National recognition for caring Karen

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Congratulations to Karen Dyke, winner of our 2023 'Giving a Helping Hand' Making a Difference Award.

Karen proudly displaying her award trophy

Giving a Helping Hand

Thames and Kennet Branch Secretary Karen Dyke has won an esteemed award for going above and beyond the requirements of her role and embodying what it means to be an Oddfellow.

She was chosen from a host of nominees in the ‘Giving a Helping Hand’ category at the Oddfellows’ Making a Difference Awards ceremony on Tuesday 23 May in Eastbourne as part of the Society's annual conference.

The awards seek to recognise those special individuals within the Society’s membership who stand out from the crowd and embody the organisation's values.

Above and beyond

Karen has been a member of the Oddfellows for 20 years, having joined after her husband undertook some work for the Society and saw what it was all about.

She currently holds the position of Branch Secretary and is also a welfare visitor, providing a friendly face while checking in on fellow members, often in her own time.

She is also known to give members lifts to hospital for visits and is always just a phone call away, if she is needed.

Karen’s Branch is often the busiest of the three that make up the Reading District. She regularly hosts events with 35 or more members and friends in attendance – again, often on her day off.

Reading Oddfellows District Secretary, Debbie Jex, was full of praise for Karen, saying: “Karen goes above and beyond her role as a Branch Secretary. She is always there for her members and we know how much they appreciate her.

“She is also a very caring welfare visitor and puts her members first so often. She works much longer that her paid hours and really puts herself out for others.”

It's more than just a job

On winning the award, Karen said: “It feels great to know that I’m appreciated, even though I just feel like I’m doing my job!”

She described working for the Oddfellows, however, as “more than just a job”, adding: “You can do a nine-to-five but for me it’s more than that. It’s about making my members happy and being there when they need me.”

Karen was presented with her trophy by Chairman of the Society, David Ogden

There is one member in particular whose happiness is paramount to Karen. Her dad joined the Oddfellows after her mum tragically died after a fall in October last year.

“It’s nice to see him happy and making friends,” she said.

CEO of the Oddfellows, Jane Nelson, described Karen as “an Oddfellow through-and-through”.

“Karen epitomises what the Society is all about,” she added. “Her selflessness and willingness to do more than what is required is admirable. We are lucky to have her.”

Our other 2023 award-winners

Meet our other four 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 2024 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.