Generous Nottingham woman receives national award
A Carlton resident has recently received a national award in recognition of her fundraising exploits.
Ann Kight, 77, a member of the local Nottingham Trent Branch of the Oddfellows, was singled out by the Society nationally and celebrated with a 2025 Making a Difference Award for ‘Giving Something Back’. She received a trophy in recognition of her selfless efforts during a special ceremony at the Oddfellows’ annual conference in Scarborough on Tuesday 20 May.
Ann has been a member of the Nottingham-based friendly society for nearly 60 years, and has held many formal volunteer roles at her Branch. However, it’s her organisation of events with the aim of raising as much money as possible for charity that has seen her receive the award.
She’s known for organising many fun events either at her home or a hired venue, including games, quizzes, tombolas and raffles, always accompanied by food she’s prepared.
“I’ve done all sorts,” said Ann. “I don’t know why I do it. It’s just me. If there’s a bob to be earnt I go and earn it.
“I’ve been doing it about 10 years, if not more. I reckon I’ve raised around £10,000.
“I’ve always had the motto of, ‘if you go through life and behave and you help somebody on your way you’ve done your job’.”
On learning she had won the award, Ann added: “I burst into tears. To win it, it was a shock. You do things because you do them, not for awards. To get an award is a bonus.”
Branch Secretary at Nottingham Trent Oddfellows, Karen Pye-Smith, said: “Ann is extremely kind and will always put herself out to organise fundraising events and she always prepares and delivers the food.
“She works tirelessly in all her volunteer roles at the Branch and has raised thousands of pounds for charity by organising outstanding events, which are always great fun.
“Congratulations, Ann. There’s no one more deserving of the Giving Something Back Award.”
Nottingham Trent Oddfellows is made up of nearly 350 mostly older and retired local members and anyone is welcome to join. It is one of 96 branches that make up the Oddfellows’ nationwide network, which is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the UK.
The Society aims to improve its members’ lives through friendship and support. It hosts a range of affordable and accessible events locally, and Oddfellows members can access a variety of benefits including care and welfare support and a travel club. There are also opportunities to volunteer and take part in fundraising initiatives.
To find out more about Nottingham Trent Oddfellows contact Karen via email on [email protected] or call 07921 821 866 or visit www.oddfellows.co.uk.