Much-loved couple achieve Society first together
Updated: 13 Jun 2023
Husband and wife, Doug and Phyllis Austin, have been awarded the Society’s inaugural Making a Difference Award for ‘Achieving Together’, in recognition of the kindness they’ve shown to fellow Leeds members over more than 30 years.
Achieving together
The national awards are held each May to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contributions made by Oddfellows members to their local Branches and the wider community.
The ‘Achieving Together’ award, introduced to the member recognition scheme for the first time this year, was created to celebrate two people who have worked together to achieve more than they could alone, and that their partnership significantly improved the lives of members, their Branch or the Society.
We are saddened to share that Doug died in March this year aged 95. Phyllis was also unable to attend the ceremony in Scarborough due to ill health.
Their daughter, Pat Perkins, attended the awards ceremony at the Oddfellows’ annual conference to accept her parent’s awards on their behalf.
Collecting her parents' award, Pat Perkins (far right) and husband Noel (far left) from Past Grand Master David Randall
Doug and Phyllis visited elderly and vulnerable members of their Branch in Leeds, often staying to chat with a lonely member, or to help them with applications for benevolence grants when in need.
Not only did they become valued friends to other Branch members, they were also very active socially, and the first to raise their hands to help at coffee mornings and other events.
Selfless actions
Acknowledging their award achievement, CEO of the Oddfellows, Jane Nelson, said: “I can’t think of a couple more deserving of our first Achieving Together Award. Doug and Phyllis embody the ethos of the Oddfellows. They befriended many hundreds of people, helping them in any way they could. Their selfless actions have had a huge impact on the lives of those they helped.
“Doug was an incredible Oddfellow, friend to many and he’ll always be remembered by us for his kindness. On behalf of all our members, thank you, Doug, and thank you, Phyllis, for all the friendship and compassion you have shown to others over the years.”
Branch Secretary and friend, Margaret Lickess, added: “Doug and Phyllis were typical Oddfellows – a very, very thoughtful couple who supported people for over 30 years. They lived and breathed the Oddfellows and looked after everyone.”
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.