to offer.

"I'd like more members to know what a wonderful caring and benevolent Society this is.

"The Oddfellows is there if people need it. There is support and help available, and I'd like members to be more aware of the wonderful things being part of the Oddfellows can provide and help them with."

For those looking to become more involved, she believes there are opportunities to contribute as well as benefit.

"If any members are looking for more, and think they might be able to give a little back by being on a committee or helping in some way, I'd encourage them to ask."

Beyond the chain of office

Away from Oddfellows life, Debbie's world revolves around family.

She has three children, six grandchildren and enjoys spending time with them whenever possible. 

She's equally happy pottering in the garden, playing bowls, or meeting up with friends.

In fact, when retirement eventually arrives, her plans are wonderfully straightforward.

"More gardening, tidying up a bit more, sorting things out. Just the normal things."

Family comes first for Debbie, pictured here on holiday in France with all three of her children, their partners and six grandchildren.

She describes herself as someone who doesn't spend too much time worrying.

"I think I'm quite lucky. I'm not a big worrier."

Instead, she prefers a practical approach to challenges, dealing with what needs attention and then moving forward.

Perhaps that's why members will find Debbie easy to relate to. She is approachable, practical, grounded and quietly committed to the Society she has served for decades.

And if there is one thing she'd like members to remember as she begins her year as Grand Master, it's this:

"The Oddfellows is there for you if you need it."

After more than 50 years as a member, Debbie knows exactly how powerful that simple message can be.