Sociable Sue makes a difference

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Congratulations to Sue Davies, winner of our 2023 'Working in the Spirit of Mutuality' Making a Difference Award.

Sue Davies proudly displays her certificate

The Spirit of Mutuality

The Working in the Spirit of Mutuality Award is to recognise someone who shares in the belief of bringing about positive change through collaboration within the Society, something Sue, a member of the Cleveland and Durham District Branch, embraces.

Sue’s win was announced at an awards ceremony on Tuesday 23 May in Eastbourne as part of the Oddfellows' annual conference.

Born organiser

Sue joined the Oddfellows after her husband died in 2004, and within just three months she had already volunteered her services to write the newsletter.

A former teacher, Sue describes herself as a “born organiser” who is always full of ideas. Perhaps it’s no surprise then that she soon took up a place on her Branch’s Committee of Management, and started up a monthly local luncheon club.

With regular attendance of between 20 and 30, the club has since spread across the region, and Sue continues to organise it to this day.

In 2015, Sue became a District Chairman (Provincial Grand Master), despite recovering from a heart operation that year, and she continued to implement her ideas, inaugurating a monthly social evening with speakers or a quiz, which ran until the pandemic forced it to end.

Sue (second from the left) laughing with friends at an Oddfellows lunch in September 2019

Increasing mobility issues after a fall at one of her luncheons in 2018 has reduced Sue’s participation in the more active social activities her Branch has to offer, but she can still be seen at coffee mornings and other similar events where she acts as a “meeter and greeter”.

“I continue to attend as many social events as possible and chauffeur members who have no transport on such occasions,” said Sue.

Cleveland and Durham District Secretary, David Smith, was in Eastbourne to collect the trophy on Sue's behalf.

He said: “Sue has worked passionately for the Cleveland and Durham District for almost 20 years and has been integral in recruiting many new members in that time.

“Her passion to get involved and make things happen is infectious and she is loved by all our members.”

‘A shining example’

Sue says she was surprised to be nominated for the award and was “astounded and delighted to learn that I was nominated as a winner”.

She added: “Oddfellows has been a lifeline to me because I have made so many new friends since joining and, because Cleveland and Durham District Lodge has such an active Social Secretary, I have had so many new experiences and learned so much.

“With the Oddfellows, you are never alone for long. You are made welcome at any event.”

David Smith (right) collected Sue's award on her behalf from the Society's Chairman, David Ogden (left)

The Oddfellows' CEO, Jane Nelson, said: “I’m so pleased to be able to congratulate Sue on winning this award – she is a shining example to us all.

“I know how valued she is in her Branch and, more broadly speaking, the Society as a whole is 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.