Welcoming Marilyn wins Society accolade

Updated: 10 Apr 2024

Congratulations to Marilyn Hayward, winner of our 2023 'Enriching lives Socially' Making a Difference Award.

Marilyn with her award trophy

Enriching Lives

Thames and Kennet Branch member, Marilyn, has been announced as the winner in the ‘Enriching Lives Socially’ category at the Oddfellows' Making a Difference Awards, and was presented with a trophy on Tuesday 23 May at a ceremony as part of the Society’s annual conference in Eastbourne.

The award celebrates Marilyn’s contribution to the running of her Branch’s social events.

An active social life

Having an active social life keeps you young, according to Marilyn, and she certainly practices what she preaches.

A member since 2017, she has since grown more and more involved, and more and more interested in Oddfellowship.

Having moved to Reading from Sidcup to be closer to her son when her husband died, Marilyn initially found her new life lonely. She tried a number of social groups in her area in a bid to form friendships, but found it difficult to join in to long-established friendship groups that most people her age were already engaged in.

That was until she discovered her local Oddfellows Branch, which she says was completely different. She says she was greeted with “a friendly welcome” and didn’t feel like a newcomer.

It’s so much more than just going to a social event

“When you come from a different area later in life, it’s a big step to make," Marilyn said.

“I felt really welcome, and then to see how big it is and what it does – it’s so much more than just going to a social event. That's what I found so different."

Marilyn was presented with her trophy by the Society's Chariman, David Ogden 

Marilyn soon found herself hooked and steadily increased her involvement at Thames and Kennet Oddfellows. These days she can be seen helping out at various groups, collecting money, taking registers, selling raffle tickets, chatting to members, and helping with refreshments.

“One of the things I’ve tried to do is make people feel welcome and let them know that we want to see them again,” Marilyn said. “That often doesn’t happen at other places. You feel like you belong here.”

Now on the Committee of Management, she has also expressed her desire to become a District Officer.

To anyone considering coming along to an Oddfellows social event, Marilyn says: “Why don’t you come and find out how great it is and what it has to offer, especially people who have just moved into the area?

“If you want to get the most out of it you’ve got to go to an event, no matter what’s on. What’s in the events book doesn’t describe the atmosphere. You go to be with people, not what’s on. If you enjoy what’s on, that’s a bonus!”

Mutual benefits

The Oddfellows’ CEO, Jane Nelson, was full of praise for Marilyn, saying: “It’s wonderful to see someone give so much back to the Oddfellows after she was made to feel welcome when she first joined the Oddfellows.

“A social life is vitally important and I’m so glad that the Society and Marilyn found and benefitted from one another. That’s what it’s all about.”

Thames and Kennet Branch Secretary, Karen Dyke, added: “Marilyn is an integral part of many groups and helps make the organiser’s job a lot easier, all this whilst being in her 80s.

“It’s rare that a newish member is so keen on all aspects of Oddfellowship, not just the social side. We are very lucky to have her.

“She has attended several AMCs (annual conferences) as a visitor at her own expense. She even attended last year on crutches after a fall – that’s dedication for you!”

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 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.