Decades a volunteer

After seven decades of volunteering, 94-year-old Norma Henderson isn’t slowing down just yet.

The New Plymouth woman, who became involved with the Waitara RSA Ladies 70 years ago, is still an active member with the group and on Wednesday she was one of 14 volunteers from around the district recognised for their service.

In their letter of recommendation the RSA said Henderson helped out with numerous special events over the years, including visits from other RSAs and ANZAC day commemorations.

One year that included making 40 dozen sandwiches and 45 dozen savouries by hand.

‘‘Norma, your contribution to the community of Waitara is inspirational,’’ it wrote.

Henderson didn’t have too much to say as she accepted the award, but she didn’t need a microphone to thank the crowd for coming.

Henderson and the other volunteers were recognised by the Volunteering New Plymouth Trust for the time and effort they had put into the community with a ceremony held in the district council chambers.

From Denise Loveridge, who has spent 24 years volunteering as a justice of the peace as well as training others, to Sam Butler, who has been an alter server for Sunday mass at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waitara for 16 years, each of the recipients had given themselves to serve others

Philipa Parker was recognised for her work with Red Cross Taranaki and the three decades she spent working overseas for the International Committee of Red Cross in places such as Afghanistan and other war zones.

Graham Hill, Joan McCardle, Karen Griffiths, Kere Ell, Leith Robertson, Elizabeth McBride, Margaret Mancer, Mary Corin, Mike Merrick and Nola Hickey were also recognised for their contributions to the community.