Recognising Reading’s ‘guardian angel’

Published: 21 May 2026

Richard West, a member of the Royal Berkshire Branch of the Oddfellows in the Reading District, has been announced as the winner of this year’s ‘Enriching Lives Socially’ Making a Difference Award.

Richard West receiving his award from Debbie Jex at a recent singing group event

The 88-year-old from Reading was presented with a trophy by the Oddfellows’ Deputy Grand Master (Deputy Chair) Debbie Jex on Tuesday 19 May.

The award recognises Richard’s dedication to his Branch, ensuring his fellow members have a varied and exciting social programme to enjoy.

Bringing people together

Richard and wife Anita

Married to wife Anita for 68 years, Richard – a father, grandfather and great grandfather – has helped set up social groups and an array of events at Reading Oddfellows since he became a member in 1992.

“Doug Walters and I became friends playing indoor bowls some years ago,” said Richard. “He was a member of the Oddfellows and invited me to join the committee at the Royal Berkshire Branch because he felt that it ‘needed a bit of new blood’’. I am so pleased I joined this dedicated group who gave us encouragement as we started the singing group and an exercise group.

“The nearby village of Pangbourne previously had an Oddfellows group but it folded. Doug’s enthusiasm to relaunch the group inspired us to find a location and put together a programme of quizzes and activities. It’s still going strong and in its tenth year.

“The monthly quiz is often lead by group members and has gone from strength to strength. It's become an evening where many of the regulars get together and enjoy each other's company.

“For the past few years, the Royal Berkshire Branch has a day at Ascot Races. We're going again this year in September. Everybody gets dressed up and it's a great day - something so different from other activities.

“The singing group has two concerts, one in September and then we do a Christmas concert, and we've been singing at the Reading District church service the last three years. We’ve also been asked to sing at three funeral services as well, which is a privilege.

“Doug died five years ago now, and I just carried on the work which he and I had put together.”

I like seeing them enjoy themselves Richard West

Sam Horsfield leading the singing group

Richard, whose varied career included roles at the Bedfordshire Times, National Service, Corona Soft Drinks, Ladbrokes’ holiday division, PR business Company Care and Warner Leisure Hotels, says he gets as much out of volunteering with the Oddfellows as those whose social life he enhances.

He said: “I’ve development many friendships. I know and socialise with a lot of the people at Reading Oddfellows.

“Most importantly, I like seeing them enjoy themselves. You can listen to all their stories as well, and you can see them helping each other just by being together.

“It's just a pleasure. It's normally a very positive situation at our events.”

On the importance of socialising, particularly in later life, Richard added: “It’s incredible. It’s life-enhancing.

“We have a number of ladies who say the choir has become a lifeline for them. Not only do they enjoy singing together, but regularly and have formed friendship which are everlasting.

“They all enjoy each other’s company and it’s wonderful to see the support and companionship which spills over outside Oddfellows activities.”

Richard added: “It's great to see how positive people become when they're with groups who are similarly minded. You can you can see how it benefits them individually.”

Energy and enthusiasm

Debbie and Richard

On winning the award, Richard said: “It was quite surprising, mainly because I enjoy what I do. It takes time and it takes effort but it's not work. I get as much positivity out of it as the people who are in the group.”

Debbie Jex, who is also Branch Secretary at Reading Oddfellows, said: “I don’t know where we’d be without Richard.

“His energy is boundless and his enthusiasm even more so. He’s always cheerful no matter what. One member has even described him as a ‘guardian angel’.

“He arrives early for the sessions, sorts the music out for the singing group, moves furniture around to make the piano more accessible, and get chairs and tables out, which at his age is amazing.

“There really is no better person to win this award, and we’re so proud of, and thankful to, him.”

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