A Reading couple who have spent over 50 years dedicating their time to local volunteering projects have received national recognition for their efforts.
Pat and David Lang from Didcot are members of the Reading branch of Oddfellows, one of the UK’s oldest and largest not-for-profit friendly societies that aims to improve the quality of people’s lives through friendship, care and charitable support.
The Langs received the Achieving Together Award at Oddfellows’ Making a Difference Awards at the society’s annual conference in Llandudno on Tuesday 28 May.
On winning the award, David, a retired Train Planning Manager, said: “I suppose I’m a little embarrassed really, but very proud at the same time. It has never been about being rewarded. We love doing what we do, it is as simple as that.”
Retired School Teaching Assistant, Pat, added: “I’m honoured. We have much to thank the Oddfellows for and have met so many lovely people. With David by my side we’ve done a lot.”
Pat and David joined the Society over half a century ago and have since taken on a wide range of voluntary roles, including serving as Branch Chairman five times between them.
The pair both volunteer as Welfare Visitors, keeping in touch with around 50 of their fellow members through face-to-face visits, telephone calls and birthday, anniversary and Christmas cards.
Pat and David are committee members so are able to help make decisions to help the lives of members. David is also trustee of the Reading District’s Three Counties Branch of the Oddfellows so is able to influence the giving of Benevolence Grants and guide people into receiving other benefits such as convalescence.
They are responsible for an annual Christmas lunch event which, since 2009 and through the generosity of their fellow members, has raised over £2,100 for the Oddfellows’ HA Andrews Memorial Fund, which helps to finance projects conducting medical research.
The couple have also become well known for supplying delicious food at Oddfellows events and committee meetings.
“Pat and David will do anything for anyone. They are true Oddfellows, said Debbie Jex, District Secretary at Reading Oddfellows. “They work very well together and always do this with good humour – lots of this in fact. They are like a double act, and David is the butt of many of Pat’s jokes.
“They always give their all. They are a wonderful team. I’m extremely proud that they have won this award.”
For more information on the benefits and work of Oddfellow members, visit www.oddfellows.co.uk.
